It’s a scary time right now. Grocery stores are running out of paper products and various other items. Luckily fresh fruits and vegetables are available in most stores and the ingredients for this Fire Cider are mostly found in the fresh section. Feel free to scroll down and take a screen shot of the ingredients list and head to a store to get what you need. You can come back later and read why each ingredient is so important.

Fire Cider at its most basic level, is a mixture of onions, garlic, turmeric, ginger, horseradish, apple cider vinegar, and honey. As you will read in the recipe below I have added several additional ingredients to increase the immune building potential. You can customize this creation in many ways. One of the most important things to note is to make sure to put a piece of wax paper between your metal lid and the top of the jar. If you don’t, the vinegar will corrode the metal, create a nasty black substance, and make your Fire Cider go bad (and no one wants that!)

Fire Cider can assist us at the first sign of cold symptoms, and as a decongestant and expectorant when illness has set in. This tonic is not only an ally for the immune system, but it also works to stimulate digestion and promote circulation throughout the body. It can be taken daily for prevention, before meals to assist in digestion, to keep us warm on those bone-chilling days, or in acute situations to fight off illness.

What makes it so amazing

Turmeric – A natural way to help bolster the immune system by increasing the immunomodulating capacity of the body. 

Garlic – Whole garlic contains allicin. The compounds in allicin compounds have been shown to boost the disease-fighting response of some types of white blood cells in the body when they encounter viruses, such as the viruses that cause the common cold or flu.

Horseradish – Used for relief of upper respiratory tract congestion. The volatile compounds it contains are thought to help dilate the nasal passages which may help to clear the sinuses

Citrus – High amounts of Vitamin C are necessary for prevention and treatment of colds and flu. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system naturally.

Peppers – Fun fact: Ounce for ounce, red bell peppers contain twice as much vitamin C as citrus. They’re also a rich source of beta carotene. For this Fire Cider you can use a combination of peppers or you can use spicy peppers. Spicy peppers naturally boost immunity. Fresh red and green chillies are incredible health boosters. They contain lots of vitamin A and C (nutrients which can boost the immune system) and capsaicin which can help clear congestion and phlegm.

Apple Cider Vinegar (with the mother) –  Various healthful properties, including antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. The mother – organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar also contains a substance called “mother,” which consists of strands of proteins, enzymes, and friendly bacteria that give the product a murky appearance.

Rosemary – A rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which are thought to help boost the immune system and improve blood circulation. Laboratory studies have shown rosemary to be rich in antioxidants, which play an important role in neutralizing harmful particles called free radicals.

Thyme –  Natural antiviral properties that stimulate the body’s defenses against colds, flu, bronchitis and sinusitis. 

Ginger – A strong antioxidant that has been shown to naturally boost the immune system. Ginger helps kill cold viruses and has been said to combat chills and fever.

Onion – They contain certain phytochemicals that act as stimulants for vitamin C within the body. Vitamin C boosts your immune system by fighting against toxins that can lead to numerous diseases and chronic illness. Onions are packed with immune-boosting nutrients like selenium, sulfur compounds, zinc, and vitamin C.

Honey – I recommend local and raw. Honey assists with allergies when it comes from a local source so look for something local when you are shopping. You also want the honey to be raw (not processed.) Honey is a strong antioxidant and also has antibacterial properties help improve the digestive system and boost immunity.

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Ingredients List

• Apple Cider Vinegar (with the mother)
• 1 Jalapeno (other peppers if you so choose)
• Fresh grated Turmeric (or powder if necessary)
• Fresh grated Ginger (or powder if necessary)
• 1 Onion
• 1 orange
• 1 lemon
• Fresh Thyme – a few sprigs
• Fresh Rosemary – a few sprigs
• Horseradish (Fresh grated or prepared)
• Black Peppercorns
• 1 Bulb of Garlic
• Honey (Local and Raw)

How To Prepare

• Begin by using a large glass ball jar that has been cleaned and sterilized
• Chop and grate all fruits and vegetables mentioned above, layering them into the jar. They do not need to go in any particular order because you will shake everything together at the end.
• Once the jar is full of the list above cover the contents with the Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar (with the mother.)
• Place a piece of parchment paper between the glass and the metal lid of your jar. (SUPER IMPORTANT – READ ABOVE)
• Shake well.
• Store in a cool, dark place for two weeks. (Your fridge works great.)
• After two weeks has passed, you can add other plant medicine like echinacea.
• As time elapses, you may need to add more Apple Cider Vinegar to make sure your plant medicine is always covered by vinegar.
• Shake the jar in your refrigerator periodically and after four-six weeks it is time to strain your concoction.
• Add equal amounts of honey to your liquid and then bottle and keep in refrigerator.

Directions for Usage

• You can use it as a marinade, in smoothies, or you can take it by the tablespoon.
• If using to prevent sickness take a tablespoon a day (or a few droppers full depending on how you bottle it.)
• If using because you are actively sick and want a reduction in symptoms you can take up to four tablespoons per day, or every 6 hours.
• Will last for up to 18 months in the refrigerator.

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Wishing you all healthy times ahead. Remember to wash your hands for 30 seconds at a minimum each time you do, try not to touch your face, and do what you can to build your immunity. Sending love and light to everyone reading this.