Fire cider, even the name is totally exciting. I love making herbal concoctions; I love the alchemy, and the self empowerment of making my own medicine for myself and the folks I love. I’m one of those people that gets completely excited about the most simple things because that’s where I find brilliance. Kitchen recipes like fire cider are especially exciting because of their lineage, and I like feeling like I’m right in the middle of it, participating.

Fire cider is a combination of pungent spices and roots that help to fight off respiratory infections, increase immunity and circulation and will undoubtedly keep you warm over the long winter months. It can be used as a tonic to stave off the nasty colds going around. And, it takes not even 10 minutes to make!

For the recipe continue on right here! FIRE CIDER RECIPE *****

1/2 onion

5 cloves garlic

1 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 cup grated ginger

1/2 cup grated horseradish

Apple cider vinegar to cover.

Coarsely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Grate both the ginger and the horseradish and place in a quart jar. Add the cayenne and cover with apple cider vinegar. I used all organic ingredients because the ingredients are pretty cheap and I want my medicine to be the best it can be. Before capping the jar I put a square of wax paper on the jar top so the vinegar wouldn’t corrode the lid.

Traditionally fire cider is buried in the early fall and then dug up anywhere from 3-8 weeks later. I have mine tucked away with my other medicines brewing and stewing in a dark cabinet.

After letting it brew for a period of time strain the herbs through cheesecloth and wring them tightly to get out any extra cider. Compost the herbs. It’s best to keep your cider in a dark colored glass away from heat.

The cider will last for 6 months. Dont forget to label it! You can take anywhere from 1-2 Tbsp daily with some water or straight from a shot glass, you know – if you’re hardcore like that! It also makes a really good salad dressing. Enjoy and stay healthy!

CAUTION: if you are on blood thinners, are about to have surgery or have gastrointestinal ailments like IBS  or ulcers, fire cider is NOT for you! Don’t do it!

I’m already thinking of variations I want to try next time. I might add honey of course. Lemon zest would be good and also moving for the digestion. Burdock would be a nice liver cleansing herb to help with all of the fatty winter foods. Fresh jalepenos… In fact maybe I’ll make another jar tomorrow for some new year gifts!