Fire Cider is one of the ancient herbal preparations appreciated among the people and it is attributed to have immune enhancing, anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.
Fire Cider: What is it?
Fire Cider is a folk remedy that has been utilized much before recorded history. It is a tonic made using vinegar soaked with herbs and spices for especially boosting immunity and aiding digestion among others. These are some Fire Cider Benefits. Quite commonly made by the people at home, It has been adopted as a therapeutic drink mostly around flu and cold seasons.
This zesty-sharp-hot drink is a combination of valuable ingredients such as garlic, ginger, horseradish, honey, and apple cider vinegar that you would like to have in your kitchen’s natural medicine cabinet.
Origins of Fire Cider: Brief Overview
Wonderful for ages of ciders: It is perhaps more related to the age old concept of herbalism particularly western herbalism. Unlike honey lemon and green tea, it has many other values when it comes in cold seasons.
Resuscitated by Rosemary Gladstar: We can say that Fire Cider was first popularized after the herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, who brought the recipe to light in the 70s. She advocated using it in her teachings of herbal medicine and promoted its efficacy in enhancing immunity.
Folk Medicine Tradition: It also falls under the category of “oxymels” that are vinegar and honey based therapeutic solutions for cough and cold and other ailments of the past.
Culinary and Medicinal Use: With time, Fire Cider has not only been accepted as an herbal tonic but also as food ingredient among other things for use in salad dressings, marinades and drinks.
Read more: Healthy Recipes
Ingredients for Fire Cider
Making your own Fire Cider is a straightforward process, requiring only a few powerful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup grated horseradish root
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/4 cup minced garlic
- 1/4 cup grated ginger root
- 1-2 tablespoons of turmeric powder or fresh turmeric
- 1-2 fresh hot peppers (jalapeno or habanero, chopped)
- Zest and juice of one lemon
- 1 tablespoon of ground cayenne pepper
- Apple cider vinegar (enough to cover the ingredients
- 1/4 cup honey (optional, for sweetness)
How to make Fire Cider: A Step-by-step guide
Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients, let’s get started on the process of making Fire Cider. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you prepare this health-boosting tonic at home:
STEP 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by grating and chopping all the fresh ingredients: horseradish, garlic, ginger, onions, turmeric, and hot peppers. Make sure to wear gloves when handling hot peppers to avoid skin irritation.
STEP 2: Combine Ingredients
Place the chopped ingredients into a clean, quart-sized glass jar. Pack them in tightly, ensuring they take up about two-thirds of the jar’s volume.
STEP 3: Add Lemon and Cayenne
Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the jar, followed by a tablespoon of ground cayenne pepper for that extra kick.
STEP 4: Pour Apple Cider Vinegar
Fill the jar with raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar, ensuring all the ingredients are fully submerged. A plastic lid or a piece of parchment paper under the metal lid can help prevent vinegar from corroding the metal.
STEP 5: Seal and Store
Once the jar is sealed, store it in a cool, dark place for about 4 to 6 weeks. Shake the jar daily to help the infusion process.
STEP 6: Strain the Mixture
After 4 to 6 weeks, strain the mixture using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, squeezing out as much liquid as possible from the solids.
STEP 7: Add Honey (Optional)
If you prefer your Fire Cider on the sweeter side, add honey to taste. Stir the mixture until the honey is fully dissolved.
STEP 8: Bottle and Store
Pour your finished Fire Cider into clean glass bottles or jars. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will last for several months.
Fire Cider Benefits
Before getting to the recipe for the Fire Cider, one has to explain why this health tonic receives so much acclaim. The advantages include:
- Boosts Immune System: Fire Cider includes potent natural herbs like garlic, ginger, and horseradish which are anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and help to strengthen the immune system.
- Improves Digestion: The apple Cider vinegar together with ginger helps in digestion as well as promotes a healthy gut environment.
- Reduces Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger and turmeric found in Fire Cider helps ease remnant inflammation of the body.
- Natural Decongestant: Fire Cider makes use of horseradish and garlic that are very firm as decongestants therefore are also effective in treating sinus problems or respiratory difficulties.
- Increases Circulation: The below include cayenne pepper ginger amongst many herbs and spices that enhance circulation and infuse heat energy into the body.
Nutritional value of Fire Cider
Fire Cider is not only a flavorful tonic but also packs a powerful nutritional punch. Here’s a breakdown of the key nutrients in this concoction:
- Vitamin C: Found in lemon, which boosts immunity and skin health.
- Antioxidants: Garlic, ginger, turmeric, and cayenne pepper are rich in antioxidants that protect against free radical damage.
- Probiotics: Apple cider vinegar contains probiotics, which support gut health.
- Anti-inflammatory Compounds: Turmeric and ginger help reduce inflammation.
- Minerals: Fire cider contains small amounts of essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
Fire Cider is an age-old remedy that continues to stand the test of time, offering a simple yet effective way to support your health. Whether you’re looking to boost your immunity, improve digestion, or simply add a flavorful kick to your meals, Fire Cider is a powerful addition to your wellness routine.
Comment down below what other healthy drinks do you prefer with high nutritional value!
Read similar content:
