by Sophie Ellison

As the weather turns colder, the sun becomes more scarce, and our time indoors increases, sickness often follows. Whenever our family starts to feel that first tickle in the throat, the first thing we reach for is fire cider.

Fire cider is a warming, immune-support tonic. Herbalists love it for its pungent properties, which have been known to help boost the immune system, aid in digestion, and improve circulation. This spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet traditional folk remedy is easy to make at home. It’s made with a base of apple cider vinegar and a variety of roots, alliums, spices, herbs, and citrus.

How to Make Fire Cider at Home

Ingredients

1 medium organic red onion, chopped or sliced

1 medium organic white onion, chopped or sliced

5 cloves of organic garlic, crushed or chopped

2 organic jalapeno peppers, chopped

1 organic lemon

1 organic orange

1 organic lime

1/2 cup fresh grated organic ginger root (or organic ginger root powder)

1/2 cup fresh grated organic horseradish root (or organic horseradish powder)

1 TBSP organic turmeric powder or sliced turmeric root

1/4 tsp organic cayenne powder

2 TBSP of dried rosemary leaves

Other optional add-ins: black peppercorns, cranberries, cinnamon, whatever you have

Organic apple cider vinegar with the mother

1/4 cup of raw, local honey, or to taste

Prepare your roots, fruits, and herbs and place them in a 1/2 gallon-sized glass jar.

If you've never grated fresh horseradish, be prepared for a powerful sinus-opening experience!

Pour the apple cider vinegar into the jar until all of the ingredients are covered and the vinegar reaches the jar's top.

Use a piece of natural parchment paper under the lid to keep the vinegar from touching the metal, or a plastic lid if you have one. Shake well.

Store in a dark, cool place for one month and remember to shake daily.

After one month, use cheesecloth to strain out the pulp, pouring the vinegar into a clean jar. Be sure to squeeze as much of the liquid as you can from the pulp while straining.

Add honey and stir until incorporated.

Taste your cider and add more honey until you reach the desired sweetness.

How to Use Fire Cider

Take 1-2 TBSP daily as a preventative or at the first sign of illness. I recommend diluting it in a glass of water. Store in the fridge for up to a year.