What is Fire Cider? Benefits + Recipe (2024)

Fire cider is a spicy tonic that has been used by herbalists for decades to boost the immune system and ward off oncoming colds.*

Feeling under the weather? Keep reading to learn about this popular folk drink’s history and wellness benefits, plus discover a delicious and healthful fire cider recipe you can make at home.

Fire Cider Recipe

Fire cider has a long history of use in folk healing practices, which means there are as many recipe variations as there are herbal practitioners. The general recipe consists of pungent spices and citrus fruits steeped in apple cider vinegar and sweetened with honey.

Our fire cider recipe calls for a head-clearing blend of lemon, ginger, cinnamon and cayenne pepper blended with apple cider and an Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Single Sips® packet. Feel free to experiment with adding other common fire cider ingredients such as horseradish, garlic and onions to find the recipe you like best.

Ingredients

  • 1 Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Single Sips® packet
  • 4 oz. water
  • 4 oz. apple cider or juice
  • 2 oz. lemon juice
  • 3 slices of fresh ginger, peeled
  • ¼ tsp. cinnamon
  • dash of cayenne pepper (or more if you want it hotter)
  • ½ tsp. honey

Directions

Stir together and heat on the stovetop until hot. Serves one.

Fire Cider History

Fire cider is considered to be an oxymel — an herbal remedy featuring both vinegar and honey. These have been used as healing tonics since ancient times, and were popular among the Persians, Greeks and Romans.

The first fire cider recipe was developed by the famed herbalist Rosemary Gladstar during the 1970s. According to Gladstar, sipping this spicy infusion offers anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and immune-boosting benefits.

Each year as autumn rolls into winter and a new flu season begins, herbal enthusiasts around the globe reach for fire cider to support their natural immunity and soothe the first sign of sniffles.*

Other people simply love the taste and enjoy warming up with this cold-weather tonic on a blustery winter day. While an infusion made with cayenne and ginger may sound intense, the sweetness of the honey provides a welcome balance to the spice. The flavor just may surprise you!

Fire Cider Benefits

In recent years, fire cider has become one of the world’s most beloved immune-boosting tonics. It can be sipped regularly to support your body’s natural defenses, or at the onset of a cold to ease symptoms such as nasal congestion, sore throat and cough.*

  • Apple cider vinegar — May have antimicrobial effects, digestive system benefits and the ability to lower blood sugar levels.*
  • Lemon— Rich in vitamin C and may provide antioxidant benefits.*
  • Ginger — High in antioxidants and may ease cold and flu symptoms.*
  • Cayenne — Warming spice that may improve circulation and help to clear congestion.*
  • Cinnamon — May have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.*
  • Honey — Soothes sore throats and may provide antimicrobial benefits.*

Whether you enjoy sipping it for the bold flavors, to warm up during the chilly winter months or for its immune-boosting benefits, fire cider is a warm and tasty tonic that can be customized according to your preferences. No matter which recipe you follow, delight in the bold taste and savor sip by sip.

*Note: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

What is Fire Cider? Benefits + Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What does fire cider do for your body? ›

People may use fire cider as a natural remedy against the flu and common colds. Additionally, people may consider fire cider to help relieve nasal congestion, support digestion, warm the body during cold seasons, and boost immunity.

Does fire cider have side effects? ›

Unfortunately, if you're not careful you can experience some nasty side effects from fire cider. Vinegar can erode your teeth, especially if you drink it straight. That's why it's best to dilute fire cider or other vinegars in water before drinking — we recommend about 8 ounces of water for every tablespoon of ACV.

Is fire cider good for lungs? ›

Allicin has an affinity for the lungs and digestive tract so it is useful in the prevention and treatment of respiratory infections like colds, flus, sinusitis, and bronchitis and digestive infections that involve unwanted microorganisms.

Why did fire cider go out of business? ›

Much of Shire City's lifespan was consumed by a yearslong trademark dispute over the company's ownership of the term “Fire Cider.” Shire City filed for the trademark in 2012, inadvertently stoking the ire of the herbalist community, which claimed that the term was a generic descriptor for a traditional folk remedy and ...

Is fire cider good for coughs? ›

Fire Cider is a natural home remedy for cold and cough. It's super easy to make and bursting with nutrients that will help your immune system fight off any unwanted invaders.

What is the shelf life of homemade fire cider? ›

What is the shelf life of fire cider? The Herbal Academy's fire cider recipe uses fresh herbs, so we recommend refrigerating the final preparation and using it within 6 months. If you are using dried herbs, your fire cider can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for up to 1 year.

What happens if you drink fire cider everyday? ›

Risks of drinking fire cider

“Honestly, fire cider is probably going to cause more harm than good,” Czerwony warns. “If you have health issues like acid reflux or indigestion, this combination of ingredients is likely going to make it worse.”

How many times a day should you take fire cider? ›

Fire Cider Dosage

Take a shot of fire cider or 1-2 tablespoons daily for a potent punch of immune system support and increase that dosage to 3 times a day to use it as a natural remedy to help fight off common cold symptoms.

Should fire cider be refrigerated? ›

Does Fire Cider Need to Be Refrigerated? The short answer is no. Your fire cider is well preserved in apple cider vinegar, and shelf stable. If you prefer to take the shots cold, refrigeration is an option, but not at all necessary.

What medications cannot be taken with apple cider vinegar? ›

A few medications may interact with apple cider vinegar:
  • Diabetes medication. People who take insulin or insulin-stimulating medications and consume vinegar may experience dangerously low blood sugar or potassium levels.
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin). This medication lowers your blood potassium levels. ...
  • Certain diuretic drugs.

Is fire cider antifungal? ›

The flavors are earthy, spicy, sour with a touch of sweetness, fire cider can easily be incorporated into daily life! Benefits: Garlic- anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant. Onion- anti-cancer, antifungal, antimicrobial.

Does fire cider actually work? ›

While there is no good evidence to back up the claims around fire cider, there are some reported health benefits of this drink, including that it: Supports the immune system. Promotes better blood sugar balance. Helps with weight loss.

What is the best thing to drink to clear your lungs? ›

HERE ARE SOME DRINKS THAT MAY BE BENEFICIAL:
  1. Green tea. Green tea is rich in antioxidants called catechins, which may have anti-inflammatory and protective effects on lung tissue.
  2. Turmeric Milk. ...
  3. Warm water with lemon. ...
  4. Honey and warm water. ...
  5. Pineapple juice. ...
  6. Beetroot juice. ...
  7. Garlic-infused water.
Oct 5, 2023

Does fire cider help with parasites? ›

It's potent medicine. It is a natural antibiotic, anti-viral, anti-fungal anti-parasitic, anti-candida, immune strengthening and is a circulation booster.

What is another name for fire cider? ›

Oxymel, Four Thieves Vinegar, Honeygar, and Fire Cider are all variations of a base vinegar tincture that has been with us for over 2500 years, and we reckon our modern take Hilbilby Fire Tonic™, has mastered the "Master Tonic".

Who sued over fire cider? ›

The next year, Shire City fired back with a trademark infringement lawsuit against Blue, Langlier, and Wildflower School of Botanical Medicine director Nicole Telkes and sought a declaratory judgment to validate its ownership of the Fire Cider name.

Is it legal to sell fire cider? ›

After a five year battle, “fire cider” is free from trademark restrictions and is officially considered a generic term, which means no one can own it — it belongs to all of us, and all are free to make and sell fire cider as they chose.

What is the best thing to drink to get rid of a cough? ›

Drinking tea or warm lemon water mixed with honey is a time-honored way to soothe a sore throat. But honey alone may be an effective cough suppressant, too.

Is fire cider good for acid reflux? ›

Has been known to help improve circulation, gut health, gout, inflammation, and has even been used as a substitute for the morning coffee. *if you have acid reflux, this may be a product you want to take with caution or steer clear of entirely. It's ready and waiting for you in 8 oz and 16 oz bottles.

How to store homemade fire cider? ›

Fire Cider will keep for several months unrefrigerated if stored in a cool pantry. But it's better to store in the refrigerator if you have room.

Can you use regular vinegar in fire cider? ›

I recommend that you use a good quality vinegar. I like organic ACV, but you could use red or white wine vinegar. I would not recommend cheap white vinegar, as that is best kept for cleaning purposes.

How much fire cider a day? ›

Nothing Fancy – Just Take it as a Shot!

Fire Cider is recommended to be taken straight up, about ½ to 1 tablespoon straight up every day to really reap the benefits. If you've got a shot glass kicking around, use the photo above to get an idea for scale.

Can fire cider sit too long? ›

Fire cider should last about 6 months at room temperature and up to 1 year in the fridge. Before each use, give the fire cider a good shake. This helps redistribute all the flavors and ingredients that may have settled at the bottom.

What are the benefits of drinking cider? ›

These polyphenols are thought to help protect the body from inflammation and fight off infections. Drinking cider can also help boost your energy levels, thanks to the natural sugars found in the beverage. Cider is also a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

What does cider do to your insides? ›

Apple cider contains polyphenols, which are compounds in plants that act as antioxidants. They can help the body to fight against free radicals and cell damage, lowering your risk of certain types of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Polyphenols also help to ease inflammation in the body.

What are the health benefits of fire? ›

It aids digestion and can help you heal faster. Higher levels of oxygen can make you feel energised and improves concentration and memory function. Because it also promotes serotonin production it can also increase your levels of happiness and reduce anxiety.

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