Courtesy of foodnavigator-usa.com
I had never heard of fire cider until it was suggested to me by a worker at our local food co-op. At the time, I was plagued by a long-lasting cold, so I eagerly purchased a bottle and began drinking a small amount every day. My cold went away, but I can’t say for sure it was because of the tonic. It did seem to clear up my sinuses and it felt very powerful.
I didn’t know then that there is an ongoing campaign against the company which makes it (Shire City Herbals) because they trademarked the name under questionable circumstances. Apparently, a herbalist, Rosemary Gladstone developed the recipe in the early 1980’s and taught it for years at the California Institute for Herbal Studies. The recipe was copyrighted in her book and in several others since 1991. But, in 2012, Shire City Herbals managed to get the name trademarked before there was any kind of public notice, and when it was discovered, there was an uproar.
Because of this, I think it’s a better idea to make your own fire cider than to buy it (but that’s strictly my own opinion). The recipe is very simple and this time of year is the perfect time to make it. It will ferment for at least 8 weeks and be ready just in time for the cold and flu season.
Courtesy of wholeapothecary.com
How to Make Fire Cider
(Information is courtesy of Cate Hill Orchard in Greensboro, Vermont & Healing Spirits Herb Farm and Education Center in Avoca, NY.)
Ingredients:
1 quart organic raw apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup horseradish root grated
1/8 cup of organic garlic chopped
1/2 cup of organic onion chopped
1/2 cup of organic ginger grated
1 tsp cayenne
1 tsp turmeric (Cate Hill Orchard added this ingredient to their blend)
Directions:
Place all ingredients in a quart jar and cover with apple cider vinegar. Cover tightly. Steep for 8 weeks. (Some let it ferment for up to a year.) Strain into clean jar.
How to Use Your Fire Cider
~ Rub into sore muscles and aching joints.
~ Soak a clean cloth in fire cider to place on a congested chest.
~ Drink it straight or diluted in a bit of water or tomato juice. Start out with 1 tsp. per day (1/2 tsp. twice per day) to test your tolerance level.
~ Mix with a bit of honey to ease a cough.
Courtesy of blog.freepeople.com
