Fire Cider Herbal Tonic for Boosting Immunity

Fire cider is a popular herbal concoction made by herbalists to use as an immune boosting tonic. It is especially useful during cold and flu season as it can help alleviate congestion and defend the body further against respiratory ailments. Fire cider is affordable and easy to make right in your own kitchen using ingredients you can find in your local grocery store or health foods market.

Using medicine you make yourself can actually help one heal faster and easier not only on a physical level but also spiritually and emotionally. It is an activity that can be enjoyed long before you get ill. Some herbalists believe making your own medicine is helpful on a deeper vibrational level which is conducive to the healing process. Fire cider is just one of many herbal remedies you can implement at home. The best part of making your own medicine and tonics is that you will know exactly what is going into them. Herbal medicine isn't an exact science either so it is a great avenue for beginners interested in using medicine making and herbalism as a catalyst for good health.

An herbal tonic is a formula that is to be taken daily over the course of many weeks or months. Tonic herbs usually need a period of time to build up in your system. It is wise to start this regimen in the fall in time for cold and flu season, but you can also start using it any time.

The following ingredients is what you will need to make your own batch of fire cider, with a brief synapses of each herb.

Horseradish- Useful for fighting off bacterial infections as well as helping with common digestive problems. Horseradish is a mild antibiotic and is useful as an expectorant. It also helps one to break a fever quickly as it's a diuretic and helps move toxins through the body. (1/4- 1/2 cup grated horseradish)

Garlic- Garlic is probably nature's number one herb for boosting the body's immunity. Garlic contains a powerful substance called Allicin which is regarded as an herbal form of penicillin as it fights off bacteria. Garlic helps detoxify the body as well as increase circulation. It is useful for colds, coughs and many lung ailments. (use 5-6 cloves peeled and minced)

Onion- Onion's have antiseptic qualities and are very effective in many home remedies. It is very useful in treating flu, colds and other respiratory ailments. It is widely used as an expectorant and helps prevent infection. (1/4 cup chopped)

Apple Cider Vinegar- A folk remedy of sort. Apple cider vinegar is the catalyst in your fire cider. Many believe a daily dose is good as a tonic for many ailments. (2 cups)

Cayenne Powder- Spicy and warming cayenne also has many medicinal properties. It helps with circulation as well as in supporting the major organ systems of the body. It reduces inflammation. It is useful to start using cayenne at the onset of the flu, cold, bronchitis and laryngitis. (1 teaspoon)

Honey- Honey is soothing to sore throats and is an old time tonic remedy. It is useful in boosting vitality and reducing inflammation. (to taste, this is added after your fire cider is strained after 4 weeks)

Ginger- Ginger is an antiviral herb as well as stimulating. It is especially useful for the flu but also is a wonderful tonic herb. Ginger is warming and effective when one is suffering from nausea, chest colds and the flu. It is a staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine formulations and many western herbal remedies. (1/4-1/2 cup grated ginger)

You will also need a large sized clean, dry glass jar with a tight fitting lid. Large pickle jars or half gallon jars work best. You will want to use organic or homegrown ingredients if you are able as you want your medicine as free of pesticides, fungicides and herbicides as possible.

Combine all the ingredients in the jar (reserving the honey) and shake gently. Let the jar sit for 4 weeks. You will want to store the jar in a dry and dark spot, shaking daily if possible. If you forget don't worry though, it is very forgiving.

After 4 weeks is up you will need to strain the herbs out through cheese cloth. Be sure to squeeze out all of the excess liquid, be sure to save the liquid (this is the tonic) .Then compost the plant matter.

Mix in the honey and store the liquid in the jar. You will want to store this tonic in a dark dry area. Always be sure to label your herbal concoctions and keep away from children and pets.

To take the fire cider, start with a couple of teaspoons then work up to taking one ounce daily. Or twice daily if you are ill. Fire cider is a tonic so it should be used daily for several weeks for best results. It makes a delicious salad dressing!

Fire cider can also be used as a liniment and rubbed into sore, achy joints for relief from inflammation.