Fire cider is a traditional method of supporting immunity in the fall and winter season.
Here are just a few of the benefits of each included ingredient:
- Garlic — Allicin is one of the key immune-stimulating nutrients in garlic, but is slightly reduced when garlic is cooked, so raw garlic is the most potent and beneficial for immunity.
- Onion — Contains Quercetin, a plant pigment, often used for allergy symptom relief as it is believed to reduce histamine response and inflammation
- Horseradish — Contains antibacterial properties to fight sinus infections, and can help stimulate your lungs
- Ginger — Can ease nausea and stomach aches, activates your immune system, and soothes sore throats.
- Apple cider vinegar — Full of probiotics that support gut health, which is directly correlated with whole-body wellness. Plus, the active ingredient, acetic acid, is an antioxidant.
- Cayenne — Chili peppers are high in vitamin C and A.
1 medium onion, diced 4 to 5 cloves of garlic, chopped3 to 4 tbsp fresh grated horseradish3 to 4 tbsp fresh grated ginger rootRaw unpasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar – Enough to fill the jar & submerge the other ingredients, about 32 oz for a gallon jar Raw honey, local if possible – added later, see the instructions below
Cayenne pepper, also added later
Prep ingredients, chop or grate. Add everything to mason jar or other glass container. Slowly pour the apple cider vinegar over everything, lightly knocking out air bubbles as needed, until the container is full. Cover the jars. Store the infusion at room temperature, somewhere that you will see it and remember to shake it daily. Shake it up well every day. This increases the steeping action, causing the beneficial properties of each ingredient to infuse into the ACV more. After a minimum of 3-4 weeks (some herbalists steep theirs for months on end!), it is time to separate and strain the liquid. Use a fine mesh stainless steel strainer (or a typical strainer lined with cheesecloth) set over a large empty bowl. Add honey, to taste, as needed. Store in the refrigerator & enjoy 1-2 tbs per day!
