With the colder months now upon us, it’s a great time to think about herbal remedies to boost you and your family’s immunity. We show you how to make fire cider.
Being able to boost your immunity through homemade tonics is a more natural and more sustainable alternative to commercially sourced options.
By including ingredients sourced from your own patch – be it your garden, beehive or pantry of homemade fare – learning how to make fire cider or tonic can be a really rewarding process.
What is fire cider?
Fire cider is a spicy, immune-boosting tonic of apple cider vinegar and honey infused with powerhouse herbs, most of which are easy to grow.
A North American herbalist named Rosemary Gladstar popularised the term fire cider and has been publicising its health benefits of it for almost 40 years.
Regularly drinking this homemade cider is said to boost your health and naturally protect against colds and flus, while easing sinus congestion that’s already taken hold. Proponents also claim it can aid digestion.
The key ingredients of fire cider
The individual ingredients used – most of which can be grown in your garden at home – are all uniquely beneficial and, when infused together, form a lively and beneficial tonic.
Apple cider vinegar
Rich in potassium and alkaline in nature, used as a medium in this cider extracts minerals from the herbs.
Honey
As well as counteracting the acidic flavours, honey is a phytonutrient powerhouse, full of antioxidants and has both antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
Chilli or cayenne peppers
Stimulates the circulatory system which promotes healing.
Garlic
An expectorant, as well as boasting antibacterial, anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties.
Horseradish
A digestion stimulant, it is also used to treat colds and flus, sinus and lung congestion, headaches as well as hayfever and allergies.
Ginger
Enhances immune function, aids nausea, has potent antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
Onions
Nutrient dense and packed with antioxidants, onions are also antibacterial and help improve immune function.
How to make fire tonic
In Issue #20 of Pip Magazine, we reveal everything you need to know about making this homemade cider, including:
- The health benefits of fire tonic, such as boosting your immunity.
- How and why it has been gaining in popularity.
- How best to consume this wonder elixir.
- The ultimate recipe for fire cider.
- Plus, recipes for immune oxymel and thyme cough syrup.
You can access this article online here as part of our digital subscription offering, or subscribe to the print version of Pip Magazine here.
