What is fire cider, and what do you do with it?

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Winter is almost here, and you know what that means—time to whip up a fresh batch of fire cider to warm up those cold, cold nights.

And while it kind of sounds like something a frat boy might drink, fire cider fans swear by its ability to boost the immune system and help them stave off colds & flu—and it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

So, if you’re starting to feel like practically everyone is ranting and raving about the benefits of this spicy tonic, then it might be time to discover the benefits for yourself.

Where does fire cider come from?

Based on centuries-old traditions of kitchen medicine, fire cider was popularized by renowned herbalist Rosemary Gladstar in the late 1970s. Of the recipe, Gladstar is quoted as saying:

“Herbal remedies and formulas are handed down and passed down through many generations. The information comes from ancient plant wisdom that doesn’t belong to us, but is ours to use and share. So, this particular recipe is based on ancient history.”

As healing herbs and vinegars have been used by various civilizations for centuries, it’s always interesting to see how much these recipes change (or don’t change!) over time.

Uses and benefits of homemade fire cider

On the most basic level, fire cider is simply an infused vinegar.

You can use it in place of plain white vinegar in salad dressings, marinades, soups, sauces, meat dishes, and more.

Some people drink it straight (not for the faint of heart!), while others prefer it diluted in water, or over ice as a non-alcoholic cocktail.

Whichever way you take it, 1-2 tbsp seems to be the standard recommended daily dose.

Depending on the recipe you choose, fire cider comes with a wide array of purported health benefits, including:

·      Antioxidant, antiviral and antibacterial properties

·      Improving circulation (to warm you up!)

·      Reducing severity of cold symptoms

·      Relief of nasal congestion

·      Supporting immune function

And while many people swear that fire cider confers all of these benefits and more, it’s important to note that the health benefits of fire cider are yet to be verified by science. As with most natural remedies, it’s better to think of the tonic as an herbal ally, supporting you in your quest for good health, rather than as a miracle cure for all that ails you.

Making fire cider

Making fire cider at home is as simple as throwing a few fresh ingredients into a jar and letting them sit for a month or so. You can use Gladstar’s recipe or customize your cider to suit your own health needs and personal tastes.

While cold and flu season might be upon us, there’s still time to get your fire cider started in before winter.