FIRE CIDER ~ an IMMUNE BOOSTING ELIXER!

FIRE CIDER: Benefits, Uses & Recipe
WHAT IS FIRE CIDER? Essentially it's an IMMUNE BOOSTING ELIXER!

Fire Cider is an herbal folk remedy, first created by Rosemarie Gladstar and her students, back in the 1970’s, at the California School of Herbal Studies.

Fire Cider is a savory, spicy, vinegar infusion, used as a tonic to help digestion, boost the immune system and stimulate your energy level. As a tonic, it can be can used as an everyday food, taking it straight up as shot each day, or add to beverages or dressings on foods. It can also be used medicinally when you feel a cold coming on. It's especially good for upper respiratory issues. 

 WHAT I LOVE ABOUT FIRE CIDER!I LOVE that it’s made from familiar everyday ingredients! For the most part, the ingredients are easy to find at the supermarket or you can even grow in your own garden. {Fresh Horseradish can be little difficult to find out of season} The basic ingredients are apple cider vinegar, garlic, onion, ginger, horseradish, and hot peppers, but experiment with other herbs and spices for your own unique brew.

I LOVE the taste & the IMMUNE BOOSTING IMPACT!  I enjoy it as an elixir, small shot to keep my digestive fire {Agni} balanced. Fire Cider is a powerful combination of hot, fiery ingredients so it’s very effective for warming the body, helping digestion, boosting the immune system and energy level. Be prepared: It's HOT & SPICY!

 I also LOVE that you can customize to your taste, with additional herbs, spices, or even some fruits.

 
IS FIRE CIDER FOR EVERYONE?
As with anything, you need to know your body, your constitution and consider the energetics of herbs. If you tend to run very hot, Fire Cider may not be your best friend. You might benefit from more cooling herbs, vegetables and fruits. Before using any herbs, check for appropriate dosage, drug interactions, and contraindications. Please consult your primary care physician regarding your specific health concerns.

IMMUNE BOOSTING INGREDIENTS & some of their PROPERTIES:

Apple-Cider Vinegar has many health benefits! Packed with VIT C, antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, great digestive aid, helps manage symptoms in inflammatory conditions, may help reduce cholesterol and lower blood sugar levels.

Horseradish is a root vegetable in the brassicaceae family related to mustard and broccoli known to help relieve sinus congestion and headaches. Will completely clear your sinuses {Watch OUT when you're just grating it, by the time you're done, your sinuses are wide open.}

Ginger is a tuberous rhizome or root known as warming circulatory herb that's good for digestion. Helps fight infection and helps with nausea.

Garlic is an herb commonly used for its powerful anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial  properties and is an excellent aid for fighting infection.

Onions are warming, with similar properties to garlic, good for colds and flus. 

Lemons {or other citrus fruits} are packed with sunshine and vitamin C!

Jalapeños are high vitamin C and they contain a compound called capsaicin, which is believed to be effective in the fight against different types of cancer It's what gives them their spice!

Cayenne aids digestion and immune system and stimulates circulatory system. Like jalapeños, contain a compound called capsaicin, which is believed to be effective in the fight against different types of cancer.

OPTIONAL: Honey is effective in soothing inflamed tissues and organs. In fire cider it works to blend and harmonize the other ingredients. For vegans either leave this out or try an alternative {unrefined} sweetener. 

OPTIONAL: Add your favorite herbs or other spices such a cinnamon sticks! Add what inspires you! 

HOW TO MAKE FIRE CIDER
R E C I P E

Ingredients:

·      2 large horseradish roots about 7-9 inches long, scrubbed very well: grated 

·      2 large onions peeled & chopped 

·      1 large piece of ginger root about 6-8 inches long: grated or chopped

·      10-15 cloves of garlic peeled & chopped 

·      2 jalapeño peppers chopped

·      Fresh turmeric, few pieces chopped or 1 T ground turmeric

·      Cayenne: ¼-1/2 tsp or more if you like!

·      2 lemons or citrus fruit of your choice, use the whole fruit with peel, sliced

·      1.5 -2 quart raw apple cider vinegar - enough to cover everything  - {Braggs ACV with mother is best}

Instructions:
Grate the horseradish  {BE AWARE this is INTENSE, Like a powerful kriya!) and ginger roots. Roughly chop the onions, garlic, turmeric and peppers. Slice or chop lemon.

Divide ingredients evenly and layer them into glass jars. {I used 3 quart jars.} Pack ingredients down. Then pour the raw apple cider vinegar over the contents, allowing it to settle in through the crevices and making sure that the contents are submerged. If using a metal lid, use a piece of parchment paper over the rim of the jar, then screw the lid tightly in place. Label with date and allow the mixture sit in a dark, cool place, allowing it to infuse for 4 weeks, shaking once daily.

After 4 weeks, pour the contents through a muslin or cheesecloth lined strainer over container. Let it sit to drain completely, then using the cloth squeeze out any additional liquid. When completely strained, feel free to add honey or sweetener to your taste and pour into a sterilized bottles. Store in a cool, dark place for up to a year, shaking well before using.

Be well, Be Vibrant & EnJOy! 

My gratitude to my cousin Laura Tooley, botanical wise woman, tree loving expert, for introducing me to Fire Cider!

Laura LOVES to make her Fire Cider with fresh thyme, rosemary & oregano too!

And another THANK YOU to Karine Gordineer, powerful herbal wise woman and Green Girl Herbs & Healing for teaching me how to make fire cider, in her Sacred heart of Herbalism Course!