#33 Food as Medicine: Fire Cider

Life is hard, food doesn't have to be [vol1, 12.1]

This week I’m continuing a series on Food as Medicine.  If you’re new, check out Natural Remedies for Fever.  This is not medical advice.  Please consult someone smarter than me for advice.  I’m simply sharing what works for our family.

Not to throw him under the bus, but my husband’s constitution is the weakest in our family.  He is the first to pick up (sometimes the only one to get) a cold or virus or run a random fever.  

This week he started feeling poorly and we all dreaded being victims of the pandemic.

First thing he started taking was high doses of vitamin C, up to 1000mg, 3 to 4 times a day.  We keep this time-release version on hand because he regularly takes 1 a day for adrenal support.

He also started taking zinc, 15-50mg 2-3x/day. The combination of vitamin C + zinc has been shown to penetrate the cell and block viral replication.

If the body is getting too much or can’t use it, you will know. I’ve thrown up zinc before and too much vitamin C will produce a watery stool.  Uncomfortable yes.  End of the world? No.

Elderberry syrup is also in our first line of defense when a cold or flu strikes.  It can be purchased, or I use Wellness Mama’s recipe to make it.  We are finishing last year’s quart. Take 4 spoonfuls a day until symptom cease. Some take a daily maintenance dose.  Tip: be sure to use raw honey and it will act as a preservative.

A physician friend also recommended turmeric 500mg, 2x/day if suspecting Covid.  We didn’t have capsules of that on hand but the suggestion jostled my brain. I made fire cider with fresh turmeric at the end of summer, preparing for the ills of winter.  My husband started shots of fire cider 2-3xs/day - not on an empty stomach.

What is fire cider? 

It’s a potent remedy made from raw apple cider vinegar + other aromatics (garlic, horseradish, ginger, turmeric, cayenne to name a few) that boosts the immune system and aids respiratory function.

One shot will cure what ails ya.  It certainly clears the sinuses.

There are plenty of recipes if you do a quick google search.  I don’t think the exact ingredients or quantities matter much.  When I have made it, I try to find the best quality ingredients and fresh where possible.  You can use powdered turmeric and horseradish (I have) but if you can source fresh, that’s best.

Fire Cider Ingredients

Raw apple cider vinegar - digestive aid

Garlic - poor man’s penicillin 

Ginger - digestive aid + fights infections

Horseradish - #1 herb for combating sinus congestion/ headaches  

Turmeric - anti-inflammatory + antioxidant, cancer fighting

Cayenne / some kind of hot pepper - moves blood through the system

Optional: fresh lemon or lime juice for vitamin C, and or raw honey

Instructions

I use a high powered blender.  If you don't have a Vitamix, I recommend grating most everything then blending. Use what you have to make a pulp. 

Use equal-ish quantities of each aromatic. Add more raw vinegar if your machine bogs.  Definitely want a slurry consistency.  I don’t strain mine. This isn’t a smoothie you want to drink. It is harsh.  Toss it down the hatch and try not to taste it.  It is called fire cider for a reason!

You can consume fire cider right away.  For best results make a big batch and let it sit a few weeks.  It will last at least a year in the cabinet.  Vinegar acts as a preservative.

Some recipes for fire cider call for raw honey.  I don’t add honey to this concoction, though we use raw honey medicinally in other applications.

When you start to feel under the weather, just shoot an ounce down the hatch. Aim for 3-4 doses a day until symptoms clear. 

If it seems too stout, then add raw honey.  Or stir in some orange juice.  Or add olive oil and honey (maybe water or juice) and make a very tasty salad dressing. 

Note: raw vegetables are harder to digest than cooked.  I don’t recommend many salads while you’re fighting a cold or virus.  The body needs to focus on healing, not digestion.  Soup with healing homemade broth is the best source of nourishment when you’re under the weather.

Fire cider is said to restore and invigorate one's system. I can testify to its effectiveness!  Not only does it enhance the body's natural defenses but also the antibacterial and antiviral properties of the infusion make it a perfect addition to your routine for colder months.  Once you shoot it down the hatch you get an immediate jolt.

My husband didn’t have the dreaded virus and started feeling better after 24 hours.  Have you seen this YouTube of The Man Cold? It has become a running joke in our house.

When it comes to natural remedies, the key is to get started as soon as you experience symptoms and keep at it until you feel better.  Natural remedies are not a “one and done” solution.

Related: I started dry brushing this year and find it an invigorating way to start my day.  I posted a short video here on how and why.

Did you know? 

There are over 3,000 ingredients that can be used to create fragrances.  Specific ingredients not need be disclosed because they’re considered trade secrets. This “fragrance loophole” allows companies to hide chemicals of concern, including carcinogens, hormone disruptors, and skin irritants on their ingredients lists.

When I see the word “fragrance” or “parfum” in a list of ingredients, I often put the product back on the shelf. 

Major fragrance offenders: candles, air fresheners, soaps, shampoo, lotions, cosmetics, perfume, fabric softeners/sheets.

Inspiration

This long article by Emily P. Freeman was an encouragement to me  on creating space for the soul and why it matters. Recommended.

We are using Advent Blocks this year to keep our hearts and minds focused.  It has been a fun and meaningful addition to the holiday as well as interjecting good conversation at the table.

I don’t know if it is “horseradish season” but I saw some last night at my Kroger.  Also pictured is turmeric. Go get you some and make fire cider!

Julie