Fire Cider is an immune system tonic. Tonics stimulates energy and increase strength and tone of a system. Now that the seasons are changing and fall and winter can be cold and moist warming herbs are the center of this fiery tonic. There is no one way to make a Fire Cider but the foundation of the Cider is always the same. Apple Cider Vinegar with the mother is the menstruum used in this tonic. A menstruum is a substance that dissolves solids or holds them in suspension.

The idea of immunity tonics have been around since the beginning of time and have be called by many different names. Fire Cider in particular was coined by Rosemary Gladstar in 1979. Her and a class she was teaching came up with the initial recipe. They allowed the ingredients to sit for four to six weeks and tried it. The Fire Cider was hard to ingest due to the nature of all the warm herbs included so, Rosemary added some honey and that seemed to have done the trick. Since then Rosemary herself has tried different versions of the recipe and has been cited in saying the ingredients were inexpensive and easy to find thus making is accessible to most.

This year I tried a version of my own. I can't say that you won't see this version anywhere else but I used the herbs, spices and fruits that I enjoy. I made 2 batches because I didn't have one large/quart glass jar. I used 2, 17oz mason jars and used the following recipe:

• 1 organic orange
• 1 organic lemon
• 1 organic garlic (entire clove)
• 4 horseradish
• 1/2 organic red onion
• 1 large ginger rhizome
• 1 tbsp tumeric
• 1 tbsp cayenne pepper

I split all ingredients equally between both jars. Added enough Apple Cider Vinegar to cover all the ingredients. Placed parchment paper over the rim and closed the jar. Its best to put a date on the jar to know how long you have been storing the tonic. Be sure to store it somewhere cool and dark and shake every day for the first few weeks. Then a few times a week after that. Once the Cider is ready, strain the ingredients and add 1/4 cup of honey to combat the spice. Once completed you can take a spoonful a day. You can either add it to water or take it straight. The Cider is also safe for children but be sure to look at a child dosage chart to make sure you are giving your child the right amount for their age.

Happy Fire Cidering!