Growing up in Canada, I used to get sick every month, without fail during grade school. The cold weather hit hard, and despite trying every over-the-counter cold and flu remedy I could find, nothing seemed to work. I went through countless for OTC solutions for cold-flu symptoms and allergy season relief, to no avail. Not only did the medications fail to solve the problem, but they also began to take a toll on my liver. I started to feel uneasy about what these drugs were doing to my body.

As someone passionate about herbalism, I was determined to find a natural solution. That’s when I stumbled upon Fire Cider—a traditional herbal tonic with deep roots in folk medicine. This powerful concoction is packed with immune-boosting ingredients like onion, ginger, garlic, and apple cider vinegar.

For the past three years, I’ve been making my own fire cider, and since then, I haven’t been sick once! A single 56 oz jar is more than enough to get my husband and me through the entire cold and flu season! It’s not only effective, but I also feel more connected to the process of preparing my own remedies, guided by ancestral wisdom.

Fire cider has become a staple in our household, and I’m so thankful I found a natural remedy that truly works for me. If you're tired of relying on OTC meds that don’t help or make you feel worse, consider giving fire cider a try this season. It might just change your life as it did mine!

How to Make Fire Cider:

Here’s how I make my batch of fire cider. I don’t measure, as I believe in letting the ancestors guide my seasoning, but I’ll give you the basics so you can start your own:

Ingredients:

• White onion

• Red onion

• Fresh ginger

• Jalapeños

• Garlic

• Lemon

• Thyme

• Cloves

• Cayenne pepper

• Turmeric

• Black pepper

• Rosemary

• Bay leaf

• 1 full bottle of apple cider vinegar (with the mother)

Instructions:

1. Lightly chop and combine all the ingredients in a large jar (about 56 oz).

2. Pour the apple cider vinegar over the ingredients until they are fully submerged.

3. Seal the jar, date it, and store it in a cool, dark place—like the back of a cabinet—for 4-6 weeks. (I personally let mine infuse for 6 months. The longer it sits, the more powerful it becomes!)

4. Once it's ready, strain the mixture, bottle it, and be sure to date your bottles for future use.

5. Take 1 tablespoon daily on an empty stomach. It’s best to take it after drinking warm water to kickstart your digestion and support your immune system.

SHELF LIFE?

Your fire cider can last 6 to 12 months if stored in a cool, dark place or in the fridge. The apple cider vinegar’s acidity helps preserve it naturally. Just make sure your jar is tightly sealed, and always use a clean spoon when taking a serving. I’ve found that keeping it in the fridge can extend its shelf life even longer—just check for any changes in smell, taste, or appearance before using.

Key Considerations:

Before you start making your own fire cider, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Go for raw, organic ingredients: Since you’ll be using raw onions, garlic, ginger, and more, try to use organic if possible. You want to get the full benefits without any unwanted chemicals.

2. Apple cider vinegar 'with the mother' is a must: Make sure your apple cider vinegar still has 'the mother' in it. This is where all the good bacteria and enzymes are, and it’s what makes the cider so beneficial.

3. Adjust the spice to your liking: If you’re not big on heat, feel free to dial back the jalapenos or cayenne. You can always add more later if you want to turn it up a notch.

4. No need to measure: I don’t measure when I make my fire cider, and you don’t need to either. Let your ancestors guide you—trust your intuition with the amounts.

5. The longer, the better: While you can let your fire cider infuse for 4-6 weeks, I like to let mine sit for up to 6 months. The longer it sits, the more potent it gets.

6. Store it in glass: Once you’ve strained your fire cider, make sure to store it in a glass jar. Keep it in a cool, dark place or in the fridge to preserve its strength.

7. Taste before bottling: After it’s done, give it a taste! If it’s too strong, you can always dilute it with a little more vinegar or water before bottling.

8. Start slow: When you first start drinking fire cider, begin with 1 tablespoon a day on an empty stomach and see how your body responds.

With these tips in mind, you’ll have a fire cider that’s personalized to your taste and ready to support your immune health all season long!

Fire cider is a time-tested remedy that has kept me healthy for years. Give it a try and see how it can transform your health this cold and flu season!

Disclaimer: This article was made with the help of AI.*