How to Make Elderberry Fire Cider

Today, we're making fire cider. You're going to need this one for cold and flu season, so let's get prepped since this herbal concoction has to sit for a month before it's ready. 

 
Fire Cider is a traditional medicine {which can be turned into a food or drink very easily} that is spicy, warming, body-supportive and incredibly helpful for this time of year. 

Essentially, Fire Cider is a bunch of spices and warming kitchen ingredientsinfused in vinegar. That's it!

Think with me for a second. 

Do you have 5 of the following...

• rosemary
• sage
• thyme
• oregano
• garlic
• onions
• cloves
• cayenne / red pepper flakes
• ginger
• turmeric
• horseradish
• lemons / oranges
• black pepper
• cinnamon

... in your pantry or cabinet?

If your answer is YES, then you can make Fire Cider! 

A few Fire Cider Benefits:

• warms our bodies in the cold weather
• supports and strengthens our immune systems
• stimulates and helps digestion
• boosts metabolism and helps to balance blood sugar

And then we add elderberry for a powerful antiviral kick, wellness boost and sickness shortener. More on elderberry below. 

Check out how to make this simple herbal preparation in your kitchen by watching the my video!

This week, my Kitchen Herbalism video shows ELDERBERRY FIRE CIDER. Click on the image below and please subscribe so that we can continue to build our herbal kitchens together! 

Elderberry...

prevents and addresses upper respiratory infections

quiets and quells the cold and flu

antiviral {They block viruses out of cells and suppress their ability to replicate}. 

anti-bacterial

shortens length of sickness

enhances immune function

loosens and expels congestion in lungs

high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants

 strengthens eyesight 

prevents cell damage

...just to name a few of the ways that elderberries work with our bodies!

Elderberry Fire Cider

Put spiced and spicy ingredients in a mason jar, filling about 2/3 full. Fill jar with apple cider vinegar. Use a plastic lid or put parchment paper between the jar and metal lid. Shake and let infuse / macerate for a 4-6 weeks in a cool, dark place. Strain, fill the rest of the jar with honey, and shake until well combined. Voilà! 

After your fire cider is ready to go, blend with olive oil for a quick salad dressing, pour over grains for a zesty seasoning, add to bone broths to help extract the vitamins and minerals from the bones, and give as gifts for the holidays! 

Take one ounce straight, add it to sparkling water, or mix it into juice a few times a day when you feel achy, tired or rundown.

Blessings, warmth, and spiciness for your weekend!

With love and plants,
Mary Julia