Fire Cider

Fire Cider is a folk remedy that contains garlic, onion, ginger, cayenne, vinegar and raw honey. Taken at the onset of a cold, it can stop it in its tracks. Some people take a little shot of this everyday for its immune strengthening benefits. Often other herbs and spices are added. It is very customizable. Read on as I break down the benefits of these ingredients. I hope you consider making this simple infusion as part of your cold and flu season remedies. (It is also available pre-made at most natural food stores and online such as Amazon.)

Recipe at the end of blogpost.

Fire cider is a spicy tonic used to prevent and treat colds by boosting your immune system. It also improves blood circulation and digestion.

Similar tonics have been used in traditional medicine in the past. This one was developed and popularized in the late 1970s by Rosemary Gladstar, an herbalist and founder of the California School of Herbal Studies.

*Apple cider vinegar (ACV) and honey both have antibacterial properties and can help boost energy levels (ACV helps break down lactic acid buildup, which leads to fatigue and honey stimulates the metabolism) among other benefits.

*Onions and other members of the allium family (like shallots, leeks, and especially garlic) are high in flavonoids (including quercetin and kaempferol), polyphenols, with the star of the show: allicin. They are antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, immune-enhancing, and anti-inflammatory, and they help enhance the action of vitamin C.

*Horseradish strongly stimulates the digestive fire, increasing gastric secretions and appetite. It also promotes perspiration, making it useful in fevers, colds and flu. Horseradish is also an expectorant and is mildly antibacterial. It’s often used in both respiratory and urinary tract infections.

*Ginger is warming, and it stimulates the circulation of the blood. It’s widely used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine to break up congestion throughout the body, including in the lungs and nasal passages. Ginger may also be used to help break fevers by warming the body and increasing perspiration. It’s also a powerful anti-inflammatory, stimulates immune activity and can soothe nausea.

*Hot peppers that are high in capsaicin (like cayenne) are a great bang for your buck in the early stages of colds because they increase circulation and mucous secretions. They move fluid from within and bring heat and moisture to the surface. They’re often used topically to ease pain and discomfort by blocking a neurotransmitter called substance P.

*Thyme is an awesome herbal ally for the respiratory system. It’s powerfully antimicrobial, thins mucus, making it more easily expectorated and is a tonic anti-spasmodic. It’s also a strong digestive aid and can be helpful where there’s a stomach “bug” along with cold symptoms.

Research on the benefits of fire cider are not abundant. However, there is plenty of data on the medicinal benefits of the single ingredients, which I have listed here. If it seems too overwhelming to make, many natural food stores as well as Amazon, sell a premade mixture for your convenience.

Homemade Fire Cider
Ingredients
1 large red onion (Allium cepa), chopped
3 heads garlic (Allium sativum), chopped
1 organic lemon (Citrus x limon) with peel, diced
½ cup fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale) root, grated
½ cup fresh turmeric (Curcuma longa) root, grated
¼ cup fresh horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) root, grated
¼ cup fresh thyme (Thymus vulgaris), chopped
2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper (Piper nigrum)
A few fresh cayenne or jalapeño (Capsicum spp.) peppers (depending on how spicy you want your fire cider, you might use more peppers, or omit them altogether—it’s better to err on the side of caution because you can always make it spicier later!)
Honey to taste
Raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar

Directions:
Remember—you can be really flexible in how you make homemade fire cider. These ingredients are a start, but you can add others. Some other great options are dried elderberries, cinnamon sticks, Echinacea, Astragalus root, and even lavender flowers.

Place all ingredients except honey in a large jar, and cover with raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar. Be sure to cover the herbs by at least a few inches, then cut a square of parchment or wax paper and cover the jar before tightly capping it.
Store in a warm place (I like the top of the fridge) for a few weeks, shaking the jar daily.
After three weeks, your fire cider will pack a punch, but you can keep infusing for much longer if you like—I know herbalists who let their fire cider sit for months before straining it!

At this point, you can strain out the herbs from the liquid, but another option is to blend the whole batch in a blender or Vitamix and let it sit for an additional week (without shaking for the last few days to let the ingredients settle) before pouring off the liquid.
Either way, once you’ve finished infusing herbs, add warmed raw honey to taste (I usually add about 1/4 cup), mix thoroughly, and bottle. I have read a few sources stating that this does not need to be refrigerated, but I prefer to refrigerate mine to prevent any possible spoilage.

How to take: Most people take one or two tablespoons of fire cider at a time, preferably diluted in water or tea. Many herbalists recommend taking a shot every 3 to 4 hours if you feel a cold coming on.

However, more than a remedy, fire cider is also an excellent food – a delicious, spicy sweet-tart tonic that you can use in place of other vinegars in vinaigrettes and other culinary preparations. It’s a great way to consistently consume medicinal herbs.

As a wellness shot: Take a tablespoon or two straight.
In herbal teas: Swirl a tablespoon into hot lemon-ginger tea.
As a vinaigrette: Use fire cider in place of apple cider vinegar in your vinaigrette recipe.
Sprinkle it over roasted vegetables. Roasted vegetables, especially earthy root vegetables, benefit from the brightness of apple cider vinegar and the zip of fire cider.
Swirl some in soups or stews. It’s excellent drizzled over lentil soup with a little sprinkle of extra virgin olive oil.

Though there are no inherent risks associated with taking fire cider, there are some potential side effects to be aware of. The tonic contains a high amount of apple cider vinegar, which can degrade tooth enamel if taken excessively. You can rinse your mouth with a little water after consuming for any concerns. Because this is a vinegar based remedy, which is a bit acidic, it’s best to dilute the beverage with warm or cold water. For example, try adding one shot of 1.5 ounces (45 mL) to one cup (236 mL) of warm water to make a soothing drink. Further, if you have a history of acid reflux/heartburn or indigestion, avoid using fire cider or dilute it with water before drinking it. Personally I do not like the hot spice of peppers, so I do not use them. But I love ginger and horseradish so they are included in my home infusion. This is a very flexible and customizable recipe!

Want to kick it up a notch? Make a simple elderberry fire cider! If you are unfamiliar with the benefits of elderberry for the immune system you can read more HERE.

Ingredients:
1 part home-made or store-bought fire cider
1 part home-made or store-bought elderberry syrup

Instructions:
In a glass bottle or jar, combine equal parts fire cider and elderberry syrup.
Shake the bottle well to ensure the liquids are thoroughly mixed.
Taste a small amount and adjust the ratio as desired. For a sweeter, milder flavor, add more elderberry syrup. For more spice and heat, add more fire cider.
How to use your elderberry fire cider:
As a daily tonic: Take 1 to 2 tablespoons daily for immune support.
For cold symptoms: Increase the dose to 3 times a day at the onset of a cold.
In warm drinks: Stir a spoonful into a mug of hot water with a slice of lemon for a soothing tea.
In salad dressing: Use it as a zesty component in homemade vinaigrettes.

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Sources:

https://shorephysiciansgroup.com/the-health-benefits-of-fire-cider-a-potent-immune-boosting-elixir/#:~:text=Habanero%20peppers%20add%20the%20spicy,remedy%20to%20keep%20on%20hand.

Duke, J. (1997). The green pharmacy. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press.

Fessenden, R. (2015). The effects of honey on human metabolism. Retrieved from: http://sweetnechakohoney.ca/the-effects-of-honey-on-human-metabolism/.

https://www.mdpi.com/2311-7524/7/7/167

Li, T. S. C. (2008). Vegetables and fruits: Nutritional and therapeutic values. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5788933/

Murray, M., Pizzorno, J. & Pizzorno, L. (2005). The encyclopedia of healing foods. New York: Atria Books.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5618098/

Wood, M. The earthwise herbal: A complete guide to old world medicinal plants. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Press.

https://www.slofoodgroup.com/blogs/recipes-stories/what-is-fire-cider-good-for#:~:text=Many%2C%20who%20live%20in%20communities,%2C%20salad%20dressings%2C%20and%20marinades.