Fire Cider is a potent herbal remedy consisting of warming herbs and roots like horseradish, ginger, garlic, onions, turmeric, etc. The herbs and vegetables are infused in apple cider vinegar and/or honey, and strained after 4-6 weeks. The resulting liquid is the remedy or elixir that is taken by the teaspoonful, in order to boost immunity, both as a preventive as well as a medicine for relieving symptoms and a more efficient healing process.
This remedy is flexible and many herbs can be added for their therapeutic effect. For example, elderberries and/or echinacea root can be added for their antiviral qualities. The roots that are added to fire cider
Base Recipe
Ingredients
· Raw apple cider vinegar (5% acidity)
· 1 large onion, diced
· ½ cup chopped fresh horseradish root
· ½ cup chopped fresh ginger root
· 10-12 cloves of fresh garlic, minced
· One handful each of fresh savory rosemary, thyme, oregano and/or fresh sage (one or two tablespoons each if using dried herbs)
· ¼ cup of raw local honey
· ½ cup chopped fresh turmeric root (optional)
· 1/8 cup of elderberries, chopped lemon balm, chopped elecampane, and/or echinacea root. (this is optional but will add healing qualities to this remedy.
· Citrus rind and/or slices. Oranges and lemons add a nice twist to fire cider. (optional)
Instructions
1. Place all vegetables and herbs in a clean, quart-sized Mason jar (or similar size glass jar).
2. Fill the jar ¾ of the way with apple cider vinegar (use a weight to keep ingredients under the vinegar if needed).
3. Top off with honey.
4. Place a lid on the jar (either a plastic lid or put a piece of wax paper/plastic wrap between the lid and jar if the lid is metal); shake to combine ingredients.
5. Let sit in a dark cabinet for 3 to 4 weeks.
6. Strain out the herbs and solid ingredients and reserve vinegar. Add more honey or vinegar if desired to taste.
7. Store in a cool, dark place and take a tablespoon of fire cider daily during cold and flu season to ward off potential illness. If already sick, increase the dosage as needed.
Fire cider can be added to your favorite salad dressing recipe or to marinades and sauces, to spice up the flavor and add immune-boosting qualities.