With cold and flu season upon us, I take all measures possible to stay healthy the natural way. With a preschooler bringing home all kinds of germs, it isn’t easy! But I have recently been introduced to Fire Tonic and I have fallen in love. I love it so much, I have decided to make my own. Now what exactly is Fire Tonic?
First, a little history- Fire Tonic is a wonderful old folk remedy, going back to at the very least 1800’s, used by many herbalists to boost immunity and ward off colds and the flu. This tonic infuses vinegar with spicy foods such as onions, horseradish, peppers, onions, and garlic, along with the sweetness of honey. “Fire cider” was coined by Rosemary Gladstar, a well-known herbalist in California, in the 70’s. However, there is recent debate over the name since one particular Massachusetts’s company has trademarked the name “Fire Cider”, so I will call it Fire Tonic, like Mountain Rose Herbs does. (The situation has been described as it being like trademarking “pizza” by Tradition Not Trademark).
There are many different variations of Fire Tonic, but these are the ingredients that I used and what they do:
Onions- high in vitamin C and antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties
Garlic- is antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal
Habanero peppers – high in vitamin C, antibacterial, inhibits yeast, thins excessive mucus, clears sinuses,and promotes sweating- releasing toxins
Ginger- promotes sweating, cleanses lymphatic system, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory
Horseradish- high in vitamin C, antibacterial, clears sinuses, thins excessive mucus
Oranges- high in vitamin C, as well as many other minerals, antioxidants, and fiber
Lemons – high in vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, as well as many minerals
Raw Apple Cider Vinegar with the mother- ACV is naturally antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, relieves sinus congestion by thinning excessive mucus, promotes a healthy pH balance to aid digestion and candida growth, and so much more!
Raw Local Honey – natural cough suppressant as it reduces mucus secretion, natural allergy reliever, boosts immunity with antioxidants,
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, peeled and chopped
- 1-2 heads of garlic, peeled and chopped
- 4 habanero peppers, stem removed and chopped (wear gloves!)
- 1 large ginger root, grated
- 1 large horseradish root, grated
- 1 small turmeric root, grated (or 2-3 T ground turmeric)
- 1 large orange, chopped
- 2-3 lemons, chopped
- raw apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup honey (more or less depending on your liking)
Equipment:
- 1 – 1/2 gallon glass mason jar, clean and sterilized.
- If using a metal lid, make sure to use parchment paper to cover the top before screwing the lid on. Or use a plastic lid.
- Cheese cloth
- Second container, clean and sterilized
- Add all ingredients to mason jar, except the apple cider vinegar and honey.
- Pour apple cider vinegar in last, making sure to cover all ingredients.
- Close the top. Store in a dark, cool area for 1 month, shaking jar once a day.
- After 1 month, strain ingredients through a cheesecloth into another container. Be sure to really squeeze the juices out of the ingredients.
- Add honey to the infused vinegar.
- Close and store in a dark, cool place.
I personally take it when I feel like I’m starting to get sick, or a family member is sick. Knock on wood, this has been able to keep family members’ illnesses at bay while I’m on call for births. While this can be taken while breastfeeding or pregnant, be aware that it might cause some heartburn!
*Please note- I always inform clients if my family members or I am sick or feel an illness coming on. Also, please take note that this is a folk remedy and that I am not a nutritionist nor an herbalist. I cannot make any promises that it will prevent any illnesses.
