Home Remedy Kit: Fire Cider to Boost Immunity During Cold and Flu Season
“The World Health Organization says that 90% of the healthcare done on the planet is done by women in their own homes with the use of what we might call ‘kitchen remedies.’” ~ Susun Weed
Let’s talk immunity. A home remedy kit, including fire cider, is your arsenal to boost immunity as we enter cold and flu season, which now seems to be happening year-round. While your kit is full of resources to support you and your family’s wellness, avoid day-to-day ailments and treat minor illnesses such as colds, it is imperative to seek the guidance of your doctor and health care practitioner for your medical needs and all emergency situations. Relying on home remedies is actually more about prevention than treatment.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned from Fran, my Holistic Health Coach for 20 years, is that EXPOSURE to illness & disease DOES NOT MEAN YOU WILL CONTRACT IT.
Your immune system determines this. It acts as gate keeper, and it is our responsibility to ensure that our lifestyle supports its optimum effectiveness. When we have high-functioning systems in our bodies that keep us healthy, we can typically be exposed to germs and illness and still remain healthy.
An organic plant-rich, low-glycemic, anti-inflammatory diet is 100% the best, most effective and efficient way to achieve this state of health quickly. Cut out the sugar, gluten, dairy, processed “food” and eat only whole foods, including healthy protein and fats, and drink plenty of pure, high-quality water.
Additionally, we can offer our immune systems extra support in times of seasonal change, stress, lack of sleep (which compromises our immunity, as sleep is when our bodies go into repair mode), during a pandemic, and when the colder months require time indoors around others who are are sick.
Fire Cider is an immune-boosting tonic easily made at home, for use throughout the coming winter season, that provides elevated protection. Above is a photo of one of my adventures in homemade fire cider. Bottle it and share the extras as gifts. It’s potent! You can take a dropperfull or a Tablespoon right from the bottle, or mix with water or other beverage to dilute its pungent flavor, or add a Tablespoon over your salad. Best to enjoy once each day.
As with many herbal preparations, it is advantageous to follow the cycles of the moon when creating, to maximize the potency and efficacy. The new moon is the time of new beginnings, a clean slate. The full moon is the time of fruition and harvest.
Ingredients - All organic/pesticide-free/wildcrafted (See resources below for variations and others’ unique recipes, to find the one you enjoy best):
Ginger Root
Garlic
Habanero Peppers
Horseradish Root
Turmeric
Apple Cider Vinegar
As with most things I cook, I eyeball it until it looks and feels just right. It’s not scientific, but it works for me.
🌱Buzz up your organic ingredients (ideally local if that’s an option for you) in a food processor, equally spread the mixture between quart-size GLASS jars, and cover with organic apple cider vinegar (shake the vinegar first to mix the vinegar’s healthy bacteria-laden “mother culture” into it). I like Bragg’s ACV and use Ball canning jars. Do this process on the day of the new moon.
🌱Cover the jars with lids and store at room temperature for six weeks, shaking each day to mix the ingredients. 💡Pro tip: The plastic lids by Ball Canning are helpful here, so you don’t have to worry about rusting, leaky lids. They are readily available at Target. I avoid plastic, but in this case it’s very helpful and your ingredients’ exposure to the plastic is extremely minimal, as it’s only touching briefly when you shake the mixture.
🌱Harvest/strain and bottle for use on the full moon, six weeks later 🌕. You can strain in two weeks if needed, but the tincture won’t be as potent.
🌱Use GLASS tincture bottles in dark-colored glass, usually available in amber or cobalt blue. 💡Purchase in bulk boxes of 12 or so online for the best value. Dark-colored glass protects the substance inside from light, which can compromise its potency and cause it to break down.
🌱Feel the joy and the power of using food as medicine to keep you and your family healthy through the seasons. Involve friends, your kids, make the process a fun social gathering. Projects in rhythm with the earth are even more nourishing when shared and celebrated! 🌎
Additional Resources:
Rosemary Gladstar: https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/fire-cider
Farmers Almanac: https://www.almanac.com/how-make-fire-cider
Do you use a home remedy kit, including fire cider, to boost immunity during cold and flu season? What do you keep in it? Reach out below, I’d love to hear from you. Please note that my work is *Not* medical.