Fire Cider is a very old medicine passed down through generations of healers. There are many variations, but these core ingredients make up the base.
The apple cider vinegar (ACV) based tonic is infused with superfoods like ginger, lemons, oranges, turmeric, and garlic. The result is a spicy and savory drink guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. A daily tablespoon will help maintain your overall health; if you’re starting to experience cold or flu-like symptoms, increase your intake to a ½ to a full shot glass of this fiery cider.
Let’s Talk Health Benefits
Every single ingredient used in Fire Cider contains health benefits. Add to that, the ingredients are all full of nutrients that are extremely beneficial to our body and its many support systems.
- Ease chest and sinus congestion
- Relieve and eliminate the common cold
- Good for coughs
- Improves vitality
- Flu / Influenza
- Sore throat
- Boosts the immune system
- Lowers blood pressure
- Boosts energy
- Aids digestion
- Beneficial for heart health
Basic Core Ingredients & Directions
- Organic ACV
- 2-3 Cloves of Fresh Minced/Chopped Garlic
- Fresh Grated Horseradish Root
- Fresh Grated Ginger Root
- Raw Onion Chunks
- Fresh or Dry Chili Peppers (Habanero – Jalapeno – Cayenne)
- Lemon & Orange Quarters or Chunks (Skin on)
- Raw Organic Honey To Taste
Toss all of the roots and other dry ingredients into a clean and sterilized glass jar and add enough ACV to cover it completely. If you’re making a big batch you’ll need more of the garlic and other ingredients. Here’s where you can adjust the ingredient amounts to your taste and needs. For example, if the Fire Cider is for someone that needs some extra Vitamin C you can add extra citrus fruit.
Cover your jar with a cheesecloth and a ring lid. Place the tonic in a dark storage place for about 2 – 4 weeks. Strain the cider, add the honey to taste, and bottle it. If your tonic is bottled properly and kept in the right conditions (cool & dry), it can last for about two years.
Ingredients In Action (The Breakdown)
Horseradish – This spicy root is rich in healthy plant compounds, one of them being glucosinolates which help protect against cancer, infection, and brain diseases. The antioxidants help boost immune system functions to ward off illness. Antibacterial compounds help fight off numerous forms of bacteria that can lead to illness and even chronic diseases.
Garlic – Allicin is the prized compound found within garlic and known to reduce inflammation. Garlic is believed to fight heart disease and cancer. According to natural and holistic medicine, allicin is known to help lower cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, and protects against diabetes. Its antimicrobial activities help fight various types of bacterial and fungal infections including antibiotic-resistant strains.
Ginger – Ginger is a powerhouse medicine in my book. Antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, antihistamine, antibiotic, antibacterial, and anti-nausea properties make this a great ingredient. Gingerol is the star player, the compound that activates the spice receptors on our tongue and warms us up. Ginger has a heck of a lot to offer in terms of medicine!
Onions – Onions contain a flavonoid called quercetin. This antioxidant is highly concentrated and provides incredible anti-inflammatory effects to help lower heart disease factors, including blood pressure. Onions and garlic are both from the Allium family, so it’s no surprise that onions also contain all the benefits that come with it. The onion is known as “The Vegetable That Treated Gunshot Wounds.”
Citrus Fruits (Lemons & Oranges) – Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that helps protect our cells and keeps them healthy. It also helps wounds heal and maintains skin, bones, cartilage, and blood vessels. The vitamin and mineral-packed fruits bring so much to the table in terms of maintaining overall health and wellness.
Honey: – Honey is an ancient medicine and contains many of the same antimicrobial/antibacterial properties as ginger. Honey is full of the antioxidants essential to maintaining the body’s everyday functions, as well as keeping our defense systems in good shape.
Chili Peppers – Capsaicin is where chili peppers get their heat. It’s also helpful in easing inflammation. The antioxidants combined with the anti-inflammatory properties make a great combination for easing the sinuses and bronchial tubes during a cold or flu. Capsaicin also provides pain relief. There’s a lot going on with these little fiery peppers!
Fire Cider is a simple tonic that provides so many healing benefits that it’s definitely worth making. A tablespoon a day is a preventative medicine that can help keep you healthy by keeping your system ready for whatever lies ahead.
-Elaina Garcia
Photo: Margaret Boyles via Wikimedia Commons
This looks great, however the recipe does not contain measurements for most of the ingredients. Additionally, it does not say whether ir not to use fresh ingredients or if you can use ingredients that may come in a jar (i.e., garlic, ginger). Please provide these details.
Hi Mary! Thanks for reaching out and you’re right I didn’t include any measurements in this article. It was just a basic reference but I will add the measurements here and now!! As far as the ingredients, fresh is always best but in a pinch you can use jarred minced garlic etc. I avoid using any powders but they can be used if there is nothing else, again, using fresh is the best route as processing kind of takes away from the essential nutrients and healing properties.
First you’ll need a big glass jar, about a half gallon. Once it’s done you can store it in smaller containers if you’d like.
A large horseradish root between 5-7 inches
Large Ginger root about the same size as the horseradish
Medium – Large Onion
Large Orange
1 – Lemon
16 Cloves of garlic (if making a smaller batch you’ll only need a few but I make big batches)
2 – 5 Hot Peppers of your choosing
Honey to taste
Enough ACV to cover all of the ingredients
I hope you try it and like it. If you want to start small you can cut the ingredients down into 1/4 of the amount listed. Because it lasts for so long and I use it regularly I just go big with it.