Stoke Up Your Health
Ancient fire cider remedy protects us in the colder months
Every batch of fire cider that I make is a little different because I use what is in season or in the garden at the time. No matter the variation, I am always using spicy potent ingredients and always apple cider vinegar.
Ingredients
- Horseradish root - supports respiratory tract and urinary tract, fights coughs and parasites, soothes achy joints, heats up digestive fire.
- Onion - antioxidant rich, anti-bacterial, supports cardiovascular system.
- Garlic - antibacterial, antiviral, supports the heart, improves immunity, strengthens the body.
- Radish - high in antioxidants, calcium and iron; aids digestion, supports the heart, improves immunity.
- Jalapeño - high in vitamin C, has anti-cancer properties, pain reliever, protects the heart and stokes the digestive fire.
- Ginger - major supporter of the circulatory system and digestive system and also helps the body fight viruses.
- Turmeric - anti-inflammatory, full of antioxidants, helps guard against cancer, supports brain health and in general helps to soothe inflammation from infection.
- Fresh herbs - like oregano, rosemary, sage add flavor to your diet while they help ward off colds and flu.
Preparation
Note: You can grow all the ingredients in your own garden during the warmer months.
INSTRUCTIONS
Use more or less equal parts of each ingredient (it doesn’t have to be exact). Dice each ingredient into small pieces and add to your clean glass jar. Make at least a quart at a time.
Once you added your chopped ingredients, add your fresh herbs.
Now fill your jar to the top with organic apple cider vinegar. The vinegar both preserves the ingredients and pulls the medicine into the liquid.
Label your jar with the date and the contents. TIP: Add a layer of parchment paper between the jar and the lid to counteract any rust that might happen from the metal touching the acidic vinegar.
Allow your fire cider to sit in a cool, dry location for 4–6 weeks. Take a sip and if it tastes spicy after this time, it is ready. Strain using a mesh bag or cheesecloth and add the liquid back into a clean jar. Label the jar with name, date and ingredients. You can also add a little honey at this point to sweeten your remedy a bit and add more antiviral medicine.
Fire cider can last up to a year refrigerated.
HOW TO USE YOUR FIRE CIDER
The basic recommendation if you start to experience symptoms of sickness is 1–2 tablespoons of fire cider and repeat one or two more times each day.
For cold and flu prevention, I take 1–2 tablespoons per day. (You can dilute it with a bit of water to ease the heat on the throat).
Add fire cider to soups or use to sauté veggies for added flavor and medicine infused right into your daily meals.
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