Homemade Fire Cider

Have you ever heard of fire cider? I never heard of it until I started looking more into homeopathic medicine a couple years ago. Ever since then, I always have the plan and intention to make it but never get around to it. But then, one of us would get a cold and I would wish that I had made it so we could use it!! Well, my husband and I caught a cold recently so I finally decided I was going to make it before the fall and winter season came with the seasonal sinus infections/ allergies/ colds. 

In this post, I will teach you the benefits of fire cider, what ingredients are used and why, and how to make fire cider!

This post may contain affiliate links of products I use and love. You can read my full disclosure here.

What is Fire Cider?

Fire cider is a traditional herbal remedy made by infusing raw, healthy ingredients. This fiery concoction is typically used to boost the immune system, improve digestion, and ward off colds and flu. It’s often consumed as a daily tonic, either on its own or mixed with water or juice.

Fire cider has been popularized by herbalists for its potential health benefits and its ability to warm the body and invigorate the senses, especially during the colder months!

What are the Benefits of Fire Cider?

Fire cider offers several potential benefits, making it a popular choice for those seeking natural remedies. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Immune System Support: The combination of ingredients like garlic, ginger, and horseradish in fire cider is known for their immune-boosting properties, helping to fend off colds, flu, and other infections.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Ingredients such as turmeric and ginger have strong anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and support overall health.
3. Digestive Aid: The vinegar base and spices can stimulate digestion, improve gut health, and help with issues like bloating and indigestion.
4. Respiratory Health: Fire cider’s pungent ingredients can help clear sinuses, ease congestion, and support respiratory health, making it particularly useful during the cold and flu season.
5. Antioxidant-Rich: Many of the herbs and spices used in fire cider are rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and protect the body’s cells from damage.
6. Circulation Boost: The spicy nature of fire cider, particularly from ingredients like cayenne pepper, can help improve circulation and promote a warming sensation throughout the body.
7. Natural Energy Booster: The invigorating ingredients in fire cider can help increase energy levels naturally, providing a quick pick-me-up without the need for caffeine.
8. Supports Detoxification: Apple cider vinegar and the other ingredients in fire cider may help support the body’s natural detoxification processes, aiding in the removal of toxins.
9. Antimicrobial Properties: The antimicrobial nature of ingredients like garlic and honey can help fight off harmful bacteria and viruses, contributing to overall health and wellness.

What do You do with Fire Cider? 

As strong as it is to just smell it, I am sorry to break it to you that you have to drink it. After it has fermented (see below for more information on this), you will strain the ingredients to only have the liquid. Then, you will drink a ‘shot’ of it.

A typical “shot” of fire cider is usually about 1 to 2 tablespoons. This amount is often taken daily, especially during cold and flu season, to help boost immunity and overall health. Some people may dilute it with water, honey, or juice due to its strong flavor.

If you are looking for a natural way to wake up in the morning and a replacement of your morning coffee, fire cider will definitely wake you up!! 

I made a quick version of the recipe using water instead of apple cider vinegar to avoid the fermentation when I was sick, and let me tell you- you will be jumping around to get it down! 

What ingredients are Used? 

The ingredients that are used in fire cider are very important. The fermentation/ infusion process of the ingredients with the apple cider vinegar will ensure your immune and digestive system are reaping the benefits.

Also, I was able to find all these ingredients at my local grocery store!

Each ingredient offers its own unique health benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients commonly used in fire cider and their specific benefits:

1. Horseradish Root

• Respiratory Health: Helps clear sinuses and ease congestion.
• Digestive Aid: Stimulates digestion and promotes the secretion of digestive enzymes.
• Antimicrobial Properties: Contains compounds that can fight off bacteria and infections.

2. Ginger:

• Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces inflammation and pain in the body.
• Digestive Health: Eases nausea and supports healthy digestion.
• Immune Support: Boosts the immune system and helps prevent colds and flu.

3. Turmeric:

• Powerful Antioxidant: Protects cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• Anti-Inflammatory: Curcumin in turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory agent.
• Joint Health: Supports joint health and can relieve pain associated with arthritis.

4. Garlic:

• Antimicrobial: Has strong antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
• Heart Health: Lowers blood pressure and supports cardiovascular health.
• Immune Boosting: Enhances immune function and helps fight off infections.

5. Thyme:

• Respiratory Health: Eases coughs and respiratory issues.
• Antimicrobial: Helps fight off bacterial and fungal infections.
• Digestive Aid: Supports digestion and can relieve gas and bloating.

6. Rosemary:

• Antioxidant: Protects the body’s cells from oxidative stress.
• Memory and Concentration: Enhances memory and cognitive function.
• Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces inflammation and supports overall health.

7. Peppercorn (Black Pepper):

• Bioavailability Enhancer: Increases the absorption of curcumin from turmeric.
• Digestive Health: Stimulates the stomach to produce more hydrochloric acid, aiding digestion.
• Antioxidant: Protects the body from damage caused by free radicals.

8. Habanero Peppers:

• Circulation Boost: Increases blood circulation and promotes warmth in the body.
• Pain Relief: Capsaicin in habanero peppers can help reduce pain.
• Metabolism Support: Boosts metabolism and may aid in weight management.

9. Onions:

• Antioxidant: High in quercetin, which helps fight inflammation and oxidative stress.
• Heart Health: Supports heart health by reducing cholesterol levels.
• Immune Support: Enhances immune function and helps prevent infections.

10. Cinnamon Stick

• Blood Sugar Control: Helps regulate blood sugar levels.
• Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces inflammation and supports overall health.
• Antioxidant: Rich in antioxidants that protect the body from oxidative stress.
• Digestive Health: Soothes the digestive tract and helps alleviate discomfort.

11. Orange

•   Vitamin C: Boosts immune function and helps the body fight off infections.
•   Antioxidant: Protects cells from oxidative damage.
•   Skin Health: Promotes healthy, glowing skin.

12. Lemon

• Detoxification: Aids in detoxifying the liver and supports digestion.
• Immune Boosting: High in vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system.
• Alkalizing: Helps balance the body’s pH levels and reduces acidity.

13. Apple Cider Vinegar

• Digestive Health: Supports digestion and helps balance stomach acidity.
• Blood Sugar Regulation: Helps lower blood sugar levels and improves insulin sensitivity.
• Detoxification: Promotes detoxification by supporting liver function.

These ingredients work synergistically in fire cider to provide a wide range of health benefits, making it a potent natural remedy for boosting overall health and wellness.

Anything Else Needed to Make Fire Cider? 

Along with the ingredients, there are some products that will make the process easier!

1. Mason Jar/ Glass Container: You will need to have a mason jar or any form of container that will be easy to add ingredients to then pour out.
   • Note: You will need to add a layer of parchment paper between the metal lid and jar to prevent rusting due to the vinegar. 
2. Strainer: Once the cider is fermented, you will strain the ingredients out to reap the benefits of the liquids!
3. *Juicer/ press: This is not mandatory but could be beneficial. You will want every last drop of the goodness that comes from the ingredients. So, you might opt for a juicer/ press to use on the ingredients that are left over after you have strained the juice. 
4. Glass bottle/ mason jar (again): after the liquid it strained and then pressed (if you choose to), you will now need to add your liquid gold to a bottle. You will want to choose a bottle that is easy to pour from as you will be pouring a ‘shot’ of fire cider daily and / or when you need it!
   1. I like to recycle used salad dressing jars that are glass for this!

How do you Make It? 

After you have gathered your materials and ingredients, it’s time for the fun part! 

Prepare the Ingredients:

• Chop the horseradish, ginger, and turmeric.
• Peel and crush the garlic cloves.
• Chop the onion, habanero peppers, and slice the orange and lemon.
• Strip the thyme and rosemary leaves from their stems.

Combine in a Jar:

• Place the prepared horseradish, ginger, turmeric, garlic, thyme, rosemary, peppercorns, habanero peppers, chopped onion, orange slices, lemon slices, and the cinnamon stick into a large, clean glass jar.

Add Apple Cider Vinegar:

• Pour enough apple cider vinegar into the jar to completely cover the ingredients. Ensure that the vinegar fills the jar almost to the top, leaving a small space.

Seal and Shake:

• Secure the lid tightly on the jar. 
• If using a metal lid, place a piece of parchment paper between the lid and the jar to prevent corrosion from the vinegar.
• Shake the jar well to mix the ingredients.

Infuse and Ferment:

• Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 3-4 weeks. Shake the jar daily or as often as possible to help with the infusion process.

Strain the Mixture:

• After 3-4 weeks, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean jar or bottle. 
• *OPTIONAL*: Press/ juice the solid ingredients to reap the benefits from all the ingredients!

Optional Sweetening:

• If desired, add honey to taste. Stir well until the honey is fully dissolved.

Store:

• Store your fire cider in a glass jar or bottle with a tight lid. Keep it in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place. It should last for several months.

What do You do with Fire Cider After it is Made? 

Since this will be my first batch, I am planning to keep it for myself/ husband to test. If all goes well, I plan to make more for gifts! Here are more things you can do with your fire cider:

Daily Wellness Tonic:

• Take 1-2 tablespoons straight or diluted in water to boost your immune system and support digestion.

Immune Boosting Shot:

• Take a small shot (1 oz) during cold and flu season to help ward off illness.

Salad Dressing:

• Use fire cider as a zesty base for salad dressings. Mix with olive oil and a little honey for a spicy, tangy vinaigrette.

Marinade for Meat:

• Marinate chicken, beef, or tofu in fire cider for a flavorful, tenderizing effect before grilling or roasting.

Cooking Ingredient:

• Add a splash of fire cider to soups, stews, and chili for a boost of flavor and nutrition.

Flavor Enhancer for Sautéed Veggies:

• Drizzle fire cider over sautéed vegetables for an extra kick.

Decongestant:

• Sip a spoonful of fire cider to help clear nasal congestion during a cold or allergies.

Digestive Aid:

• Take a tablespoon before meals to stimulate digestion and reduce bloating.

Immune Boosting Tea:

• Add a tablespoon of fire cider to hot water with honey and lemon for a warming, immune-supporting tea.

Gargle for Sore Throat:

• Dilute fire cider with warm water and gargle to help soothe a sore throat.

Spray for Plants:

• Dilute fire cider with water and use it as a natural insect repellent for plants (use sparingly and test on a small area first).

Spicy Condiment:

• Use fire cider as a condiment or sauce for sandwiches, tacos, or grain bowls.

Gift Idea:

• Pour fire cider into small bottles and gift it to friends and family as a homemade wellness tonic.

Healthy Hot Sauce:

• Substitute fire cider for hot sauce in recipes or as a topping for eggs, tacos, and more.

I have made my fire cider and it is currently fermenting. I will update y’all when it is finished infusing! I am excited to have this for my family to have during the cold season! The versatile uses make fire cider a valuable addition to your kitchen and wellness routine! 

Leave a comment below if you make some fire cider for yourself!