You might have heard about it. Maybe on social media. Maybe you’ve seen it bottled for sale at a store. But what is it? What’s the hype?
Fire Cider is a homeopathic infusion in vinegar of a variety of ingredients historically known for their ability to fight off general cold and flu bugs. Medicinal vinegars have thousands of years of historical development, but the thing we now know as “Fire Cider” was created and named in the 1970s by renowned herbalist Rosemary Gladstar.
What is Fire Cider?
The base of this infusion is raw apple cider vinegar. By “raw” we mean the vinegar that still contains the “mother”. The "mother" is the cloudy, web-like strands of beneficial bacteria, yeast, and enzymes that form during the fermentation of apple cider vinegar, and it's often considered a sign that the vinegar is raw, unfiltered, and still rich in natural probiotics.
Added to that are ingredients with a long history in traditional herbal medicine. The warming, spicy backbone comes from hot peppers, ginger, horseradish, and black pepper, all long used to clear sinus congestion, ease nausea, and stimulate circulation. Black pepper's piperine is also thought to boost the absorption of other beneficial compounds like turmeric's curcumin, a well-known anti-inflammatory. Garlic and onion add sulfur compounds and antioxidants like allicin and quercetin, both traditionally associated with immune support, while citrus (lemon and orange) rounds things out with vitamin C and flavonoids.
The remaining ingredients deepen the tonic's traditional reputation for supporting respiratory and digestive health. Cinnamon and star anise bring warming, antioxidant, and antiviral folk properties, while the fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano, contribute natural antimicrobial compounds long used to soothe coughs, ease sore throats, and support overall immunity. Finally, raw honey, added after straining to preserve its enzymes, lends its own natural antibacterial and soothing qualities. Together, this combination reflects centuries of folk wisdom, though it's worth noting these are traditional uses rather than clinically proven medical claims.
How to Make Fire Cider
Fire Cider is flexible and adaptable to what you have available to you. There really is no strict recipe. If you absolutely cannot stand horseradish, don’t include it! If you are allergic to something, leave it out. There are still huge benefits in your infusion.
Here is a list of things traditionally found in Fire Ciders:
- Apple Cider Vinegar (with the “Mother”) - full of enzymes and probiotics - this is your extraction liquid. Do not change this ingredient.
- Jalapeno/ cayenne/ hot peppers
- Fresh Ginger
- Fresh Turmeric
- Fresh Horseradish
- Lemon & Orange (any citrus)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Black pepper
- Cinnamon
- Star Anise
- Fresh Thyme
- Fresh Rosemary
- Fresh Oregano<
- Raw Honey (add after you strain the infusion)
Fill your jar with ingredients and cover with the vinegar. Let it steep for 2-4 weeks in a cool dark place. Shake regularly. Strain out solids and set them aside. (Don’t throw them out!) Put your infused vinegar into a jar and add raw honey if desired.
The “Recipe” for Fire Cider
I hear you. But what about a real recipe? This is folk medicine, and there are no strict rules. Everyone’s “recipe” is different. Here’s some very general guidance for the major ingredients if you are filling a quart jar. You want to be able to cover all your ingredients with the vinegar by an inch.
- Ginger, chopped - 1/2 cup
- Turmeric, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried) - 1/2 cup
- Horseradish, grated - 1/4 cup
- Garlic, chopped - 4–6 cloves
- Onion, chopped - 1/4 cup
- Jalapeño or cayenne pepper, chopped - 1 whole (or 1–2 tsp dried cayenne)
- Lemon and/or orange, chopped (peel on) - 1 whole
- Black peppercorns - 1 tsp
- Include the other herbs and spices to taste
After straining your infusion, add 2-4 tablespoons of raw honey.
You may need to look in the organic foods section of your grocery store or a local farm market to find raw vinegar and raw honey. The unpasteurized nature of the raw ingredients is vital to preserve the probiotics that are so helpful.
How to Use Fire Cider
Your medicinal tonic can be taken straight (like a shot) if you’re brave. Or you can dilute a tablespoon in some water or juice. You can even sprinkle it on veggies! Around here, we take a shot at the first hint of any kind of cold or respiratory illness.
Those herbs and fruits you strained out? Dehydrate them! Then pulverize in a blender. Save this spice blend for use on poultry, pork, or veggies. It really is delicious!
Store your Fire Cider jar in the refrigerator and be sure to mix it up before you use it.
Keeping the tradition of making your own herbal remedies is a rewarding way to take charge of your wellness. There is real satisfaction in crafting such a powerful staple for your pantry, when you know exactly what went into the jar. We hope you live a happy, healthy winter season, but if you feel some sniffles coming on, you'll be prepared with some Fire Cider!
Please note: Fire Cider is a traditional folk remedy and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only.
