Recipe for Fire Cider
Looking for an herbal trick to help prevent colds this winter? Look no further than fire cider!
Fire cider as we know it was created in the 1970's by herbalist Rosemary Gladstar and first published by her in 1981, but this type of recipe goes back much farther, with references to it in ancient Greece where it was called an oxymel. Basically you’re taking herbs, infusing them in vinegar, and combining it with honey. The herbs used in fire cider are traditional “warming” herbs, which are believed to help boost immunity. Your mileage may vary, but the years I’ve been consistent about taking fire cider, I’ve been able to avoid my usual winter colds.
My fire cider recipe varies from year to year, based on what ingredients I can find fresh. I usually mix it up in late September/early October, and let it sit for four weeks in the cupboard, and then begin taking it in November. As always, I’m a soap maker, not a doctor, so talk to your health provider for concerns and any other drug interactions.
Recipe
one large red onion, diced
40-50 cloves of garlic, peeled
one horseradish root, grated
two turmeric roots, grated
one ginger root, diced
One lemon, quartered and sliced
Crushed red pepper to taste (1/2 to 1 tablespoon)
32 ounces apple cider vinegar
8-12 ounces honey
I have a half gallon (64 ounce) glass canning jar that I use for my fire cider. Add onion, garlic, horseradish, turmeric, ginger, lemon, and crushed red pepper to the jar, then pour in the 32 ounces of apple cider vinegar. I like to hold onto the vinegar bottle to use later. Put some parchment paper or waxed paper over the mouth of the jar before you put the lid on. Put in the cupboard and give it a shake once or twice a week.
After one month, use cheesecloth or a strainer and strain out the solids. Pour the steeped vinegar back in the canning jar with the honey, and shake until it’s all incorporated. At this point I like to pour it back into the vinegar bottle. I store it in the fridge and take a large spoonful or shot glass full every morning.