Homemade Fire Cider: Traditional Recipe to Prevent Colds & Flu - Aria Integrative Medicine (2024)

by Dr. Anastasia Stocker

Homemade Fire Cider: Traditional Recipe to Prevent Colds & Flu - Aria Integrative Medicine (1)

Fire cider is a potent herbal tonic renowned for its immune-boosting and medicinal properties which can be used to prevent colds and flu. Typically prepared by infusing a combination of spicy ingredients like garlic, onions, ginger, horseradish, and hot peppers in apple cider vinegar, it also often includes honey for a touch of sweetness. This concoction is left to ferment for several weeks, allowing the flavors to meld and the healthful compounds to extract. Fire cider is consumed in small doses, typically as a tablespoon or diluted in water, and is known to provide a warming and invigorating sensation. It’s commonly used to support the immune system, alleviate congestion, aid digestion, and even as a natural remedy for colds and flu.

I like to add basil, thyme, and lemon peel to my fire cider in addition to the above mentioned herbs for added antimicrobial benefit!

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup of fresh grated ginger root
  • 1 medium onion (any color!)- finely diced
  • 5-10 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/2 cup fresh grated horseradish
  • Juice and peel of 1 lemon
  • Turmeric powder – 1 tsp per 8oz of container (adjust according to size of jar)
  • Black pepper
  • Cinnamon stick
  • Culinary spices of choice (basil, thyme, oregano, etc.)
  • Dash of cayenne pepper
  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Local, raw honey

How to Make Your Fire Cider:

1. Choice a large clean jar- I tend to use 1 quart canning jars for each batch

2. You will want to fill your jar 2/3 full with the above ingredients, making sure there is enough room for the vinegar and honey

3. Chop and grate your ingredients as much as possible for more surface area to be exposed

4. Fill your jar with your herbs! You can play with the amounts of each depending on your preference. Like spice? Add more cayenne. Have cold hands and feet? Add more ginger. Like more aromatics? Add in more culinary spices. There is no wrong way to make fire cider!

5. After you fill your jar 2/3 full of herbs add in equal parts apple cider vinegar and honey to cover all your herbs.

6. Make sure to use a clean utensil, like a chopstick, to be sure all of your fresh herbs are completely wet and covered with vinegar and honey. You want your herbs covered by at least 1″ of liquid.

7. Cover your jar with a piece of wax paper or parchment paper before adding your lid. This will prevent the vinegar from breaking down the plastic on the inside of your lid.

8. Place your lid on your jar and store in a cool dark place for 2 weeks.

9. Be sure to shake your jar daily! Send good intentions and love into your herbal medicine!

10. After 2 weeks, strain your fire cider through a fine mesh strainer.

11. Pour your fire into a sterile jar and label. It is good for 6 months- 1 year in the fridge!

How to use your Fire Cider

For general prevention of cold and flu take 1-2 tablespoons per day

You can use the fire cider in salad dressings or added to tea or warm water

Homemade Fire Cider: Traditional Recipe to Prevent Colds & Flu - Aria Integrative Medicine (2024)

FAQs

Why did fire cider go out of business? ›

Much of Shire City's lifespan was consumed by a yearslong trademark dispute over the company's ownership of the term “Fire Cider.” Shire City filed for the trademark in 2012, inadvertently stoking the ire of the herbalist community, which claimed that the term was a generic descriptor for a traditional folk remedy and ...

How often should you take fire cider when sick? ›

Serving suggestions. Anecdotally, people usually take 1–2 tablespoons daily as an immune booster. However, people who find the tonic strong can dilute it in a glass of water. Some people may only take it if they feel a cold coming or to help warm themselves up during the winter season.

Does fire cider really work? ›

People who sing the praises of fire cider say it can build a healthy immune system and help fend off sickness. Here's the catch: There's no evidence that fire cider actually works — or that it does much of anything at all really. “There's nothing to show that fire cider is beneficial,” Czerwony says.

Does fire cider help with the flu? ›

Fire cider is a potent herbal tonic renowned for its immune-boosting and medicinal properties which can be used to prevent colds and flu.

Who sued over fire cider? ›

The next year, Shire City fired back with a trademark infringement lawsuit against Blue, Langlier, and Wildflower School of Botanical Medicine director Nicole Telkes and sought a declaratory judgment to validate its ownership of the Fire Cider name.

Should fire cider be refrigerated? ›

Does Fire Cider Need to Be Refrigerated? The short answer is no. Your fire cider is well preserved in apple cider vinegar, and shelf stable. If you prefer to take the shots cold, refrigeration is an option, but not at all necessary.

Does homemade fire cider go bad? ›

Long Shelf Life — When properly stored, fire cider can last up to 12 months, making it a convenient health boost any time you need it.

Is fire cider good for lungs? ›

Allicin has an affinity for the lungs and digestive tract so it is useful in the prevention and treatment of respiratory infections like colds, flus, sinusitis, and bronchitis and digestive infections that involve unwanted microorganisms.

Does fire cider help with mucus? ›

Not only does Fire Cider act as an immune boosting super tonic, it also works as a decongestant. With potent ingredients, Fire Cider helps move mucus in both the upper and lower respiratory tract. It can also be used as a gargle to soothe a sore throat.

Why did my fire cider turn green? ›

It may feel alarming if you notice your fire cider turning rainbow colors like green and blue. Rest assured, this is totally normal! What you are noticing is an enzymatic reaction between compounds in the garlic and acid in the vinegar.

Is fire cider antifungal? ›

The flavors are earthy, spicy, sour with a touch of sweetness, fire cider can easily be incorporated into daily life! Benefits: Garlic- anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant. Onion- anti-cancer, antifungal, antimicrobial.

How to store homemade fire cider? ›

Fire Cider will keep for several months unrefrigerated if stored in a cool pantry. But it's better to store in the refrigerator if you have room.

What is the best drink to prevent flu? ›

Water is the gold standard. However, non-sugar drinks such as Pedialyte, green or black tea or non-sugar sports drinks work for adults, too. The key with fluid intake is to avoid dehydration. Fluids support your immune system function, thin mucus and lessen congestion.

How do you get rid of Covid or flu fast? ›

Take Over-The-Counter Medications

Antivirals are most effective if started within the first 48 hours of symptoms. If used accurately, they can shorten the duration of illness by about 24 hours and decrease the risk of complications, especially in high-risk populations.

Who invented Fire Cider? ›

Whilst other's were aerobicising with Richard Simmonds in their spandex and leg warmers, a certain pioneering Herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, was looking at health and wellness in a totally different way. In the early 1980's she formulated what is now colloquially known as Fire Cider or Master Tonic.

What happened to Smith and Forge cider? ›

Amid downturns in sales, Molson Coors Beverage Company discontinued two of its nationally distributed hard cider brands, Crispin and Smith & Forge, a company spokesperson confirmed.

Why did Shire City Herbals close? ›

The company, which made vinegar-based tonics, closed Friday. PITTSFIELD — Shire City Herbals, a manufacturer of vinegar-based tonics that lost a well-publicized federal court case over exclusive use of the phrase “fire cider,” closed Friday, according to its acting CEO.

What is another name for fire cider? ›

Oxymel, Four Thieves Vinegar, Honeygar, and Fire Cider are all variations of a base vinegar tincture that has been with us for over 2500 years, and we reckon our modern take Hilbilby Fire Tonic™, has mastered the "Master Tonic".

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