Let me introduce you to an inexpensive and natural herbal remedy that will increase your family’s immunity in order to fight off illness during the cold and flu season. Every mom should have the recipe for this elixir in her wellness kit!

Glass mason jar full of herbs, roots, nightshades and bulbs with Apple Cider Vinegar infusing on a countertop.

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What is Fire Cider?

Fire Cider is a wellness tonic that was created in the 1970’s by renowned herbalist Rosemary Gladstar and her students. The original elixir contains different roots, peppers, onion, garlic and herbs which are full of potent immune boosting properties. It’s topped off with Apple Cider Vinegar and infused over a period of weeks before it’s ready to be used. At that point, you add some honey to taste and it’s ready to go. It’s a very simple herbal remedy that can strengthen immunity, help fight cold and flu symptoms as well as help with digestion and circulation.

The cool thing about fire cider is that you can add or subtract ingredients and adapt the recipe to your personal preferences. I personally add a few more items to my recipe and I’ll share what some of their nutritional benefits are.. You can decide if you want to add them as well!

Ingredients & Benefits

Roots (Horseradish/Ginger/Turmeric) – If you’ve ever smelled or tasted horseradish, you probably learned pretty quickly that it will clear your sinuses. It can also fight bacterial and fungal infections as well as lower inflammation. Ginger is also known to be anti-inflammatory and support digestion and most of us already know it helps with nausea. Turmeric also contains anti-inflammatory properties and paired with black pepper it becomes a very powerful combination.

Bulb Vegetables (Onion/Garlic) – Onions contain vitamin C, they fight off bacteria and help fend of chronic conditions. Garlic is not only flavorful, but it helps boost your immunity. It contains allicin, a strong antibiotic that is released when the cloves are crushed. Allicin has antibacterial, antifungal anti parasitic and antiviral properties.

A jalapeno, horsseradish, slice of lemon, slice of onion, garlic bulb, ginger root, cinnamon sticks, turmeriic root and herbs with Apple Cider vingar before prep for fire Cider.

Nightshades (Jalapeno/Cayenne) – Peppers in general have some pretty amazing benefits and jalapeños are no exception. They help fight infections and can be a natural pain reliever. Chill peppers are a great option as well due to their high amounts vitamin A and C which help boost the immune system. Cayenne peppers in their whole form are the best way to absorb the most nutrients, but in the powder form (how I use it in my Fire Cider) you can still reap the benefits. Cayenne has antioxidants to protect cells, but also improves digestion and can help ease pain and clear congestion.

Citrus (Lemon/Orange) – Most of us know that citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, but oranges specifically also have other benefits such as improving digestion and providing hydration. Likewise, lemons boost immunity with their high levels of vitamin C and aid in digestion. They are used in throat soothing products because they help break up mucus in the throat and ease throat pain.

Fresh Herbs (Parsley/Rosemary) – Herbs are full of nutrients. I chose to add these two herbs to my Fire Cider recipe, but feel free to add more herbs or swap them out if you prefer. Parsley is great source of vitamin C and it contains antioxidant properties that regulate the immune system by reducing inflammation. It also contains anti-bacterial properties. Rosemary is also antibacterial, and contains antiviral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities as well.

Spices (Black Peppercorns/Cinnamon Sticks) – Black peppercorns enhance the absorption of nutrients such as vitamins A and C. As noted above, when paired with turmeric and ginger, it has anti-inflammatory effects. Cinnamon is also anti-inflammatory and can help reduce blood sugar levels.

Apple Cider Vinegar (with the mother) – The benefits to ACV seem almost endless, which is why it’s a staple in my holistic medicine cabinet. It is a treatment for coughs and infections and can kill harmful bacteria. it contains natural probiotics that help strengthen your gut and immune health.

Honey – Raw local honey is the best kind to use but whatever you have on hand will do. Raw honey specifically is unprocessed and therefore, contains more nutrients. One of those nutrients is quercetin which reduces inflammation and helps with allergy symptoms. Honey is very helpful at soothing a sore throat and can relieve symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions.

Making Fire Cider

As I said, fire cider is really easy to make, and in my experience, effective at helping prevent and also improve health when going through an illness. I find that when it comes time to make it I usually have most of the items on hand already that I want to incorporate and any that I need, I can typically pick up at the store for a minimal cost.

Step 1 – Prepare the Ingredients

First you’re going to compile your ingredients for preparation. You’ll want to grate the horseradish, ginger and turmeric roots. Slice your orange, lemon and jalapeño and chop your onion. When you peel the garlic, be sure to crush all of the cloves. This will release a sulfur-based compound which is what makes garlic so beneficial.

Step 2 – Layer the Ingredients & Pour in the Vinegar

Next, you will layer your ingredients in the glass jar. Once everything is in the jar, you are ready to pour the Apple Cider Vinegar in. Everything should be submerged in the liquid.

Step 3 – Close it Up

Once the ACV is in, if you have a plastic lid, you’re ready to close it up. If you are using the standard metal lid that came with the mason jar, be sure to add a piece of parchment paper between the opening of the jar and the lid. If the vinegar is exposed to the metal lid, it can cause erosion.

Step 4 – Wait & Infuse

This next step is the hardest part. You wait. You are going to put the jar in a cool, dark place for a minimum of 4 weeks to allow the ingredients to infuse into the vinegar and create what some call, a master tonic! Each day you will want to gently shake the jar to encourage the infusion of ingredients but also to keep everything submerged in the liquid in order to avoid mold growth.

Step 5 – Strain your Cider & Add Extras

After the minimum of 4 weeks is over, you will use a cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer and strain the liquid out into a clean, new jar where you’ll store your cider. If you want to add anything in, now is the time to do so. I add honey as well as a few dashes of cayenne pepper at this time. Your fire cider is ready to go!

Storage

Store your fire cider for about 6 months at room temperature, although you may prefer to refrigerate.

How To Use

A very standard way to ingest fire cider is to take it as a wellness shot, usually a tablespoon or 2 with water to start your day. However, you can also add it into smoothies or sauces which may help get your kids to take it. You can add it to a cup of tea or even a salad dressing. If you are creative in the kitchen and you have other ways of using it, please share in the comments!

What To Do With The Pulp

Don’t trash the pulp! The pulp is great stuff and has multiple uses. I’ve known people who will use it as chicken feed. You could also dehydrate it and grind into a powder. You can encapsulate the powder and take it that way or you can use it as a spice and add to meals or certain foods. If you prefer not to use the pulp, you can compost it.

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*I am not a certified medical professional or herbalist. This article represents my experience with natural remedies and does not constitute medical advice.

Fire Cider

Make an easy traditional fire cider to boost your immune system and help keep your family healthy during cold and flu season.

Print Recipe

Equipment

Grater
Knife
Wide Mouth Mason Jar – 1 Qt with lid
Parchment Paper if using standard metal Mason Jar lid
Fine Mesh Strainer or Cheesecloth

Ingredients

1 Cup Shredded Horseradish Root
3 inch Chunk Grated Ginger Root
3 inch Chunk Grated Turmeric Root
1 Whole Garlic Bulb Crushed
1 Whole Orange Sliced
1 Whole Lemon Sliced
1 Whole Jalapeno Pepper Sliced
1/2 Yellow Onion Chopped
3 Sprigs Fresh Parsley
3 Sprigs Fresh Thyme
3 Cinnamon Sticks
3 Cups Apple Cider Vinegar (with the mother)
Raw Local Honey To Taste
1 Tsp Cayenne Powder Spice To Taste

Instructions

1. Wash your ingredients and grate, slice and chop so everything Is prepared.
2. Layer all ingredients (except Apple Cider Vinegar, Honey & Cayenne) in the glass jar.
3. Add the Apple Cider Vinegar to the jar so that all ingredients are submerged.
4. Place a BPA-free plastic lid on the jar or if you are using the standard mason jar lid, place parchment paper between the top of the jar and the lid to avoid erosion of the metal.
5. Sit your fire cider in a cool dark location for a minimum of 4 weeks, gently shaking the jar at least once a day.
6. After 4 weeks is up, use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to separate the liquid into a glass container where you will store your cider.
7. Stir in honey & cayenne spice to taste.
8. Your cider is ready to enjoy! Seal with an airtight lid and store in a pantry or your refrigerator. It will be good for 1 year.

Notes

As an immune boosting preventative, take 1-2 tbsps daily during cold and flu season.
Before taking your cider, be sure to shake it to stir up anything that’s settled on the bottom.
Feel free to scale up to make larger batches for a big family.
Ingredients can be add/swapped out. Other options are additional herbs such as lemon balm, rosemary, etc. You can also add elderberries or cranberries and other kinds of peppers.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.

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