Best flu remedies: fire cider tonic recipe

Make your own powerful antibiotic and anti-inflammatory tonic!

I have a great tried and tested fire cider tonic recipe for you on the blog today.

Fire cider tonic is a potent traditional remedy to warm up the body during cold winter weather and support immunity during the cold and flu season. It’s brilliant in preventing and treating a sore throat, amongst other infections. The cider is also excellent for cold hands and feet as it helps improve circulation. In addition, it helps relieve nasal congestion and supports digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Fire cider is easy to make at home with ingredients from your herb garden and pantry. It contains various herbs, spices, and Manuka honey, all soaked in lemon juice and apple cider vinegar. All the fire cider tonic ingredients have potent therapeutic properties on their own but when combined, offer even greater health benefits.

A bit of patience and time is needed to use the final product – after initially mixing the ingredients they need to macerate or soak for at least 4 weeks. This allows the plants healing properties to be transferred into apple cider vinegar, creating the specific taste and therapeutic properties.

After soaking for a minimum of 4 weeks (4-6 weeks is even better), the liquid is then strained, and a small amount of fire cider is consumed each day.

The ingredients used in this fire cider tonic recipe are anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory as well as being high in antioxidants and nutrients such as vitamin C and quercetin. Herbs oregano and thyme have additional powerful antimicrobial effects.

Fire cider tonic recipe

2 cups organic apple cider vinegar
½ cup ginger root, grated
½ cup fresh oregano, chopped
½ cup fresh thyme, chopped
1 tbsp turmeric powder
1 medium onion, finely chopped
10 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 red chillies, finely chopped
1-2 tbsp Manuka honey (high UMF)
Juice and zest of half a lemon (use organic)
1-3 star anise spice

Chop the garlic and let it sit for about 10 minutes to release more allicin, the natural compound responsible for its antibacterial properties.

In a medium glass jar (1.5 litre), stir together apple cider vinegar, turmeric, lemon juice, and manuka honey. Add other ingredients, pressing down to ensure all is submerged. Seal with a lid, gently shake the contents, then place the jar in a cool, dark place (e.g. in a cupboard).

Leave to soak for 4 weeks or longer. Shake every few days.

When ready, strain liquid and store at room temperature for up to 6 months and in the fridge up to 12 months.

Fire cider tonic recipe: dosing directions

Take 1 tsp three times per day in a glass of water. Take a dose every 3 to 4 hours if you feel a cold/flu coming on.

Important: start out with 1 tsp once per day to test your tolerance level.

CAUTION

Not suitable for pregnancy and lactation.

Topical uses of fire cider

You can also use fire cider topically – massage it into sore muscles or aching joints, soak a cloth with the cider and place on a congested chest for 10 minutes, repeat as necessary.

Fire cider as a culinary spice

More than just a great remedy, fire cider is also an excellent food – a delicious, spicy tonic that you can use in place of vinegars, in vinaigrettes and other dishes. Examples include: mix fire cider into herbal teas, sprinkle over roasted vegetables – especially root vegetables, or mix into soups or stews.

Do you suffer from chronic IBS, reflux, bloating, diarrhoea or constipation?

I’m an online gut naturopath or nutritionist helping clients based anywhere in Australia. If you have been searching for help with your gut complaints, please get in touch.

Book an online consultation now or click on the button below to book a free 25-minute initial discussion to talk about your circumstances and how I can help.

I look forward to helping you get better health and wellbeing soon!

Best of Health

Joanna Sochan
Wholistic Health and Lifestyle Therapist
Natural and Lifestyle Therapies for Abundant Health and Wellbeing

Additional resources

Disclaimer: The above material is for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, prescription or recommendation. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should not make any changes in their health regimen or diet before first consulting a doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions they may have regarding a medical condition or their particular circumstances.

Joanna Sochan is a Natural Therapist and founder of Naturimedica Wholistic Wellcare. She has a passion for helping clients transform their lives by becoming healthy and well naturally. Joanna has 12+ years experience in clinical practice and has special interest in solving complex cases, gut health, food sensitivities, hormone imbalances, autoimmune disorders and weight loss. She helps clients individually (mostly online) Australia-wide and also offers online therapeutic programs, eCourses and self-help eBooks. View full bio.