Do you get sick a lot during flu season? This immune-boosting health tonic helps prevent colds, and lessens their duration after you are sick!
Do you get sick a lot?
Last year I got a bad cold, and it lingered for several weeks. This year, I’m doing everything I can to prevent that from happening.
I recently stumbled across something called “Fire Cider,” which is a traditional remedy for cold and flu season. I am someone who generally tries to keep things as natural as possible.
I’m definitely not one to down a bottle of Tamiflu, and would much rather drink some elderberry syrup and local raw honey.
So as soon as the weather started to turn a bit chillier, I decided to give that “Fire Cider” a try. I have to say, this stuff packs quite a punch! Depending on how strong you make it, it can definitely clear your sinuses.
I’m not one for making really hot and spicy dishes (I don’t usually order more than medium level of spice when dining out). So I knew I would want to keep this at a more palatable level of spice.
So for those of you who think this is going to knock your socks off with the level of spice, it’s nothing like that! It does have a mild sinus clearing effect, but if you sip it in water, the effect is definitely more subtle.
Easy to make and good for you!
This recipe is packed full of immune-boosting ingredients. I made mine with onion, garlic, ginger, lemon and orange. Each one has wonderful health-promoting benefits, so I thought I would include some of the benefits below!
- Onion – These guys are packed with antioxidants and sulfur-rich compounds, aiding in detoxification. Best consumed raw to preserve the sulfur (like in this recipe!)
- Garlic – Commonly known for it’s ability to fight illnesses, garlic is antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory!
- Ginger – Also high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Great for upset stomachs.
- Lemon – High in vitamin C, and highly alkalizing to the body, lemon is a great body detoxifier.
- Orange – Popularized as a vitamin C-packed fruit, oranges are also high in potassium, a much-needed electrolyte when sick.
Can I substitute any of the ingredients?
You sure can! What I like about recipes like this is that they can be customized however you like. I chose these ingredients because they are some of my favorites, but if you want to add some cayenne, turmeric, rosemary or whatever else, feel free!
If you give this immune-boosting health tonic a try, please let me know what you think in the comments below. Also be sure to follow me on Facebook and Pinterest so you don’t miss a recipe!
You may also enjoy:
Immune-Boosting Fire Cider
Ingredients
- 1/2 medium onion skin removed
- 1 bulb garlic skin removed
- 2 inch knob ginger peeled
- 1 large lemon (including the rind)
- 1 medium orange (including the rind)
- 16 oz apple cider vinegar with the mother
- 3-4 tablespoons honey (local is best) or to taste. For sugar-free, you can use a stevia blend
Instructions
- Chop up the onion, garlic, ginger, horseradish, lemon and orange. The more finely it is chopped up, the more that will infuse into the vinegar. Add ingredients to a jar.
- Add in enough apple cider vinegar to completely cover the other ingredients. Cover and store in a dark, cool place (I used my fridge, since it was the most convenient and it inhibits mold growth). Shake whenever you open the fridge. In 1-2 weeks (longer is fine, just watch for mold), strain the juice, add in honey, and consume a 1 ounce amount (either straight or diluted in water) daily during cold season. Store in the fridge in an air-tight container.
2 comments
I use the above ingredients add raw turmeric
But I boil it and let it stand for a day then drink it
Is that fine?
And keep the rest in fridge
Hi Yollanda, yes that should work just fine.