All About Homemade Fire Cider: Health Benefits & Recipe

Fire cider is an amazing anti inflammatory and immune boosting tonic that has the ability to keep you healthy all winter long! 

It’s that time of year again when the cold weather starts to set in and the sickness follows. Everyone is thinking of what they can do to help stay healthy and keep their kiddos healthy. 

What is fire cider?

Fire Cider is a spicy delicious tonic made by infusing apple cider vinegar with amazingly powerful ingredients and herbs. Herbalist Rosemary Gladstar came up with the idea in the 1970’s. 

What does fire cider taste like?

Fire cider has a tangy, vinegary, spicy taste to it. Personally, I love the taste of it (so does my husband). It may be a little too spicy for some kids or adults. However, the best thing about fire cider is you have the ability to adjust the recipe to your liking! Therefor, if it is too spicy, simply add less jalapenos. 

How much fire cider should I take?

1-2 tbsp daily is all that’s needed to help boost your immune system at the start of fall and winter. We enjoy to take it straight, but some prefer to mix it with a little bit of water to dilute the spiciness. Also you can also add it to different recipes while cooking. Rosemary Gladstar recommends taking 1-2 tbsp at the first signs of a cold. 

How long does fire cider last?

Fire cider has the ability to last up to 18 months! After sitting for some time, sediment may form on the bottom. This is completely ok! Simply give it a shake, and it is good to go!

Ingredients in a jar for fire cider.
Making fire cider with ingredients all on a cutting board.

How does fire cider work?

Fire cider has been used for years by people all over the world to help boost your immune system. Fire cider is like elderberry syrup with its ability to help support your immune system. Also it also helps with digestion and is anti- inflammatory. 

The horseradish root will help to open your sinus’s and is also full of antioxidants and vitamin c which are great for building your immune system!

Garlic helps build strong immune functions and has been shown in studies to reduce the severity of colds and flu. Garlic has antimicrobial and antiviral properties to help fight colds and flu.

Onions contain a good amount of vitamin c, vitamin B6, potassium, and folates!

Peppers help with the function of your digestion and circulation. They are also rich in vitamin A, C and potassium.

Raw Honey is highly recommended for this recipe. Raw honey has enzymes and nutrients that get removed when honey is pasteurized and processed. Lastly, because of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties it can also be used at the first sign of a cough.

What’s in Fire cider?

1 whole red onion, chopped
8 garlic cloved, whole
1 lemon sliced with peel 
1 orange sliced with peel
1/2 cup ginger root, grated
1/2 turmeric root, grated
1/2 cup horseradish root, grated
6 Cloves of garlic, chopped
Thyme sprigs
Rosemary Sprigs
2 jalapeno Peppers *deseed for less spicy
2 Cinnamon sticks
32 oz Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
Raw Honey *to taste

Directions

  • Grate the horseradish root, ginger root, and turmeric root
  • Chop up your onion and slice your lemon ,orange, and jalapeno peppers.
  • Add your onion, orange slices, lemon slices, jalapeno peppers, grated horseradish root, grated ginger root, grated turmeric root, garlic cloves, rosemary sprigs, thyme sprigs, and cinnamon sticks to your jar. Once all the ingredients are added pour the apple cider vinegar into the jar.
  • Next, cut a square of parchment paper to go around the lid so the fire cider doesn’t rust the lid.
  • Store the fire cider jar in a dark place for 3-4 weeks and shake it everyday.
  • After it has sat for 3-4 weeks, strain your fire cider with cheese cloth into a new jar and press as much liquid out as you can.
  • Then stir in the honey until it is mixed well. Taste and add more honey to reach your desired sweetness. Fire cider should taste hot, spicy, and sweet.
  • Store in the fridge and shake before taking. Take 1-2 tbsp daily to help boost immune system.
 
Fire cider is an amazing anti inflammatory and immune boosting tonic that has the ability to keep you healthy all winter long! 
Jar filled with all the ingredients for fire cider.

Homemade Fire Cider

  • 2 Quart Jar
  • 1 Red Onion (Chopped)
  • 8 Cloves of garlic (Whole)
  • 1 Orange (With peel, Sliced)
  • 1 Lemon (With peel, sliced)
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Ginger root (Grated)
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Turmeric Root (Grated)
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Horseradish Root (Grated)
  • 6 Cloves of garlic (chopped)
  • 1 Fresh Thyme Sprig
  • 1 Fresh Rosemary Sprig
  • 2 Jalapeno Peppers (Sliced. *Deseed for less spicy. )
  • 32 oz Raw apple cider Vinegar
  • 2 Cinnamon Sticks
  • Raw Honey (*To taste. This is added after its sat for 4-6 weeks)

  1. Grate the horseradish root, ginger root, and turmeric root

  2. Chop up your onion and slice your lemon ,orange, and jalapeno peppers.

  3. Add your onion, orange slices, lemon slices, jalapeno peppers, grated horseradish root, grated ginger root, grated turmeric root, garlic cloves, rosemary sprigs, thyme sprigs, and cinnamon sticks to your jar. Once all the ingredients are added pour the apple cider vinegar into the jar.

  4. Cut a square of parchment paper to go around the lid so the fire cider doesn't rust the lid.

  5. Store your jar in a dark place for 3-4 weeks and shake it everyday.

  6. After it has sat for 3-4 weeks, strain your fire cider with cheese cloth into a new jar and press as much liquid out as you can.

  7. Stir in the honey until it is mixed well. Taste and add more honey to reach your desired sweetness. Your fire cider should taste hot, spicy, and sweet.

  8. Store in the fridge and shake before taking. Take 1-2 tbsp daily to help boost immune system.

Herbal Remedies
Disclaimer: I, Jess Turnquist, am not a medical professional and the content on my blog, my Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Tiktok page is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information on this site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult with your health care professional before treating yourself or anyone else. Neither I, Jess Turnquist, can be held liable for the choices and actions you as the reader make and/or the outcome of those choices and actions.

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4 Comments

  1. I made this over the weekend. Should I be seeing bubbles during the first 3-4 weeks before I do the cheesecloth step? I fermented something with honey and had the bubbles but I’m not sure if this is different since it uses ACL. TIA

    1. You probably won’t notice any bubbles with this. You should be shaking it everyday to mix all the ingredients around.

    1. There hasn’t been any studies showing that it isn’t safe but its best to ask your doctor or midwife. I’m pregnant and I take it:)

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