Fire Cider - DIY Immunity Booster
I’m keeping this one short and sweet… or should I say short and spicy? 😆
One of my fall rituals is preparing a batch of an old folk remedy called fire cider.
Fire cider is an apple cider vinegar infusion of herbs that boost our digestive juices keeping our immune system functioning efficiently, especially during the cold winter months. There are plenty of resources of fire cider listed on the web, my personal favorite is Rosemary Gladstar. She fought to keep trade marketing away from fire cider, honoring the history that fire cider belongs to the people. I have a special place in my heart for her. Check out her story online and find her simple fire cider recipe listed below to make in your own home!
Also in my heart, is a special witchy-being, Samantha from Austin, TX. Every fall, I think of her and the classes she opened to her community teaching about the power of plants and herbs, their wisdom and healing ability. My time with her laid the foundation into my mystic, witchy ways. I’ll always be grateful 💖.
Rosemary Gladstar’s Fire Cider Recipe:
1/2 cup grated fresh horseradish root
1/2 cup or more of chopped onions
1/4 cup or more of chopped garlic
1/4 cup or more grated ginger
Cayenne pepper, fresh (chop it up) or dried (flaked or ground), to taste
Apple cider vinegar (preferably raw and organic)
Honey
Directions:
Place the herbs in a half-gallon mason jar and add enough vinegar to cover them by 3 to 4 inches. Seal the jar with a tight-fitting lid. Place the jar in a cool, dark spot and let it sit for 3 to 4 weeks. Shake the jar everyday to help in the maceration process.
After 3 to 4 weeks, strain out the herbs, reserving the liquid. Warm the honey (so that it mixes well) and add it to the vinegar, to taste. “To taste” means your fire cider should be hot, spicy, and sweet. “A little bit of honey helps the medicine go down…” The honey also helps cool the heat, moistens, and balances all the fiery ingredients.
Bottle, label, and enjoy! Fire cider will keep for several months unrefrigerated if stored in a cool pantry.
A small shot glass daily serves as an excellent tonic. Or take fire cider by teaspoons throughout the day if you feel a cold coming on. Take it more frequently, if necessary, to help your immune system do battle.
<<Witchy Bonus>>
Depending on your intention, you can prepare and infuse the fire cider batch from new moon to new moon or full moon to full moon and say a little blessing ✨