Railyard Apothecary
  • About
    • Our MIssion
    • Our Team
    • Apothecary
    • Testimonials
    • Herbal formulations
    • 5 Year Anniversary
    • Local Farms
    • COVID-19
  • Shop
  • Learn
    • Classes & Events
    • Class Recordings
    • Blog
  • Consultations
    • Book Herbal Consultation
    • Other wellness consultations
  • For Practitioners
  • Herbal Justice
    • Racial Justice
    • Herbal Justice Fund
    • Resources
  • Contact
    • Directions
  • Space Rental
    • Studio Space

9/25/2020

Time for Fire Cider

2 Comments

Read Now
 
Fire Cider has become one of the most quintessential herbal preparations of our time. It captures both the imagination of people new to working with herbs to support their health, while remaining a staple preparation for those seasoned in the use of herbs. Who knows how long people have been creating this kind of warming and supportive vinegar... but it surely is a folk medicine of the people. Recently there was a company that tried to trademark the phrase 'Fire Cider'. Members of the herbal community brought this company to court, and after years of effort the courts ruled in the favor of the herbalists dedicated to keep this medicine, and its name, in the hands of the people. A big victory, indeed.

These recent events reveal Fire Cider as an exciting remedy that links us to the past, while being rooted in modern health freedom and the resistance of corporate control. And when you make your next batch, you may want to share this story as you share a shot of this invigorating preparation. Fire Cider is accessible and effective. It threads the line between herbal medicine and food as medicine. The method of preparation is simple, flexible, and intuitive. And to top it all off, each and every ingredients is commonly available in most every grocery store.

Early autumn is the perfect time of year to make yourself a jar, as this warming remedy is a fantastic accompaniment to the colder weather rolling in. If you make a batch soon, you will have some on hand for that first sign of cold or flu. Fire Cider supports and stimulates our immune systems and can be helpful in moving stuck mucus in the respiratory tract. For those of us who run on the cool side (ie. cold hands and feet), Fire Cider can be had on the daily as a warming circulation tonic. Fire Cider also supports digestion, behaves as a general respiratory support, and is anti-inflammatory.

Fire Cider can be had by the spoonful, shot straight, or mixed with a little water. It is a nice addition to salad dressings, soups, or to top all kinds of food, a bit like a hot sauce. As a daily tonic 1 teaspoon-1 Tablespoon/ day is sufficient. For acute immune support, consider having 1-2 tablespoons to start and then an additional tablespoon every 3-4 hours. For those of us with stomachs that are very sensitive to spicy food, consider experimenting with how much feels good. The honey mellows some of the spicy components, and is in itself medicinal. Add honey to taste after straining.

There is no one recipe for Fire Cider, which is part of its charm. Below you will find basic guidelines for amounts. Fire Ciders almost always contain: ginger, onion, garlic, hot peppers, and horseradish infused in apple cider vinegar and honey (preferably raw). But let your imagination run wild and add herbs or other ingredients to suit your specific needs and tastes. Some of our favorites are: fresh herbs like sage/thyme/ rosemary, organic lemon (rind and pith), echinacea root, rose hips, medicinal mushrooms, and hibiscus.
Picture
Ingredients (estimated amounts):
1 medium sized onion, chopped small
1-2 heads of garlic, minced
~1/2c ginger, chopped small
~1/2c horseradish, chopped small
1-2 hot peppers (Ideally fresh jalepeños or cayenne. Can also use dried), minced
1 lemon, chopped small (use the skin and pith if organic)
1 quart+ apple cider vinegar (enough to cover herbs in the jar well) Use raw if possible.
~1/2-3/4c honey (added after straining, to taste) Use raw if possible.

Materials:
1 large quart sized (or larger jar)
Knife
Cutting board
Small piece of parchment or wax paper
Let sit for 2 weeks or more, shaking every other day or so. Strain and add honey to taste. Enjoy and cheers to a cozy and safe winter season!
Picture
Picture
Thanks for reading!  Let us know if you have any questions!

Also FYI, you can check out our video about making "DIY Oxymels" to learn more about how to use herbs, vinegar and also honey to make a variety of delicious herbal preps.  Download here.

Susan Staley is a clinical and community herbalist staff member with Railyard Apothecary. She deeply values those herbs and plants commonly available to us today in most grocery stores, and the where the edge blurs between food and medicine. You can schedule a conversation with her or other members of Burlington Herb clinic here: https://www.burlingtonherbclinic.com/

Share

2 Comments
Rebecca Morrell
10/7/2020 10:24:30 am

Yum yum! Thanks for the recipe!

Reply
Nick
10/9/2020 08:22:29 am

Glad you enjoyed! :)

Reply



Leave a Reply.

Details
    Picture

    RAILYARD

    Check in here to keep updated on news and activities at the apothecary.

    Archives

    January 2023
    August 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    June 2021
    March 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    March 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    October 2019
    July 2018
    May 2018
    January 2018
    October 2017
    August 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    November 2016

    Categories

    All
    Adaptogens
    Alterative
    Anti-inflammatory
    Antispasmodic
    Anxiolytic
    Bitters
    Carminative
    Circulatory System
    Cooling
    Demulcent
    Diaphoretic
    Digestion
    DIY
    Food
    Hypotensive
    Immune System
    Lymphatic
    Lymphatic System
    Nervine
    Vasodilator

    RSS Feed

railyard apothecary

270 Battery St., Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 540-0595
info@railyardapothecary.com
Contact - Directions

Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm
Saturday 12pm-5pm

Click here to order online for pick-up or shipping.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.
Picture
© COPYRIGHT 2020. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • About
    • Our MIssion
    • Our Team
    • Apothecary
    • Testimonials
    • Herbal formulations
    • 5 Year Anniversary
    • Local Farms
    • COVID-19
  • Shop
  • Learn
    • Classes & Events
    • Class Recordings
    • Blog
  • Consultations
    • Book Herbal Consultation
    • Other wellness consultations
  • For Practitioners
  • Herbal Justice
    • Racial Justice
    • Herbal Justice Fund
    • Resources
  • Contact
    • Directions
  • Space Rental
    • Studio Space