DIY Herbal Immune Support: Fire Cider

Tis the season for cozy creativity and for cold and flu. If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to support the whole family’s immunity this season…take a peek in your kitchen cupboards and fridge. I guarantee you’ll find some ingredients for a tart, spicy and sweet immune boosting fire cider!

Fire cider is a traditional herbal infused vinegar that is commonly made in fall for the upcoming cold and flu season. Herbs and foods are first infused into apple cider vinegar for several weeks and then strained out and replaced with honey to create a beautiful oxymel. The end result is an effective homemade immune booster that is meant to be taken daily.

How to use Fire Cider:

Add to warm water and drink as a tea
Add to your favourite tea
Use as a base for salad dressing
Use a base for a marinade
In soda water
In soups
Use to make a syrup
Drizzle over baked vegetables

Rosemary’s Fire Cider Recipe
(Named after Rosemary Gladstar; a well-known herbalist)

Use daily as a general immune tonic or use it if feeling under the weather

Ingredients:

1/2 cup fresh grated horseradish root

1/2 cup chopped onions

1/4 cup chopped garlic

1/4 cup or more of grated ginger

1-2 cayenne peppers, fresh and chopped

ACV

Method:

1. Put the contents into a mason jar

2. Cover with ACV by 3-4 inches

3. Place a plastic lid on the jar as the vinegar will act as a corrosive to metal

4. Store in a sunny spot and shake the jar once a day

5. After 3-4 weeks, give it a taste and see if it is to your liking; if it is, strain out the herbs

6. Combine 50:50 infused vinegar with honey in a sterilized glass jar. Mix well with a clean, dry spoon until both preparations are fully combined.

7. Label and store in a cool place free of moisture for 6 months.

Dose:

Take 1 shot glass every day

Take 3-4 shot glasses per day if feeling unwell

What can you infuse into apple cider vinegar to make fire cider?

Rosemary
Parsley
Jalapeno
Elderberries
Cardamom
Dandelion root
Burdock root
Bee pollen
Thyme
Oregano
Nasturtium
Turmeric root
Black peppercorns
Lemons
Orange
Allspice
Coriander
Grapefruit
Cloves
Sage
Hawthorne berries, dried
Hibiscus petals, dried
Lime
Pomegranate
Apple
Cranberries
Dill
Fennel

Practically anything that you desire!!

Remember, you cannot do this wrong so long as you are not growing mold in your fire cider!

Happy brewing!