Fire Cider Recipe to Fight Cold & Flu

Fire Cider is a well known traditional folk remedy to help fight colds and flu. This herbal tonic is a spicy infusion of raw apple cider vinegar with other helpful ingredients.

As the seasons change and the days grow shorter many of use turn to comforting home remedies such as herbal teas, tinctures, and tonics to stay healthy. My two favorite folk remedies that I prepare yearly are Fermented garlic and Fire cider. Traditional Fire cider is crafted by infusing raw apple cider vinegar, various herbs and plants, then strained and sweetened with raw honey.

The result is a potent immune boosting home-remedy that fends off colds and flu, supports digestion, alleviates sinus congestion, and soothes sore throats. The apple cider vinegar plays a crucial role in extracting the beneficial minerals from the herbs, while the combination of the vinegar and honey aides in preserving the mixture. After a fermentation period of about 4 weeks, the tonic is strained and can be consumed as a shot or diluted in water, fruit juice or tea.

Fire cider gained popularity in the 1970s thanks to herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, and it has since become a traditional remedy passed down through generations. Her original recipe inspired many herbalists to create their own adaptions, and just like that Fire Cider began popping up in farmers markets, herbal apothecaries, and homes throughout the nation.  

The best time to prepare fire cider is late summer or early fall. This gives the mixture time to infuse, (3-4 weeks), ensuring that it will be ready for cold and flu season. Preparing fire cider in the fall also allows for the use of fresh herbs, and seasonal garden ingredients.

If you're curious about this natural remedy, now is the prefect time to prepare your own fire cider before the cold season sets in. This homemade tonic can be a great addition to your wellness routine, helping to boost your immune system and ward of those pesky sniffles. Lets get started!!! 

SUMMARY OF INGREDIENTS:

• BASE LIQUID: Raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar with the mother. The mother is a cloudy cobweb-like substance composed of beneficial bacteria, yeast, and cellulose formed during fermentations. 
• PUNGENT INGREDIENTS: Garlic, onion, horseradish root, and hot peppers like cayenne or jalapeños. 
• AROMATICS: Ginger, fresh turmeric, black pepper corns, cinnamon sticks and various fresh herbs such as thyme and rosemary. 
• SWEETENERS: Fresh Citrus like lemon and orange, and additions like raw honey are added after the infusion. 
  
  
  PREPARATION TIPS:
  
  
• CONTAINER: use a glass jar, but place parchment paper between the liquid and metal lid to prevent corrosion. 
• USAGE: taken by the spoonful, as a shot. or mixed into water, fruit juice or warm tea.
• SAFETY: if  you have acid reflux, ulcers or heartburn sensitivities, dilute it or consult a doctor.

In a clean, sterilized 2 quart mason jar, layer all of the ingredients. Pour the apple cider vinegar into the jar, making sure all the ingredients are fully covered. Add as much ACV as needed to cover the ingredients (this prevents the ingredients from spoiling).

Use a piece of parchment paper under the lid to keep the vinegar from touching the metal, or a plastic lid if you have one. Shake the jar to combine the ingredients and store the jar in a cool dark place for up to 3-4 weeks. Remember to shake the jar once daily to mix the ingredients.

After 3-4 weeks, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. 

Squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Discard the solid ingredients. 

Stir in the honey until it is incorporated. Taste and add more honey to reach your desired sweetness. Your fire cider should taste hot, spicy, and sweet. I store my fire cider in a 1 quart mason jar in the refrigerator. Mixture will keep up to 6 months if properly stored.

HOW TO TAKE FIRE CIDER: 

DOSAGE: 1-2 tablespoons as a shot or diluted in water, fruit juice, tea or broth. 

• Take at the first sign of a cold or flu and repeat the dose every 4 hours 
• Take daily as a shot to support immune health during the winter.  
• Sipping fire cider in hot water or tea can help with sinus congestion. 
• Mixing half fire cider with raw honey, makes a good cough remedy (do not feed honey to children under 1 year of age). 

DISCALIMER: The above information is intended for general knowledge and should not be considered medical advice. Herbal remedies are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Please consult a doctor or physician before starting any type of herbal remedy or regimen. Fire cider is a powerful tonic-- if you have acid reflux or have a hard time with acidic food, try it diluted. 

Be social and follow along on Facebook, Tik Tok  Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter  for all the latest updates!