At this point, I have never worked with COVID-19, though I have dealt with flus and colds. I know the COVID-19 is different from the common flu, but both present uncomfortable symptoms and the body needs additional support during these times. As we are all preparing for a time of social distancing, our health care system will become overwhelmed and taxed, along with disruption to our food and medicine supply chains. So, I want to share some supportive remedies that you can find in your kitchen cupboard or growing in your backyard to provide some relief. These tips are not to replace medical attention: if you are in respiratory distress ~ seek medical immediately attention, go the ER!

I just want to give you some tools that can be found in your home to empower you, so you don’t have to venture too far away from home during this period of social isolation. I will be sharing our family’s remedies that help ease discomforts experienced during flu and cold season.

So, what is Fire Cider? Well, it’s a hot and spicy tonic that helps boost your immune system, stimulates digestion, and warms you on cold winter days. Like most folk recipes, it changes with the availability of ingredients and at the maker’s whims. Nevertheless, it is basically apple cider vinegar infused with powerful immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, decongestant, and spicy circulatory movers, along with potent antioxidants and warming spices to support digestion. It is an ideal tonic to help prevent cold and flu symptoms and can shorten the duration if you do get a bug.

Fire Cider is very versatile; many people take 1-2 tablespoons daily throughout the flu and cold season as a preventative measure, or every three to four hours if symptoms arise. It’s great to use in a salad dressing or add to a smoothie or stir-fry and other dishes. Options are only limited by one’s imagination and palate.

When making Fire Cider, I love using local organic ingredients. But during times of limited resources, do your best to use local and organic ingredients but don’t sweat it. It’s better to have Fire Cider, than not. This is my recipe. But, like chicken soup, we all put our own spin on it, adapt it as you like, add or delete what makes sense to you. I am just giving you the basic template. If you are interested in more versions of Fire Cider, Rosemary Gladstar rounded up a bunch of herbalist and put together a book with over 100 Fire Cider recipes,  “Fire Cider!: 101 Zesty Recipes for Health-Boosting Remedies Made with Apple Cider Vinegar.”

I love the colors of the Fire Cider Horizons

Fire Cider (1 gallon)

Put each ingredient into a food processor to shred them first before measuring

1 cup packed peeled organic ginger root

1 cup packed peeled organic horseradish root

1 cup packed peeled organic turmeric

1 cup packed organic onion with its juice

7 organic cloves = ½ cup

3 chopped organic jalapeno peppers

2 organic lemons (peels and all)

Organic raw unpasteurized apple cider vinegar

1 cup raw honey (to taste)

Fill a clean jar with all the solid ingredients and then cover with organic apple cider vinegar. Do not use a metal lid with any vinegar. It will corrode the metal. Use a plastic lid or cork. If you need to use a metal lid, line it with plastic wrap or wax paper before screwing it on.

Store the jar out of the sun for at least 4-8 weeks, shaking it daily, giving it lots of love and intention. If you want it sooner, you can start stealing some after 1 week, but letting it sit longer is better.

Filter through a cheesecloth lined stainless steel strainer. Save the marc (plant material left over after you have filtered/pressed all the liquid out) for making chutney or adding to dishes.

After it is filtered, add 1 cup raw honey (to taste). I like to use Buckwheat honey because it balances the spices nicely.

Gently warm honey so it will mix easily with Fire Cider, add to taste. You want a hot, spicy and sweet tonic. Make sure not to heat honey over 110° F, as it will kill the wonderful enzymes and bacteria that are so rich in healing properties.

Fire Cider will keep for several months unrefrigerated, if stored in a cool pantry.  But it’s better to store in the refrigerator.

Remember to get lots of rest, don’t panic ~ relax, eat whole foods, lots of veggies, limit your sugar, alcohol, processed foods, crowds and wash your hands.

Be well!

What do you do to boost your immune system? Please share and I will continue to share.

All information is shared for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.