Fire cider is a traditional herbal remedy known for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. Making fire cider at home is a simple and cost-effective way to enhance your wellness routine. In this tutorial, you will learn how to create your batch of fire cider using easy-to-find ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned herbalist or new to DIY remedies, this ultimate guide will quickly walk you through the process.

Jump to Recipe

Do you want to give your immune system a boost? It’s a good idea during cold and flu season when you get run down or when the kiddos return to school. It always seems that after kids return to school after a break, it isn’t long before someone has a runny nose and sniffles.

Learn how to make an immune-boosting fire cider tonic to support your body during the cold and flu season. This herbal remedy contains medicinal ingredients that will give your body the support it needs. Use it as a preventative measure and taken when sick.

What is Fire Cider?

Fire cider is an age-old remedy used explicitly during cold and flu season. This herbal concoction consists of ingredients that support the immune system. Many of these common ingredients are rich in vitamins and minerals, are high in antioxidants, and are anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. This tonic is typically made from a combination of immune-boosting ingredients such as apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, onion, horseradish, and hot peppers. These items are placed in a glass jar with raw apple cider vinegar (the one with the mother) and left to brew into a spicy, medicinal tonic.

Cutting boards with oranges, limes, lemons, garlic, ginger, cranberries, red onion and jalapenos.

The Immune-Boosting Properties of Fire Cider

Fire Cider ingredients are well known for their immune-boosting properties. Apple cider vinegar, for example, is rich in beneficial compounds such as acetic acid, which has antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. Garlic and ginger are also well-known for their immune-boosting properties, while hot peppers contain capsaicin, which may help combat inflammation and support immune function.

The Role of Fire Cider in Immunity

Many proponents of Fire Cider believe that its natural ingredients work synergistically to support the immune system. The combination of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant compounds present in Fire Cider helps the body defend against pathogens. And thus maintain optimal immune function. While scientific research on Fire Cider is limited, the individual ingredients have been studied for their potential immune-boosting effects, supporting the notion that it may contribute to overall immunity.

There is no one fire cider recipe, but I will share with you my favorite that I have come to depend on. You can mix and match ingredients based on what you have available to you and your taste preferences. The base is usually onion, horseradish root, garlic, ginger root, hot pepper, and apple cider vinegar, with other herbs and roots tossed in based on preference and availability. Below is a list of common immune-boosting fire cider ingredients and their medicinal properties.

List of Ingredients and Their Medicinal Properties

Citrus fruits, such as oranges, limes, lemons, and grapefruits, are full of vitamin C and are powerhouses for boosting your immune system.
Garlic boosts your immune system as it is rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese. Research shows that it destroys bacteria, fungi, and parasites and lowers blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels.
Ginger reduces inflammation; its warming and antiseptic properties help with cold and flu symptoms.
Onions are antibacterial and rich in antioxidants.
Horseradish is antibacterial and boosts circulation. It packs a huge nutritional punch of calcium, dietary fiber, folate, manganese, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, and zinc. All of which boosts the immune system and overall health.
Jalapeños are rich in vitamins A and C, which help to boost the immune system.
Raw Honey as an ingredient not only makes things taste good but is also an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial agent.
Rosemary is an herb that stimulates the circulatory system.
Thyme is rich in antioxidants and is an antifungal agent. Use it to fight off infections and treat colds and sore throats.
Black Pepper helps with discharge of toxins, great at turbocharging our digestive system and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Rosehips have strong anti-inflammatory effects.
Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. This warming herb works well to treat colds and coughs.
Cayenne warms the circulatory system and gets the blood circulating through the body. Being rich in vitamins A and C, it supports the immune system.
Cranberries are a superfood high in antioxidants and help boost the immune system.

Cranberries floating on top of fire cider.

Steps to Make This Spicy Tonic

First, choose the ingredients from the list above. Make sure to wash and scrub the ingredients’ skins well, as it will all go into the jar. Chop and slice the ingredients and place them into a clean half-gallon glass jar. If you add jalapenos to your tonic, please wear rubber gloves when cutting and handling them.

Second, fill a glass jar with raw apple cider vinegar (the one with the mother). It is essential to ensure enough apple cider vinegar to cover all the ingredients in the jar, or the contents may spoil. Place a plastic lid on the jar. If you don’t have a plastic lid, put a piece of parchment paper between the metal lid and the rim of the glass jar to prevent it from rusting. Place the jar in a cool, dark area for 3 to 6 weeks. It is best to shake or stir daily for the first two weeks.

Fire cider being strained through a fine mess into a glass measuring bowl.

After the tonic has been allowed to steep, the solids are then strained off using a sieve or colander lined with a cheesecloth.

Strained fire cider in half gallon glass jar beside a container of pure Canadian raw honey.

Transfer the strained fire cider into a clean jar. Sweeten it with raw honey to taste (usually between 1/4 to 1/2 a cup, depending on your taste preference) and stored in the fridge for six months.

Incorporating This Tonic into Your Wellness Routine

Adding an Immune-Boosting Fire Cider to your daily wellness routine is straightforward. A small amount, such as a teaspoon, can be consumed directly or diluted in water or juice. Some individuals prefer to take Fire Cider at the first sign of illness, while others incorporate it into their daily regimen as a preventive measure. It’s important to note that Fire Cider has a strong, pungent flavor due to its potent ingredients, and it may not be suitable for everyone. It’s advisable to start with a small amount and gradually increase as tolerated. Consume 1-2 TBSP per day during the fall and winter is recommended as a preventative measure.