Fire Cider: The Powerful Tonic You Need in Your Arsenal

What do you get when you combine cooler temperatures, shorter days and school aged children running amuck in your house? The need for any and all immune boosting miracles to enter your home, and quick! Meet fire cider, an age-old herbal tonic infused with the powerful protective properties of several natural ingredients such as raw apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and a variety of herbs and spices.

This time-tested remedy can be traced back hundreds, if not thousands of years, though the term “fire cider” was formally introduced by well-known herbalist Rosemary Gladstar in the 1970’s. Since then, the spicy, health aiding elixir, which is traditionally believed to support immunity, digestion and circulation, has continued to grow in popularity. I made my first homemade batch last Fall, and it quickly become an essential element in my cold fighting arsenal. Read on to learn more about the benefits of fire cider, how to incorporate it into your daily health routine, and how to make your own!

What are the benefits of fire cider?

Each ingredient in fire cider provides a unique set of health benefits:

  • Raw Apple Cider Vinegar: Rich in probiotics and beneficial enzymes, ACV is known for supporting digestion, balancing pH, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits.
  • Garlic: Packed with sulfur compounds and antioxidants, garlic is well-known for its antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal and immune-boosting properties.
  • Ginger Root: A warming spice with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, that can aid digestion, reduce nausea, and help improve circulation.
  • Horseradish: Clears congestion, acts as a powerful antibacterial and antifungal agent, and aids in respiratory health.
  • Tumeric Root: The active compound, curcumin, provides potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and assists in digestion.
  • Lemon/Orange: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, providing immune support, digestive aid and reduced inflammation.
  • Cinnamon Sticks: Packed with antiviral, antibacterial and antioxidant properties and aiding in digestion.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Stimulates circulation, helping the body generate internal heat, which may improve detoxification and immune response.
  • Hot Peppers: Work to reduce inflammation, boost metabolism and improve circulation.
  • Fresh Herbs: Providing a variety of health benefits and there’s no limit to what you can add. I always add Thyme and Rosemary, and will toss in any other herbs I have on hand as well.
  • Raw Honey: This optional, finishing touch, adds a hint of sweetness while offering natural antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and soothing properties. 

What are the best ingredients to use in a fire cider recipe?

Ingredients:

  • 1 quart (4 cups) raw apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup fresh horseradish root, grated
  • 1/2 cup ginger root, chopped
  • 1/2 cup turmeric root, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 head of garlic, chopped
  • 1-2 jalapeño peppers, sliced (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 1 lime, sliced
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2-3 cinnamon sticks
  • 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 1/4 cup raw honey (or to taste)

How do I make homemade Fire Cider?

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Place all of the ingredients, except for the apple cider vinegar and honey, into a clean quart-sized jar.
  2. Add Vinegar: Pour the raw apple cider vinegar over the ingredients, ensuring that they are completely submerged.
  3. Infuse: Use a piece of natural parchment under the lid to keep the vinegar from contacting the metal and seal the jar tightly. Shake the ingredients well. Store in a cool, dark place for 4 weeks, shaking it once daily to help with infusion.
  4. Strain and Sweeten: After 4 weeks, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean jar. Optional: stir in honey (preferably raw, locally sourced) to taste.
  5. Store and Enjoy: Store your finished fire cider in a sealed, glass jar/bottle in the fridge. It will keep for at least 6 months.

How do I take Fire Cider?

  • As a Daily Tonic: Take 1–2 tablespoons once a day in the morning to support immune health.
  • When Feeling Unwell: If you feel a cold coming on, try taking 1 tablespoon every few hours, up to three times a day.
  • For Digestion: Take 1 tablespoon diluted in water before meals to stimulate digestive enzymes.
  • As a Salad Dressing: Use fire cider as a spicy vinaigrette base for salads or marinade.

Is there anything I should consider before consuming fire cider?

Fire Cider Safety Tips

Due to its high acidity, those with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux may want to take fire cider in smaller doses or diluted in water. Always consult a healthcare provider if you’re pregnant, nursing, or have existing health conditions before trying new herbal remedies. Also, I am not a medical professional. The information contained in this post is intended solely for information purposes and should not be interpreted as professional medical advice.

I enjoy using this recipe as my base, but the best part about making fire cider at home is that you can customize the ingredients to suit your taste and desired benefits. I often toss in any additional fresh herbs and/or spices I have laying around, so feel free to get creative. And after you give this spicy tonic a try, let me know what you think and how you’ve incorporated fire cider into your daily wellness routine – cheers!

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