Fire Cider Benefits & My Easy Fire Cider Inspirational Recipe (for the Winter Colds)
A popular home herbal remedy, fire cider (a vinegar-based herbal remedy) was created by the wonderful herbalist Rosemary Gladstar. Many herbalists love this effective herbal remedy and in today’s post I’ll be talking about fire cider benefits and will show you an EASY to make fire cider recipe.
Glad you’re here!
Time to make more herbal medicine and fire cider is for sure a FANTASTIC way to combat the signs of cold this winter.
If you haven’t heard of it, fire cider is a spicy drink with STIMULATING qualities that can DECONGEST the lungs, SOOTHE sore throats and also serve as a PREVENTIVE MEASURE to avoid upper respiratory infections.
Before you continue reading below and making your herbal tonic, check out this article by Cleveland Clinic on fire cider. It might change your mind on making it (or not), but, either way, I think IT IS IMPORTANT that you take a look and decide if this is for you.
Me, my mind is always clear about herbal tonics, but I do understand that sometimes “fads” get in the way and fog people. Castor oil, ahem, is an example… the number of aggressive comments I get when I don’t showcase it as the best oil ever in my Facebook ads…
But that’s for another day.
Fire Cider is most definitely a must-have in your winter-season pantry for the cold .
Let’s look first at fire cider vinegar benefits
This zesty, invigorating tonic is your go-to for the winter months, offering a powerful shield against cold and winter season.
- Fends off colds before they take hold
- Keeps you strong
- Clears congested lungs and tackles stubborn coughs
- Soothes sore throats with its warming properties
- Acts as a preventive force to stop upper respiratory infections in their tracks
A fiery kick that helps keep your immune system in top shape all season long!
So, when EXACTLY to take it?
Here’s when to reach for it:
- At the first sign of a cold to stop it in its tracks
- When you feel that scratchy sore throat starting up, for instant relief
- To clear congested lungs and breathe easier
- To break up stubborn coughs and tackle chest congestion head-on
Take it regularly during colder months or at the first hint of symptoms to keep your body strong and resilient.
How to take fire cider
You can take it straight by the spoonful, or if the taste is too intense, dilute it in water, tea, or mix it into smoothies to mellow the heat.
Another great option is using it as a zesty, immune-boosting salad dressing or drizzling it over roasted vegetables for an extra kick (that’s my favourite).
- As a daily tonic: Take 1 tablespoon a day to maintain overall wellness and support your immune system.
- During infections: Increase your intake to 3 tablespoons a day to help your body fight off colds or other respiratory issues. Space your doses out throughout the day for the best results.
Since fire cider is spicy, it’s important to start small—especially if you’re new to it.
Begin with a teaspoon and gradually build up to a tablespoon once your stomach is more accustomed to the heat.
Always listen to your body and adjust the dosage if needed!
Remember that consistency is key, so make it part of your routine, especially during the cold season, that’s how you get to enjoy the long-term benefits.
Inspirational Fire Cider Recipe: Making it Your Own
Fire cider is wonderfully flexible!
While the core ingredients are listed below, feel free to get creative.
Maybe you’ve got something fresh from your garden? Or perhaps there are berries nearby that would make a great addition?
The beauty of fire cider lies in its adaptability—use what’s seasonal, local, and personal to make it truly yours.
Have a look at your farmer’s market and see what interesting ingredients you could add to your own fire cider recipe.
The ingredients you need
INGREDIENTS
- 1 red onion (large)
- 3 garlic cloves (chopped)
- 1/2 cup fresh ginger rhizome (grated)
- 1/4 cup fresh horseradish root (grated)
- 1/2 cup fresh turmeric rhizome (grated)
- 1/2cup fresh thyme aerial parts (chopped)
- 1/2 cup fresh oregano aerial parts (chopped)
- Some jalapeño peppers or cayenne peppers (careful how many you add!)
- 2 tsp fresh black pepper (ground)
- 2 and 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cut Honey, Agave Nectar or Maple Syrup to taste (I’m vegan)
Here’s how to make it
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1. Place all the ingredients except the honey/agave/maple syrup in a mason jar/flip top glass jar like this one.
2. Pour in the vinegar until it is 1/4 inch from the top of the jar (be sure to cover the herbs, at least by a few inches).
3. Store in a dark cupboard and let it sit for 2 to 4 weeks (shake the jar daily).
4. At around 3 weeks the Fire Cider will have a nice kick to it, but you can let it sit for a few more weeks before straining it.
4. When ready, strain or blend. If deciding to blend, you can use a mixer like this one and let it sit for an extra week without shaking it.
4. Place in the fridge and use within 6 months to 1 year and make sure to label it adding a date.
Core Ingredients Used in Fire Cider
While fire cider recipes can vary, there are a handful of core ingredients that give this tonic its powerful punch. These herbs and spices are the foundation of any effective fire cider formula:
- Onions: Packed with antioxidants, onions help boost immunity and fight infections.
- Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger warms the body and aids digestion while combating cold symptoms.
- Hot peppers or cayenne pepper: These add heat, improving circulation and clearing up congestion with their spicy kick.
- Garlic: A renowned immune booster, garlic has antimicrobial and antiviral properties that are key in fighting colds and infections.
- Horseradish: This pungent root is excellent for clearing sinuses and breaking up mucus, making it a star ingredient in fire cider.
Other fantastic additions to your fire cider recipe could include:
- Berries: Rich in antioxidants, they provide a subtle sweetness and added immune support.
- Cinnamon sticks: Not only do they add warmth and flavour, but cinnamon is also anti-inflammatory and helps regulate blood sugar.
- Echinacea (aerial parts or root): A powerful herb for boosting the immune system and speeding recovery during infections.
These herbs, when combined, create a potent, spicy remedy that strengthens your body’s natural defences and helps you stay healthy all winter long. You can customise your fire cider recipe by adding other herbs or spices that fit your taste or wellness goals.
The same way you never make the exact same recipe twice… (well, at least, I don’t!).
Feel free to experiment and personalise your fire cider! Think about what’s in your pantry or growing in your garden that could give your batch a unique twist. Whether it’s an extra herb you love, a splash of citrus for zest, or a handful of fresh berries for a touch of sweetness, there’s no limit to how you can make it your own. Get creative and craft a remedy that’s perfect for you!
Other helpful tips that are VERY handy!
1. Storage Tip: Keep It Fresh
For longer-lasting potency, store your fire cider in smaller, single-use bottles. This keeps the rest of your batch sealed tight, preserving that immune-boosting punch for when you need it most! A simple trick that makes all the difference.
2. Gentle on the Stomach
If your stomach is sensitive, try diluting your fire cider with water or herbal tea. This softens the fiery kick while still delivering all the immune-supporting goodness.
3. Seasonal Twist
Fire cider is versatile! Add seasonal ingredients like elderberries in autumn or rose hips in spring for an extra immune boost. Customise your blend with what’s fresh and local for a personal touch.
4. Safety First
If you’re new to fire cider, start with just a teaspoon to let your body adjust. It’s a powerful tonic, so ease into it to avoid any discomfort while still getting the benefits.
5. Boost Your Routine
Pair your fire cider with elderberry syrup for a double dose of immune support. Together, these herbal remedies can supercharge your defences during the cold season.
6. Digestive Boost
Fire cider does more than support immunity—it’s a digestive hero too! Thanks to probiotic-rich apple cider vinegar, it balances gut bacteria and aids digestion for all-around wellness.
Fire Cider is a Great Herbal Remedy
Fire cider is more than just a spicy tonic—it’s a powerful, immune-boosting remedy with endless possibilities. Whether you’re looking to ward off colds, soothe a sore throat, or give your digestion a little extra love, fire cider has you covered.
The best part? You can easily customise it with ingredients from your garden or pantry to create a blend that’s perfect for you!
So, why not make your own batch? With its versatility and potent benefits, fire cider is the perfect addition to your natural remedy toolkit. Keep it on hand throughout the winter season to stay strong, healthy, and ready to take on whatever comes your way.
If you’d like to have fun making Fire Cider recipes I recommend Rosemary Gladstar’s Fire Cider!: 101 Zesty Recipes for Health-Boosting Remedies Made with Apple Cider Vinegar!
Patri xx
