How To Make Fire Cider | Herbal Remedy for Cold/Flu
Learn how to make fire cider to fight off colds and flus. Everyone should have this herbal remedy in their pantry to boost immunity and support.
Knowing how to make fire cider is an essential pantry staple for every home. When you can chop some natural herbs and roots to make an antiviral immunity boost and infection fighter, it’s a no-brainer. This traditional recipe has been attributed as nature’s antibiotic, but without all the negative effects that antibiotics bring. Plus it’s great in aiding your circulatory and digestive systems.
Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor. All information I share with you is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. I encourage you to do your own research; you are responsible for your own health and for the use of any remedies, treatments, or medications you use at home.
How To Make Fire Cider Video Tutorial
What is Fire Cider?
The Fire Cider tonic is a traditional folk remedy that has been used for a very long time.
All the different herbs are purposely used and chosen for their individual qualities.
The herbs are steeped in raw apple cider vinegar for several weeks, then strained and finished with raw honey — to make the medicine go down, of course. 😉 But the honey also brings its own health benefits and help to preserve it.
This tonic can be taken by the spoonfuls or added to water and served as a cup of hot tea.
Benefits of Fire Cider
Fire cider is used because of its antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting properties, especially during the cold and flu seasons.
Let’s take a look at the ingredients and the benefits they provide.
- Garlic has antibacterial properties; boosts immunity and works as an anti-inflammatory Source
- Ginger is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory Source
- Onions are antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory Source
- Horseradish has the same benefits as above (and more!) with the addition of being a digestive aid Source
- Jalapenos contain constituents that prevent colds and promote a strong immune system Source
- Cayenne helps digestion, fights colds and flu, relieves migraine pain and more Source
Want More Herbal Remedies?
Check out my tutorials on more natural staples I keep stocked in my pantry!
How and Why to make Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
Links for Must-Haves
My homestead kitchen isn’t complete without a few necessities, like mason jars in all sizes and storage caps. They’re super handy for storing all kinds of goodies in my pantry! Here’s some links to where I bought mine:
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
I had a hard time finding fresh horseradish in the grocery store this time of year. So Amazon to the rescue!
How to Make Fire Cider Ingredients
Whenever possible, I use organic ingredients!
- 1 head of garlic, chopped
- 1 large onion
- 1/2 cup grated horseradish root
- 2 jalapenos
- several sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, or more if you can handle the heat (I’m using this for my family so keeping it doable for the kids)
- raw apple cider vinegar (I like to buy this in bulk from Azure)
- 1 cup (or to taste) raw honey, preferably local
How to Make Fire Cider Directions
- Combine all DRY ingredients into a half-gallon glass jar.
- Pour raw apple cider vinegar to cover all ingredients and up to the neck of the jar.
- Cover the jar using a plastic lid (vinegar will corrode a metal lid).
- Store in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks. Shake daily. I keep it in my pantry. Ready to use in 2 weeks, but I like to steep mine for at least 4 weeks.
- Strain out the vinegar into another glass jar.
- Add honey to taste and stir to combine
- As a preventative measure, administer 1 tsp daily. When you feel an illness coming on, one TBS at onset 3 times per day, every hour if sick.
- For young children, use smaller dosing. Do your research and due diligence for appropriate dosing for your children.
HOW TO MAKE FIRE CIDER
Equipment
- Half-gallon glass jars
- Wide-mouth storage caps
Ingredients
- 1 head of garlic chopped
- 1 large onion
- 1/2 cup grated horseradish root
- 2 jalapenos
- several sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or more if you can handle the heat (I’m using this for my family so keeping it doable for the kids)
- raw apple cider vinegar I like to buy this in bulk from Azure
- 1 cup or to taste raw honey, preferably local
Instructions
- Combine all DRY ingredients into a half-gallon glass jar.
- Pour raw apple cider vinegar to cover all ingredients and up to the neck of the jar.
- Cover the jar using a plastic lid (vinegar will corrode a metal lid).
- Store in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks. Shake daily. I keep it in my pantry. Ready to use in 2 weeks, but I like to steep mine for at least 4 weeks.
- Strain out the vinegar into another glass jar.
- Add honey to taste and stir to combine
- Administer 1 tsp daily as a preventative measure. One TBS at onset of illness 3 times per day, every hour if sick.
- For young children, use smaller dosing. Do your research and due diligence for appropriate dosing for your children.
Video
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How do you treat colds and flus?
Do you suffer in misery when you and your get sick? Do you rush to urgent care or the doctor’s office? Perhaps you grab for the bottle of liquid green stuff that promises nighty-night comfort and leaves you with medicine-head aftermath? Or maybe you make herbal remedies too! When we have the knowledge to heal ourselves and families, it’s empowering! Let me know what your go-tos are for combatting the winter ailments, and let’s learn from each other. Thanks, friend!
Lisa
August 31, 2023 @ 11:10 am
How long does it last after the 4 weeks?
I messed up and used a gallon jar instead of half gallon, hopefully it is just as good.
Jersey
January 16, 2020 @ 4:34 pm
Here’s another big thank-you!! Hope it counts lol
Amy | Our Amyable Farmhouse
January 16, 2020 @ 7:07 pm
Thank you, Jersey!
Laura
January 16, 2020 @ 12:15 pm
What a great recipe and remedy to have on hand!!
Amy | Our Amyable Farmhouse
January 16, 2020 @ 12:50 pm
Yes! And with all our oils, there’s nothing we can’t fight!
Amy | Our Amyable Farmhouse
January 16, 2020 @ 12:51 pm
Oh! And thank you SO much for the vote!
Alexa Gibbons
January 14, 2020 @ 9:48 am
This sounds SUPER powerful with the jalapenos. I can do horseradish, but man this would knock my sinuses out! Thanks so much for sharing!
Amy | Our Amyable Farmhouse
January 14, 2020 @ 2:27 pm
Yes, that’s the point: knock out the illness and infection! 🙂
Jersey
January 13, 2020 @ 5:17 pm
This is awesome! I’ve heard of something like before. I’m going to try this. I’ll let you know how it turns out and tag you. (I will try) lol not too social media savvy. Lol
Amy | Our Amyable Farmhouse
January 14, 2020 @ 8:54 am
That would be awesome if you tagged me, Jersey! I hear you on the tech savvy-ness — I’m right there with ya, friend!