Fire Cider v. Capitalism: A Holistic Herbal History

     Fire Cider is a tangy, vinegar-based herbal tonic with quite the history—definitely worth grabbing some tea while I spill it!

     Traditionally, this herbal remedy is warming, meaning it gets the cold tissues warmed internally and stimulates vital energy into all of your organ systems. It’s an immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory base that helps your digestion, stimulates your liver, and can be curated to meet any need your body may have. Fire Cider's origin story is rooted in ancient communities. Versions of fire cider or even just herbs with Apple Cider Vinegar are mentioned n the "big book", in Traditional Chinese Medicine, ancient Egypt, the Greeks, and Romans for just about everything. Hippocrates championed Oxymel, a blend of honey and vinegar (similar in essence to fire cider), as a herbal remedy. Makes sense too because Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) helps your body with those mid day food cravings (definitely a Taurus and Gemini thing), balances your candida (looking at you Scorpio), helps relieve spasms (so grab some, Aquarius!), and even balances blood sugar irregularities (all signs benefit here, but Aries and Aquarius especially). Vinegar-based traditions for medicinal use traveled through the ages (like AVC and Lavender spray for sunburn relief), influencing medieval herbal practices and finding a more modern champion in legendary herbalist Rosemary Gladstar.

     When you think about it, the human body has ten times more bacterial cells than human cells, so the immune system is always working overtime. Fire cider helps keep those systems balanced without breaking the bank—an antidote to both seasonal colds and overpriced remedies. And, not a lot of people think about it, you dont just have to drink it! You can add it to your collards this winter, to your soups (depending on the taste profile), etc.

     Of course over time, capitalism had to come for it. In the 2010s-ish, a company (with daddy's trust fund and connections) tried to trademark the term “Fire Cider,” attempting to claim ownership of centuries of shared wisdom (smh. I know you're envisioning the exact person I am at this point). This level of caucasity sparked outrage in the herbalist community and led to a grassroots legal battle. Herbalists Mary Blue, Nicole Telkes, and Katheryn Langelier, (three amazing herbalists and two I have personally learned from) collectively known as the “Fire Cider Three,” took a stand. Their fight wasn’t just about a name; it was about protecting traditional knowledge and ensuring remedies like fire cider stay accessible to everyone.

     In 2019, the court ruled in favor of the herbalists- reminding folks once again that no one can own a name—or a tradition—that belongs to the people. This massive victory was a reminder that remedies passed down through generations aren’t commodities to be bought and sold; they’re a legacy of resilience and shared care.

     Fire cider has evolved through spoken word passed down the ages and its longevity is in the recipes flexibility and effectiveness. Whether you’re warding off seasonal colds or boosting circulation in your body- its ingredients are as adaptable as it's history. It’s also ridiculously cost-effective, especially when compared to the shelves full of overpriced health supplements. With a few accessible ingredients and some time, you’ve got a remedy that works just as hard as any overpriced bottle from a fancy health store.

Here’s how I make my own batch:

Ingredients:

• A chunk of horseradish root (peeled peeled with a spoon and sliced thin)
• A chunk of turmeric root (peeled with a spoon and sliced thin)
• Zest of one lemon
• 1/2 cup roughly chopped garlic (but I always put more bc... well, Garlic)
• A chunk of ginger (peeled with a spoon and grated)
• 1 chopped onion (I like to mix colors for visual appeal if I’m gift-giving)
• 1 pepper or 1 tsp of cayenne
• Honey (but I prefer maple or agave as a vegan alternative)
• Apple cider vinegar to cover it all

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a jar (use a plastic lid OR wax paper between the metal lid and vinegar. If not, it'll go black), cover with vinegar, and let it steep for at least 6 weeks (mine usually goes 6 months because I make it in the summer). Strain, sweeten with honey, maple, or agave, and store in a dark, cool place. Officially, shelf life is about two years, but I’ve enjoyed batches years past that date.

Bonus tip: You can also use the marc (leftover herbs) of the fire cider, too! Dry it all out in a food dehydrator and make a seasoning salt of sorts. I learned this zero waste tip at one of my herbalism schools and it was a game changer.  

Uses: Take 1 tablespoon daily during the cold/flu season or whever you need a zing to your systems! If you have acid reflux, take less and build up a tolerance, or consider using spicy aromatics like cinnamon, rosemary, or lavender instead of cayenne.

     Fire cider isn’t just a remedy; it’s a symbol of resilience and community. So, when you brew a batch, remember: you’re not just making medicine—you’re stirring up history.

But if you love the idea of Fire Cider, but dont want to make it- You're in luck because I only offer this during the holiday season, so check out my Elemental Holiday Gift Set in the "Fire Element" to grab your own large bottle of Fire Cider!