A Brief Lesson on Fire Cider

Written By Kamryn Oliphant

Photography by Esther Otis

Fire cider is a traditional herbal remedy that has been used for many years to promote wellness throughout the winter months.

Winter is here…So let’s talk about one of my favorite herbal remedies: Fire Cider!

Fire Cider is made by infusing various household herbs and ingredients, such as cayenne, garlic, ginger, horseradish, lemon, and onion (to name a few), in apple cider vinegar. Once the herbs have infused for 3-4 weeks, the fire cider may be strained and stored in a glass jar, lasting up to one year in the fridge.

Fire Cider is a spicy tonic that can be taken to move stagnant energy out of the body and support the immune system during cold and flu season.

Herbs that are warm in nature (ginger, horseradish, etc.), have natural antibiotic, anti-parasitic, and anti-inflammatory properties that keep the body resilient against infection!

How to take fire cider:

My favorite way to drink fire cider is by pouring 1-2 tbsp into a shot glass and taking it on an empty stomach. ***NOTE: because of the spicy herbs, fire cider does not have the most enjoyable flavor. Chase with water if needed.

Grapefruit Fire Cider Recipe:

1 quart mason jar (w/metal ring and parchment)

Raw apple cider vinegar (enough to fill jar)

1 medium red onion

6 garlic cloves (peeled and minced)

6 (1") pieces of ginger root (peeled and sliced)

1 piece of turmeric root (sliced)

1 grapefruit (sliced)

1 lemon (sliced)

2 jalapeño peppers (sliced)

3 tbsp black peppercorns

a handful of whole cloves

4 cinnamon sticks

a sprig of fresh oregano

4 tbsp raw honey

Instructions

  • For the fire cider, chop fresh onion, garlic, ginger, and turmeric into small pieces.

  • Add to a quart mason jar.

  • Slice the grapefruit, lemon, and jalapeño, and add to the jar.

  • Next, add the black peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and oregano.

  • Pour enough apple cider vinegar to completely cover the ingredients and seal with parchment paper and a metal mason jar lid.

  • Allow the fire cider to sit for 3-4 weeks in a cool, dark area, shaking once daily.

  • Strain the liquid using cheesecloth and add honey to sweeten.

  • Take fire cider once a day, preventatively, or three times a day, if under the weather.

Found on pg. 111 of Vital Foods: A Functional Cookbook for the Holistic Foodie

Kamryn Oliphant
Next

The Way of Creativity