How to Make Homemade Fire Cider: Boost Your Immune System & Ward Off the Sniffles This Fall

Cold and flu season is upon us! Luckily for us, there are lots of ways we can help strengthen our immune systems and prevent illness. In fact, we don’t need to look much further than our own kitchen pantry. 

Fire Cider – an herbal folk remedy made with vinegar, honey and a medley of warming herbs – is a great place to start when it comes to boosting our health for the winter season. This fiery elixir combines a variety of natural ingredients, each chosen for its unique medicinal properties. As a Certified Holistic Nutritionist trained in nutrition from a Western Medical perspective, and a Registered Acupuncturist trained in nutrition from a Traditional Chinese Medicine, I often recommend this remedy to clients at this time of year. 

In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of making traditional Fire Cider and delve into the scientific reasons and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspectives behind the inclusion of each ingredient.

What is Fire Cider?

Fire Cider is a pungent herbal infusion that blends various natural ingredients, typically including apple cider vinegar, garlic, onions, ginger, horseradish, and hot peppers. This remedy, popularized by herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, has been cherished for generations for its many benefits.

Fire Cider Ingredients and Their Benefits: A Western Medicine and TCM Perspective

Apple Cider Vinegar:

• Western Medicine: Apple cider vinegar is a key component of Fire Cider due to its acetic acid content. Acetic acid has been linked to various health benefits, including improved digestion and reduced blood sugar levels. 

• TCM: In TCM, sour flavors, like vinegar, are associated with the Wood Element and the Liver organ. Vinegar may help balance the Wood Element, aiding in Liver function and promoting smoother Qi (energy) flow.

Garlic:

• Western Medicine: Garlic is renowned for its allicin content, a compound with potent antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties.

• TCM: Garlic is considered warming in TCM and can help dispel cold and dampness in the body. It invigorates the Kidney and Lung organs and promotes overall vitality.

Onions:

• Western Medicine: Onions contain quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that may help reduce inflammation and combat oxidative stress.

• TCM: Onions have a pungent flavor associated with the Metal Element and the Lung organ. They are believed to support the Lungs, helping to clear phlegm and improve respiratory function.

Ginger:

• Western Medicine: Gingerol, the active compound in ginger, possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

• TCM: Ginger is considered a warming herb that can help balance the Spleen, Stomach and Lung organs. It can improve digestion, alleviate nausea, and promote the circulation of Qi.

Horseradish:

• Western Medicine: Horseradish contains allyl isothiocyanate, a compound with strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.

• TCM Perspective: Horseradish is considered pungent and warming, making it useful for dispelling cold and damp conditions. In TCM, it is thought to support the Lung and Stomach organs.

Hot Peppers (e.g. Jalapeno or Cayenne):

• Western Medicine: Capsaicin, the compound responsible for the spicy heat in peppers, has analgesic properties and may help relieve pain.

• TCM: Spicy flavors, like those found in hot peppers, are associated with the Fire Element and the Heart organ. They are believed to promote circulation and dispel cold, helping to invigorate the body.

How to Make Fire Cider

Below is a step-by-step guide to crafting your own Fire Cider:

Ingredients

• 1 medium organic onion, chopped

• 10 cloves of organic garlic, crushed or chopped

• 2 organic jalapeno peppers, chopped

• Zest and juice from 1 organic lemon

• 1 fresh grated organic ginger root 

• 1/2 cup fresh grated organic horseradish root 

• 1 Tbsp. organic turmeric powder

• 1/4 tsp. organic cayenne powder

• 2 tablespoons chopped rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)

• 2 tablespoons chopped thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)

• Organic apple cider vinegar

• 1/4 cup of raw, local honey, or to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all the chopped ingredients in a clean, quart-sized glass jar.

2. Pour apple cider vinegar over the ingredients, making sure they are completely submerged.

3. Seal the jar with the lid on over a piece of cooking parchment to keep the lid from corroding (since vinegar can corrode metal lids). Shake well. 

4. Shake the jar daily for 2-4 weeks, ensuring the mixture infuses properly.

5. After the infusion period, strain the liquid into a clean jar. Sweeten with honey to taste. Honey adds sweetness and blends all the flavors in fire cider nicely.

6. Store your Fire Cider in the refrigerator for long-term use.

How To Use Fire Cider

• Take 1-2 tablespoons daily as a preventative tonic during cold and flu season.

• When feeling under the weather, increase the dosage to 1-2 tablespoons every 3-4 hours to boost immunity and alleviate symptoms.

• Alternatively, use it as you would plain vinegar in salad dressings, marinades for meat or tofu, and vinegar-based sauces. Drizzle on steamed vegetables or sautéed greens, or add to soups and chilis.

If you’re looking for more assistance or inspiration when it comes to immune health this season, you can book an appointment with me here and follow me on Instagram @pokedbydee to learn more! 

Disclaimer: As with any herbal remedy, please consult your healthcare professional. Vinegar, and perhaps some of the herbal constituents, may interact with prescription medications or negatively affect some health conditions. Apple cider vinegar is not recommended for ulcer or acid reflux sufferers.