Kitchen Medicine: Part 2
If you were to take a look inside any herbalist’s fridge, you’d be sure to find a jar of elderberry syrup, and a jar of fire cider. These are two kitchen remedy staples that every person should have in order to keep their immune systems strong and resilient. The potent medicinal benefits of these two remedies pack a nutritional punch! The best part? They are super easy to make. Read on to discover the medicinal benefits of each remedy and instructions on how to make them yourself. Start with a small batch of each, and once you approve, scale up for the size of your family!
FIRE CIDER
We must begin the conversation around fire cider with mentioning the undoubted matriarch of modern american herbalism, Rosemary Gladstar. Rosemary has been teaching and sharing her herbal wisdom for the last 40 years. In her classroom, at the California School of Herbal Studies, many moons ago, Rosemary and her students gathered in class to create an herbal formula for winter health. They wanted to create a tonic that was easily accessible to people and so they used ingredients that are found in a typical kitchen. This is how fire cider was born. In the spirit of herbalism, Rosemary and her students used whatever traditional and academic wisdom they had to inspire a recipe unique to them. The base of their fire cider was apple cider vinegar - a common folk remedy for ailments such as heartburn, digestion, energy, first aid, and immune health. They added ingredients such as onion, garlic, horseradish, ginger, and cayenne and then let their concoction sit 4 weeks on the window sill, giving it a shake every day to agitate it. When it came time, the mixture was strained and honey was added to not only sweeten the flavor, but to also include its medicinal benefits.
The finished product of this classroom experiment turned out to be a big hit! It tasted great and worked wonders to help people through the cold and flu season. As the recipe spread, herbalists all over were sharing the recipe and making it one another- slightly modifying as it traveled around the country. Fire cider has grown to become one of the most popular herbal remedies and is now a common household staple.
Wait! But then WHAT happened?!
Fire cider has also come to be a beloved symbol of the “people's medicine.” The practice and tradition of herbalism is rooted in sharing and passing down herbal wisdom, so that people are empowered to know the land they live on, heal themselves, and inspire a deep love and connection to mother earth. This gives people agency over their own health in a world of misinformation, alienation, and unaffordability in the healthcare system. One company felt differently. They wanted to trademark the name “fire cider” and exploit the recipe’s popularity for their own profit. This would take away from all of the folk herbalists’ opportunity of selling this medicine and also make it so that herbal remedies can be trademarked in general. A legal battle ensued, igniting a collective defense against the commercialization and privatization of herbal medicine. That's right, fire cider is the instigator that may serve to stand as the dragon's breath of protection to keep big companies from taking the people's medicine away from them. Fire cider is our symbol of resistance safeguarding the herbal tradition of sharing wisdom and of securing people's access to their own healing traditions.
Let’s stick together, people! And start by making your very own batch of fire cider today! (or whenever you're free). Read on for a deeper study into the medicinal benefits of each of the ingredients and an easy to follow recipe to get you started making your own unique version.
At the heart of this potent blend lies a key ingredient : Apple cider vinegar, or ACV.
ACV: is popular in the wellness realm as it is a powerhouse of nutrients. Packed with enzymes, vitamins, and minerals, ACV can support digestion, balance blood sugar levels, and aid weight management. Natural fermentation lends itself to even more benefits, as a cluster of beneficial bacteria forms - referred to as “the mother" that ferment the vinegar. The mother is probiotic rich and so contributes to gut health, fostering a healthy microbiome essential for overall well being. Look for raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar with the mother.
Next, some base ingredients, all of which contribute their own unique medicinal benefits.
Horseradish: Horseradish is a potent root known for its ability to clear congestion and support respiratory health. Its strong flavor comes from compounds like glucosinolates, which have antimicrobial properties. When consumed, horseradish can help break down mucus and stimulate the immune system.
Garlic: Garlic is renowned for its immune-boosting properties due to its rich content of allicin, a powerful sulfur compound with antimicrobial effects. It supports cardiovascular health by promoting healthy blood circulation and may assist in reducing blood pressure. Additionally, garlic's antioxidants contribute to its potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
Ginger: Ginger is a versatile root that aids digestion by increasing enzyme activity and promoting gut motility. Its bioactive compounds, including gingerol, exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, potentially supporting immune health. Ginger is also known for its soothing properties, making it valuable for calming nausea and discomfort.
Onion: Onions contain quercetin, an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. This compound may help alleviate symptoms of allergies and respiratory issues. Onions also contribute to heart health by promoting healthy cholesterol levels and supporting blood vessel function.
Cayenne: Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which can stimulate blood circulation and promote metabolic activity. It may assist in reducing pain by desensitizing nerve receptors. Capsaicin also has potential anti-inflammatory effects and can temporarily alleviate nasal congestion.
Rosemary: Rosemary contains rosmarinic acid, an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. Its compounds may support digestion and alleviate muscle pain. The aroma of rosemary is believed to stimulate cognitive function and enhance memory.
Turmeric: Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent. It may help reduce joint pain and inflammation, making it beneficial for conditions like arthritis. Turmeric's potential cognitive benefits are attributed to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Lemon: Lemons are rich in vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that supports the immune system and collagen production. The citric acid in lemons aids digestion and may enhance mineral absorption. Lemon's alkalizing effect on the body can contribute to pH balance and overall well-being.
Use this recipe as a guide, adjusting as you go to please your own unique palate:
1 cup apple cider vinegar (with "the mother")
½ cup grated horseradish
½ cup chopped garlic
1/3 cup chopped onions
2 tablespoons grated ginger
1 whole chopped cayenne pepper (or less if too spicy- note, remove seeds to reduce spice)
Honey to taste
Combine all ingredients in a ½ gallon glass jar, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the jar and let it sit for 4 weeks, (or longer) shaking daily.
Strain by pouring over a mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth into a bowl or ½ gallon jar.
Warm 1 c of honey (do not overheat as it kills the medicinal qualities) and add to the strained liquid. Stir and let cool. Your fire cider is ready!
How to use your fire cider:
You can use fire cider as a daily tonic, taking 1 tbsp (or a “shot” ) daily to keep your immune system healthy and resilient especially during cold and flu season. Personally, I need to dilute it in some water as it is a little too harsh on my sensitive throat.
On the onset of feeling “sick” you may increase to taking shots throughout the day. Another way to incorporate fire cider into your daily life, is to use it as a salad dressing or marinade - or even add it to soup! Treat it as food and eat it/drink it up!
Safety Precautions
While fire cider is a dynamic herbal ally, it's important to exercise caution. Its fiery nature can be intense for some individuals, particularly those with sensitive stomachs. Introduce it gradually and adjust the potency to suit your preferences. If you have any underlying health conditions, are pregnant, or are on medications, consult a healthcare professional before incorporating fire cider into your routine.