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Rosemary Gladstar – The Origins of Fire Cider

“I really wanted vinegar tinctures to take off, so I came up with this recipe and thought the combination of flavors was fabulous—hot, sour, pungent, and sweet. Not only does it taste good, but it’s also easy to make and uses common herbs that you can get from your backyard or local grocery store,” she recalls.

The original Fire Cider recipe consists of fresh horseradish, ginger, garlic, onions, and cayenne pepper, all macerated in raw apple cider vinegar for three to four weeks. This infusion is then finished with honey, balancing the sharpness of the other ingredients with a touch of sweetness. The resulting tonic is a powerhouse of immune-boosting and circulatory-supporting properties, traditionally used to ward off colds, aid digestion, and invigorate the body.

Gladstar’s Fire Cider quickly gained popularity among herbalists and home remedy enthusiasts, becoming a staple in natural health circles. Its simplicity, accessibility, and effectiveness have made it a widely embraced remedy, inspiring countless variations while remaining true to its original intent.

Beyond its practical uses, Fire Cider embodies the heart of herbalism: a connection to nature, self-sufficiency, and the wisdom of traditional healing practices. Rosemary Gladstar’s creation continues to be cherished by herbalists and health-conscious individuals, reinforcing her legacy as a pioneer in modern herbal medicine.

Fire cider provides very similar immune-boosting benefits to elderberry syrup; it can be diluted with water or tea and taken when you feel under the weather. However, the benefits of fire cider go way beyond cold and flu season. It can be considered a preventative measure while you are healthy, and additionally, it can be taken to promote and stimulate healthy digestion and enzyme production. After reading about all the wonderful benefits of fire cider, you’ll want to add this recipe to your collection.

Health Benefits

Gladstar breaks down what each ingredient brings to the table:

• Apple cider vinegar is a great digestive aid.
• Horseradish is the number-one herb for combating sinus congestion and headaches. It clears your sinuses better than anything; even when you’re just grating it, by the time you’re done, your sinuses are wide open.
• Ginger is a warming circulatory herb that’s wonderful for digestion. It also helps fight infection and is good for nausea.
• Garlic is the poor man’s penicillin. It has broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antibacterial properties and is an excellent aid for fighting infection. It also produces a heat that helps lower cholesterol.
• Onions have similar properties to garlic and are also good for colds and flu.
• Cayenne pepper is one of the best cardiovascular herbs. It helps your immune system mobilize and move blood through the system.
• Honey is soothing for inflamed tissues and organs, but its primary purpose is as a harmonizer or buffer. It helps blend all the flavors in fire cider and makes it palatable not just to your taste buds but to your whole digestive system.

The plants that make fire cider are also antimicrobial, warding off unwanted viruses and bacteria. The resulting infusion invigorates the lungs and sinuses when congestion strikes. Sipping fire cider by the tablespoonful is an excellent way to get these therapeutic benefits.

• The ingredients have strong roots as herbal remedies.

• Fire cider has minimal side effects. So, if you enjoy the drink, there’s no reason to avoid it, but it shouldn’t replace any prescription medications you already take.

Rosemary Gladstar encourages experimentation. Since its inception, Ms. Gladstar has taught it to those interested in learning; the recipe was published in her first book, #AD Herbal Healing For Women.

Here’s what you’ll need to make it at home.

Supplies:

All the supplies below are linked to Amazon

1.  Mason #AD or  Ball #AD jar at least 32 oz.
2. Fine Mesh Strainer #AD
3. Funnel  #AD
4. Juicer  #AD if you’d like to add some orange, lemon, or lime

Ingredients:

• raw apple cider vinegar (with the “mother”)to cover. I prefer #AD Bragg
• ½ cup fresh ginger root (grated or chopped) preferably organic
• ½ cup fresh horseradish root (grated or chopped)*
• ½ cup onion (chopped)
• 10 cloves garlic (crushed or chopped)
• 1-2 fresh hot peppers (such as jalapeño or habanero, chopped)
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder (or 2 tablespoons fresh turmeric root, grated)
• 1-2 tablespoons raw honey (to taste, optional) I prefer #AD manuka

* I was unable to purchase fresh horseradish. I used a jar of Fresh Grated Ba-Tampte-prepared horseradish which I found in the refrigerator section of my grocery store. Check the link for a list of supermarkets where you may purchase.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Chop, grate, or crush all solid ingredients to release their flavors.
2. Fill the jar: Place all ingredients (except honey) into a clean quart-sized glass jar.
3. Add vinegar: Pour raw apple cider vinegar over the ingredients until they are fully submerged. I find the 32 oz. bottle is perfect.
4. Cover: Use a non-metal lid. I prefer #AD these.
5. Shake: Shake the jar well and store it in a cool, dark place for 4 weeks, optimally; if you need it sooner, 2 weeks will do. Shake daily to help with the infusion.
6. Strain: After at least 2 weeks, strain the mixture using a fine-mesh sieve or #AD cheesecloth.
7. Bottle & Store: Transfer the fire cider to a clean glass bottle and store it in the refrigerator for up to a year.
8. Drink:  Add a tablespoon of Fire Cider to tea or warm water. Stir in raw honey to taste and mix well.

How to Use Fire Cider:

• Take 1 tablespoon daily for immune support.
• Use as a salad dressing or mix into marinades.
• Add to tea, soup, or even a cocktail.

Salad Dressing:

Incorporating fire cider as a dressing can be a great way to increase your stomach acid and aid in the digestion of your meal. This dressing is delicious over a leafy green salad.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon mustard
1 tablespoon fire cider
Dash of sea salt and pepper

Directions:

Mix in a #AD mason jar and serve over a salad of your choice.

Is Fire Cider for you? Would you try it, or have you tried it? Let me know in the comments.

Here’s to your health!