Next up: Fire Cider. “Um, what?”, you say? Fire Cider. And no, it’s not some Harry Potter drink. Although…. it could be… it’s pretty magical.

In this next installment of Cold & Flu busting herbal remedies is: Fire Cider. Apple cider vinegar steeped with a plethora of foods and herbs that all have crazy amounts of germ fighting, immune boosting, snot reducing, circulation improving goodies. Fiery things like jalapeños, ginger, garlic & onions plus herbs like oregano, lemon balm & turmeric for additional anti-viral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory help.

Basically, it’s just awesomeness in a jar.

Yes, it’s strong. It’s spicy. It’s sour. It’ll clear your nose and head and bring warmth to your body. But with the addition of a little raw honey, it’s honestly one of the best remedies besides elderberry that I can give you. It’s my husband’s favorite anytime he gets sick and I drink a little bit each day throughout the winter to help keep any “bugs” at bay.

Recipes for this tonic can very depending on your personal tastes and what you want to use it for. A few basic ingredients like onions, garlic and ginger are almost always included due to their powerful medicinal qualities but you can change up the others depending on what you like.

This year, my jalepenos went crazy. Like, I have so many it’s ridiculous. So instead of cayenne pepper, sliced peppers right from the garden went in. I also have a Lemon Balm bush that has taken over my front herb garden, so that’s getting thrown in too. I’ve talked a lot about the benefits of Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) but generally when I’m discussing the ADHD world. This time, I’m pulling from it’s anti-viral properties and delicious lemony flavor. See? Plants are amazing. One plant not only calms, soothes and promotes brain health and focus but also contains potent anti-viral compounds to fight off colds and flu.

“As a gentle nervine, lemon balm helps to calm and rejuvenate the nervous system. In fact, esteemed herbalist Rosemary Gladstar tells us that lemon balm is “one of nature’s best nervine herbs” (Gladstar 2001). Use lemon balm to help ease anxiety, nervous tension, insomnia, and headaches. It can even be helpful for those suffering with nervous heart palpitations. Similar to other plants in the mint family, such as rosemary and clary sage, lemon balm helps to restore those who are overwrought and exhausted. Rejuvenating lemon balm may be useful for easing parental exhaustion, for students studying for exams, and for overstimulated children. In particular, lemon balm can calm restlessness in children and help bring sleep to little ones who are so overtired that they are wired.

When digestive upsets come to call, lemon balm can help! Especially when tummy issues are associated with nervous stress, lemon balm’s mild antispasmodic action will help to soothe cramps. Lemon balm gently stimulates the liver and helps to enhance digestion. The bright herbaceous green leaves are full of healthful vitamins and minerals, making it a great addition to your family’s diet.

Lemon balm is also a potent antiviral and can be of great help during viral illnesses, such as colds, flu, and even during a bout of shingles. It can assist the body in fighting infection, while easing the discomfort and restlessness that can sometimes accompany illness.”  – Again, thanks to the Herbal Academy for their amazing and boundless instruction.

Now here’s the question I get most: “Why not just go to the store and grab a bottle of “that green liquid”? (names must be omitted here) “I chug some and then pass out and feel great the next day.”

Well, if that’s the case for you- then awesome. However, that’s not the case for me, my husband or kids. That green liquid is, yes, full of drugs that will help you sleep, suppress a cough or relieve a headache – which is awesome, I agree – but it does nothing to actually help your body heal faster nor to promote increased resistance to future viruses. Additionally, I urge you to google “side effects of….” Well, that stuff. When the words “Liver failure” or potential “lethal high blood pressure” pop up….yeah, I avoid that. And no, I’m not going to give that junk to my kids either. This, though still potently powerful on the taste buds can be mixed with more raw honey (for kids over 1) to make it more palatable. I’m lucky, my kids love sour things. If yours don’t, then that’s what Elderberry Syrup is for. Join Uncouth Herbalista & Friends on Facebook to find the how-to video on that.

So, if sipping a shot glass of this for a few days throughout the first signs of a cold just isn’t something that can be done (though, I have to say, this tastes far and wide better that any drug store cough syrup), then use it in your cooking. Mix it with some olive oil and dress your salad with it. Drizzle it over roasted meats, veggies or tofu- after cooking – to enjoy it’s flavor and keep the benefits. Or just suck it up, pour it into a shot glass and shoot it as if you were back in your good ‘ol college days. Yeah, I know you can.

Alright, enough chat. Here’s the recipe, try making some your self and let me know what you used.  Until then, stay well.

RECIPE:

Yields: Approx: 3/4 quart when strained

1 onion, sliced, diced or roughly chopped. Basically, however you want to do it, just cut it up.

1 head of garlic, chopped

1 “2 inch” knob of ginger, chopped, sliced, yeah yeah yeah.. however,  skin on

1 whole lemon, peel and all, chopped, slice.. you get the gist

2 Tablespoons of oregano, fresh if possible. Dried: 1 Tablespoon

3 Tablespoons lemon balm, again fresh if possible, dried 1.5 Tablespoons

2 teaspoons ground turmeric

Organic Apple Cider vinegar – enough to fill quart jar and cover all material

Raw honey – to taste

Directions: chop, dice, slice, whatever all of your ingredients. Well, except the turmeric powder because that would just be silly. Place all ingredients on a pretty plate and take photos of it to show all of your friends on Instagram how awesome you’re being by trying out your hand at natural and herbal remedies. Stuff all ingredients into a glass quart jar (Ball is preferred because I went to Ball State. Chirp! Chirp!) and fill to cover with ACV (apple cider vinegar- look, you’re already down on the herby lingo because you read to the end of this post. Good job, you.) Put that lid on and give it a shake like you’re making a fabulous cocktail. Then sit it in a warm area of your kitchen or window sill and let it “steep” for a few weeks. I let mine sit overnight and find that it’s ready to use in the morning but by letting it sit longer, the vinegar has a chance to pull out ALL of the compounds in the ingredients. Basically, like all of use, it gets better with time. After a few weeks (or months, whatever), strain out vinegar and mix in raw honey to taste and make it a little more syrupy. That’s your call, however much you want.

Sip 2-3 Tablespoons each day to help boost immunity and 4-5 Tablespoons at the very first signs of illness. Enjoy.