Fire Cider: At-Home Immune Tonic

A natural remedy and preventative for colds and flu.

It’s official, Autumn has arrived!   The leaves have begun cluttering the ground, the squirrels are running about- digging up my plants and carefully stashing walnuts for the months ahead and the sun is inching down more quietly..

While most of us escaped the cold and flu season last year thanks to social distancing and our trusty masks, this season is already flexing its muscles and handing out a nice dose of the common cold.  

While we fill our medicine cabinets with elderberry syrup, Chinese herbs and tinctures and our grandmother's secret cold and flu recipes, let’s get our batch of Fire cider brewing, shall we?

Fire Cider  (also known as fire tonic or fire brew) is a type of folk remedy made from pungent, immune-supportive herbs and spices prepared with raw apple cider vinegar and honey.  This potent cocktail of hot aromatic herbs, works as an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and natural antibiotic with immune regulating benefits.

Benefits of Fire Cider

  • Strengthens immune system by stimulating white blood cells

  • Potent natural antibiotic properties

  • Stimulates circulatory and digestive functions

  • Strong anti-inflammatory effects

  • Invigorates and energizes

  • Diuretic, promoting sweating to help break a fever

  • Aids in breaking up congestion and phlegm

  • Clears sinus passage

How to Make Fire Cider  

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup fresh ginger, chopped

  • ¼ cup fresh turmeric, chopped

  • ¼ cup fresh horseradish root, chopped

  • ¼ cup garlic cloves, chopped

  • 1 cinnamon stick

  • 3 anise stars

  • 2 Tbsp. fennel seeds

  • 5 cloves

  • 1 tsp. Crushed red pepper

  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon

  • Raw apple cider vinegar

  • Raw, local honey

Directions

  1. Combine all herbs, spices, and vegetables in a half-gallon glass jar.

  2. Top with vinegar until three-quarters full.

  3. Secure lid, shake, and let sit in a warm spot for 3-4 weeks, shaking daily.

  4. Strain out herbs and add honey to taste.

  5. Store in a cool pantry or fridge up to 6 months

How To Use Fire Cider

  • Take fire cider like a shot or mix 1-3 TB with tea or juice. Use daily as a preventative, or 3-4x day for treatment of colds/flus.

  • Apply to a cloth and place on the chest for congestion.

  • Massage into sore muscles.

  • Add extra honey to use as a cough syrup.

 

...and keep those masks up….

Resources:

 Recipe courtesy of Five Flavor Herbs