Fire Tonic, often called Fire Cider, is a traditional folk remedy believed to combat cold and flu symptoms, boost the immune system, improve digestion, and increase circulation. It’s made by steeping a blend of spicy, sweet, and tangy ingredients in apple cider vinegar for several weeks and then straining. It’s often taken by the spoonful, added to culinary dishes, or diluted in water and drunk as a tonic.
Nutritional Information (per 100g): (Note: Nutritional values can vary based on ingredients used.)
- Calories: ~5-15 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~1-3g
- Sugars: ~1-2g
- Fat: negligible
- Protein: negligible
Ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, garlic, onion, ginger root, horseradish root, hot peppers (like cayenne or jalapeño), lemon, honey (added after straining and to taste), and other optional herbs or spices (e.g., turmeric, rosemary, thyme).
What it is good for:
- Boosting the immune system.
- Enhancing digestion.
- Anti-inflammatory properties.
- Warming up and increasing circulation.
How to Use:
- Take a tablespoon daily as a preventive measure or when feeling under the weather.
- Dilute with water, tea, or juice and drink as a tonic.
- Use as a spicy vinegar in salad dressings or culinary dishes.
Recipe Idea – Basic Fire Tonic: Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup freshly grated ginger root
- 1/2 cup freshly grated horseradish root
- 1 onion, chopped
- 10 cloves of garlic, crushed or chopped
- 2 cayenne peppers, chopped
- Zest and juice from 1 lemon
- Raw apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup raw honey (or to taste)
Instructions:
- In a mason jar, combine the ginger, horseradish, onion, garlic, cayenne peppers, and lemon zest and juice.
- Pour the apple cider vinegar into the jar, ensuring all ingredients are submerged. Leave about an inch of space at the top.
- Cover with a plastic or non-metal lid (vinegar can corrode metal).
- Let the jar sit in a cool, dark place for 3-4 weeks, shaking daily.
- After infusion time, strain the liquid and discard the solids.
- Mix in raw honey to the strained liquid to taste.
- Store in a sealed bottle or jar in the refrigerator.
Diets it fits into:
- Vegan (if honey is omitted)
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
- Paleo
- Keto
Note: As with any home remedy, it’s essential to listen to your body. If you experience any adverse reactions, discontinue use. Pregnant or nursing mothers, children, or individuals with medical conditions should consult a healthcare professional before use.
