My family had a difficult "sick season" last year. The majority of the difficulties came from my daughter's anxiety of getting sick and not us actually being sick. It consumed her, she had a portion of her brain occupied on the thoughts of getting sick 24/7. We all lost sleep over it as she needed a lot of lengthy bedtime talks to get her to sleep and mentally ready for another day in the bacteria pit of school, lol.
So we dove into researching ways to support our immune system so that my child would carry less fear of the germs and viruses that loomed around her. I can get into all that we learned last year, because as I alluded to before, we stayed pretty healthy even when a never-ending puking bug passed through our school TWICE and colds and flus took down those around us. Were we 100% spared? No! But because of my daughter's daily reports of who puked in the gym, who coughed all through chapel, and who went home sick with a fever on which day, we were very aware of the illness surrounding us and we truly did dodge a lot of bullets!
So let's talk about my new favorite weapon in supporting immunity through the cold and flu season! FIRE CIDER
In recent years, fire cider has gained popularity as a natural, spicy tonic that’s deeply rooted in traditional herbal medicine. This warming, vinegar-based drink is often infused with a variety of herbs, spices, and vegetables, such as garlic, ginger, and hot peppers. Originally crafted by herbalist Rosemary Gladstar in the 1970s, fire cider has become a popular remedy for bolstering immune health, fighting off colds, and promoting overall wellness.
But what is fire cider and why are so many people turning to it? In this post, I’ll dive into the ingredients that make up this invigorating elixir and explore its numerous health benefits.
What is Fire Cider?
Fire cider is a fermented, tangy tonic typically made from apple cider vinegar (ACV) infused with powerful, immune-boosting ingredients. The blend is steeped for several weeks to extract the medicinal properties of each ingredient, resulting in a potent brew that can be consumed in small doses or added to food. While there are many variations of fire cider, the core ingredients usually include:
• Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV):The base of fire cider, ACV is known for its digestive and detoxifying properties. CLICK HERE for the only brand I use!
• Garlic: A natural antibiotic with antiviral properties, garlic is a key player in boosting the immune system.
• Ginger: This root is famous for its anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.
• Horseradish: A pungent root that helps clear sinus congestion and aids respiratory health. CLICK HERE for real horseradish, not the fake stuff!
• Hot Peppers: Rich in capsaicin, hot peppers add heat and help stimulate circulation.
• Turmeric: A potent anti-inflammatory, turmeric promotes joint and overall body health.
• Raw Honey: A natural sweetener that helps balance the acidity of vinegar, while also providing antibacterial properties. CLICK HERE for a great quality raw honey that doesn't break the bank and is a brand you can trust.
Once these ingredients are infused into the ACV, fire cider develops a fiery kick that’s both flavorful and functional. Many people take it as a daily tonic to promote health and ward off sickness, while others use it as a zesty addition to salad dressings or sauces.
Health Benefits of Fire Cider
Though fire cider is considered a folk remedy, its benefits are largely due to the powerful properties of its ingredients. (And honestly, with how many hours a day my daughter thought about illness, we figured it couldn't hurt to do this daily, even if it was only a placebo effect for her!). But let’s explore some of the key health benefits this spicy tonic can offer.
1. Boosts Immune Function
One of the primary reasons people turn to fire cider is its immune-boosting qualities. Garlic, ginger, horseradish, and hot peppers are all known for their antimicrobial and antiviral properties. These ingredients can help fend off common colds, flu, and respiratory infections, especially during the colder months. Regular use of fire cider may act as a natural defense to keep the immune system strong and responsive.
2. Improves Digestion
The apple cider vinegar and ginger in fire cider can aid digestion by stimulating the production of stomach acid and digestive enzymes. This helps the body break down food more efficiently, preventing indigestion and bloating. Many people also find that taking fire cider before meals can help ease digestive discomfort and promote better nutrient absorption.
3. Clears Sinuses and Eases Congestion
The combination of horseradish and hot peppers makes fire cider an excellent remedy for clearing sinus congestion and easing respiratory symptoms. The heat from capsaicin in the peppers can help break up mucus, while horseradish has long been used to relieve sinus pressure and inflammation. A small shot of fire cider can be particularly helpful during allergy season or when battling a cold.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Both ginger and turmeric are known for their powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Chronic inflammation is linked to a host of health problems, including heart disease, arthritis, and digestive disorders. Consuming fire cider regularly can help reduce inflammation in the body, which may promote better long-term health and relieve symptoms of inflammatory conditions.
5. Natural Energy Booster
Thanks to its invigorating ingredients, fire cider can serve as a natural energy tonic. The blend of spicy and warming herbs helps stimulate circulation and increase energy levels without the crash associated with caffeine. Taking a small amount of fire cider in the morning or midday can provide a quick boost of vitality, especially during colder months when energy tends to lag.
6. Supports Weight Loss and Metabolism
Apple cider vinegar is often associated with weight loss due to its ability to improve metabolism and control blood sugar levels. Studies suggest that ACV may help with appetite suppression and fat burning. The cayenne pepper in fire cider can also help rev up the metabolism, making it a supportive tool for those looking to manage their weight naturally.
How to Use Fire Cider
Fire cider is versatile and can be incorporated into your daily routine in several ways:
• As a Daily Tonic: Take a small shot (1–2 tablespoons) straight up in the morning or before meals to boost digestion and immunity.
• In Salad Dressings: Use fire cider as a base for a tangy and spicy salad dressing by mixing it with olive oil, mustard, or herbs.
• In Cooking: Add a splash of fire cider to soups, stews, or marinades for an extra punch of flavor and health benefits.
• For Cold Relief: Take a spoonful when you feel a cold coming on, or add it to hot tea with honey to soothe a sore throat.
For my daughter, she was ok taking a tablespoon on some days and other days I added it to a few ounces of hot water so it was a little diluted. We doubled our intake if we were actively sick.
Making Your Own Fire Cider
One of the best things about fire cider is that it can be easily made at home using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Simply fill a large mason jar with gently crushed cloves of garlic, peeled and chopped ginger, horseradish, sliced hot peppers, turmeric, and raw honey in a jar. This year I added garden herbs like rosemary and thyme as well, and let it steep for 4–6 weeks in a cool, dark place. I chose our liquor cabinet. When it's time to use, strain the solids our of the mixture and pour back into the steeping jar, you’ll have a batch of homemade fire cider that can last for months!
Last year I made one large jar, but this year I made 5! We all liked the habit and this way we will have it all winter long and not run out :) CLICK HERE for a link to the jars I use.
So will you give Fire Cider a try? It's not very expensive and we truly felt it was one of the reasons we were able to avoid most of the illnesses that were abundant though our work, school and church last year. It takes 5 minutes to set up a jar of it in your cupboard and can last you all winter since it is shelf stable and only gets better with time! Fire Cider is a time-tested remedy that can help keep you feeling your best.