How to Make Fire Cider

A Much Loved Herbal Remedy

Fire cider is one of those magical, feel-good tonics that make you feel like you’re harnessing nature’s raw power into a jar. With roots in traditional herbalism, fire cider has been used for generations to boost immunity, ward off colds, and warm you from the inside out. Rosemary Gladstar, the queen of herbal remedies, popularized this fiery elixir, and now I’m adapting it to fit my style—infusing a bit of magic into every step.

Fire cider is customizable, allowing you to play with ingredients that match your taste, but the base remains the same: a spicy, tangy blend of immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory goodness. Here’s my take on this classic recipe, with some tips to add your own magical flair.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fresh grated horseradish root
• 1/2 cup fresh ginger root, peeled and grated
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 10 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 jalapeños, chopped (or adjust based on heat preference)
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp turmeric powder (or a 2-inch fresh turmeric root, grated)
• 1 tbsp black peppercorns
• 2 tbsp dried rosemary
• 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 1 tbsp cinnamon (optional for warmth and spice)
• Raw apple cider vinegar (enough to cover all ingredients)
• Raw honey to taste (added at the end)

Instructions:

1. Set Your Intention
   This is more than just a recipe—it’s an alchemical process. Set your intention before you begin. Whether it’s to bring health, vitality, or protection, visualize that energy as you prep your ingredients.
2. Prepare the Ingredients
   Chop, grate, and crush your herbs and roots. This is where the magic happens. Think of the fire elements (horseradish, ginger, jalapeños) as burning away any stagnant energy. As you chop the garlic and onion, let them bring you clarity and protection. Combine all ingredients in a clean, quart-sized jar.
3. Add the Vinegar
   Pour raw apple cider vinegar over the ingredients, enough to cover them completely. As you pour, imagine the vinegar drawing out all the beneficial properties, infusing them with your intention. You can even whisper a small blessing or affirmation into the jar: “May this tonic bring healing, warmth, and protection.”
4. Seal and Shake
   Cap the jar with a lid (you may want to place a piece of parchment paper between the lid and jar to prevent corrosion from the vinegar). Shake the jar well to mix everything together. Store it in a cool, dark place for about 3-4 weeks, shaking it daily. This process not only helps infuse the vinegar but also gives you time to infuse your energy and magic into the mix.
5. Strain and Sweeten
   After the 3-4 week period, strain the liquid into a clean jar using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Press down on the solids to extract as much fire cider as possible. At this point, add raw honey to taste. The honey not only mellows the vinegar’s acidity but also brings in the sweetness of healing.
6. Bottle and Use
   Store your fire cider in a glass jar or bottle. You can take it straight by the tablespoon, dilute it in warm water, or add it to soups or salad dressings. Take a shot daily as an immune booster, or a few extra doses if you feel a cold coming on. And of course, don’t forget to sip it with intention.

Magical Tips for Your Fire Cider:

1. Herbal Substitutions:
   Feel free to substitute or add other herbs like echinacea, cayenne, or sage to align the tonic with your needs. Sage, for example, brings in the energy of wisdom and purification.
2. Work With the Moon:
   Prepare your fire cider on a waxing moon for growth and healing energy or on the full moon for maximum potency. If possible, strain it during a waning moon to release anything that no longer serves you.
3. Add Crystals for Infusion:
   Place a small, clean crystal (like quartz or citrine) beside your jar while it infuses to amplify the healing energy.
4. Personalize It:
   Whether you add extra honey, cinnamon, or more jalapeños, tailor this recipe to suit your body and spirit. You know best what your body craves.

Summary List of Tips:

1. Set an Intention: Infuse your energy into the process for healing and protection.
2. Customize Ingredients: Swap out or add herbs to align with your magical and health needs.
3. Work With Lunar Energy: Time your brewing with moon phases for extra potency.
4. Add Crystals for Amplification: Infuse your cider with the energy of healing stones.
5. Personalize Your Fire: Adjust ingredients to suit your taste and magic, like more spice or sweetness.

References:

1. Herbalism and Fire Cider’s History
2. Health Benefits of Garlic, Ginger, and Horseradish
3. The Role of Vinegar in Infusions
4. Magic in the Kitchen: Infusing Intentions into Food
5. Moon Phases and Energy Work