I had never heard of fire cider until it was suggested to me by a worker at our local food co-op. At the time, I was plagued by a long-lasting cold, so I eagerly purchased a bottle and began drinking a small amount every day. My cold went away, but I can’t say for sure it was because of the tonic. It did seem to clear up my sinuses and it felt very powerful.
I didn’t know then that there is an ongoing campaign against the company which makes it (Shire City Herbals) because they trademarked the name under questionable circumstances. Apparently, a herbalist, Rosemary Gladstone developed the recipe in the early 1980’s and taught it for years at the California Institute for Herbal Studies. The recipe was copyrighted in her book and in several others since 1991. But, in 2012, Shire City Herbals managed to get the name trademarked before there was any kind of public notice, and when it was discovered, there was an uproar.
Because of this, I think it’s a better idea to make your own fire cider than to buy it (but that’s strictly my own opinion). The recipe is very simple and this time of year is the perfect time to make it. It will ferment for at least 8 weeks and be ready just in time for the cold and flu season.
How to Make Fire Cider
(Information is courtesy of Cate Hill Orchard in Greensboro, Vermont & Healing Spirits Herb Farm and Education Center in Avoca, NY.)
Ingredients:
1 quart organic raw apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup horseradish root grated
1/8 cup of organic garlic chopped
1/2 cup of organic onion chopped
1/2 cup of organic ginger grated
1 tsp cayenne
1 tsp turmeric (Cate Hill Orchard added this ingredient to their blend)
Directions:
Place all ingredients in a quart jar and cover with apple cider vinegar. Cover tightly. Steep for 8 weeks. (Some let it ferment for up to a year.) Strain into clean jar.
How to Use Your Fire Cider
~ Rub into sore muscles and aching joints.
~ Soak a clean cloth in fire cider to place on a congested chest.
~ Drink it straight or diluted in a bit of water or tomato juice. Start out with 1 tsp. per day (1/2 tsp. twice per day) to test your tolerance level.
~ Mix with a bit of honey to ease a cough.
Brian says
Just finished my first fire cider! I’ve tried it just plain and it’s unexpectedly delicious. I expected it to be intense, and while it’s quite pungent, it’s still totally doable to take a spoonful of it plain. Maybe my taste buds are off though, because it made my mother and wife cringe. At any rate, thanks so much for the great recipe! Loving my fire cider!
Jeri Case says
The “cringe” is worth the results and we’re heading into cold season, so congrats on being proactive!
Thanks for this recipe and reminder to make fire cider before the cold and flu season is upon us.
Hi I was wondering if you leave the top able to breath (I think this is what is shown in the photo?) or if “cover tightly” means keep new air out… I expect to be able to ferment it needed to breath but the description is not clear to me, thanks!
You do cover it tightly. The paper beneath the lid keeps the vinegar from touching the metal lid.