Whenever I have a cold or a tickle in my throat, I take shots of fire cider. While there are many versions of this tonic in stores, I like to make my own fire cider recipe to save money. (Warning: this stuff is hardcore, so it's not for the faint of heart. Yet it's become my go-to tonic to quickly rid my body of a cold.)
Fire cider benefits
In order to kick intense colds and sickness from your body, you've got to use some of the most intense, natural foods out there. This recipe features: ginger root, horseradish root, onion, garlic cloves, jalapeño peppers, lemon, and apple cider vinegar. Now do you see why it's called "Fire Cider Recipe"?! Let's take a look at how these ingredients work together to keep the body well:
- fresh ginger root- helps fight infections, including RSV.
- fresh horseradish root- contains powerful antibacterial properties.
- onion + garlic- both high in vitamin C, as well as antioxidants.
- jalapeños- loaded with vitamin C and vitamin B6.
- lemon- helps the body absorb iron.
- apple cider vinegar- ACV has anti-fungal, anti-microbial, and anti-bacterial properties which make it a great base for this fire cider tonic.
With all these benefits packed into one shot, I see why a little fire cider goes a long way in prevention as well as shortening the length of sickness.
Make your own Fire Cider
To make this DIY recipe, start by chopping up all the raw ingredients. (Scroll all the way down for the complete list with amounts). Place them in a quart-sized mason jar, and fill it the rest of the way up with apple cider vinegar. Cover it with an airtight lid, shake it, and store it in a dark place for at least a month.
I like to shake my concoction every few days to make sure the mixture is... uhh... fermenting nicely.
After a month has gone by, it's time to pour the contents out while using a strainer or a sieve to catch the big clumps. This refined mixture is the final product, and is ready to be used, as well as stored in the refrigerator from here on out.
How to start taking this natural tonic
This powerful, all-natural mixture should not be taken lightly! Start with a small dose at first—maybe a tablespoon or so. Take one or two small doses a day until you feel like you're ready for a full shot glass. Eventually, your body will adjust to the taste and you'll be able to down it like a pro!
Aside from rest, tea and drinking lots of water, a fire cider recipe is the main thing I use when a cold starts to form. It really works!
Storing the finished fire cider
I keep my tonic in a mason jar, with plastic over the mouth, and a lid tightly secured. This keeps the tonic from getting any outside bacteria in it while stored in the fridge. I use this throughout the winter; one batch lasts a long time if you're taking it preventatively. If you know that cold + flu season hits your household hard, I'd start to make a second batch once the first one is ready for the fridge. That way you have a backup on hand if sickness hits.
Other natural home remedies
I know this fire cider tonic isn't for everyone. It's pretty intense, even though it's super effective. If you aren't ready to give this a try, yet want to bring more natural remedies into your home, check out some of my other great recipes:
My family uses these natural remedies on the regular... and we haven't needed medicine or antibiotics for several years. I can't wait for you to try these too! Do you have any other home remedies/natural recipes you use during cold + flu season? If so, leave a comment letting me know!
Homemade Fire Cider Recipe
Rate this Recipe Print RecipeIngredients
- ½ cup ginger root (grated)
- ½ cup horseradish root (grated)
- 1 yellow onion (chopped)
- 10 cloves garlic (crushed or chopped)
- 2 jalapeño pepper (chopped)
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Dice, peel and chop all ingredients into small pieces and toss into a bowl. (If you've never grated fresh horseradish, it can be intense!)
- Mix it all together and scoop into a quart-sized mason jar.
- Pour apple cider vinegar on top of all ingredients until completely submerged.
- Cover with an airtight lid. (You can place a piece of parchment paper under the lid to keep the vinegar from touching the metal, or use a plastic lid if you have one.)
- Shake well.
- Store in a dark, cool place for a month (like the back of a pantry) and shake every few days.
- After a month, pour contents through a sieve to separate the liquid from the solids.
- Pour the liquid that went through the sieve in a sterilized clean jar in the fridge. When you feel the onset of a tickly throat, congestion, cough— take a shot glass full of this a few times a day.
T
Okay, so after my last comment, I made sure I wore gloves and was super careful with the jalapenos. It was decanting time this last weekend and all I can say is .... YUUUUUUUUUUM. Most posters have been saying they have to ignore the flavour, but I find this utterly DELICIOUS. I have to stop at two shot glasses when I want to keep drinking! Thank you for this recipe. I love it!
Simple Green Smoothies
YESSSSSS T! 🙂
T
I made this up last night and had a terrible case of jalapeno burn. I'm not overly familiar with jalapenos, so I'm concerned now - can I drink something that gave me such a bad reaction on the skin?
Thanks!
Simple Green Smoothies
Oooh T! Make sure to follow the directions with this one. It's not for the faint of heart! After it's made, it should sit to ferment for at least a month before using, making sure to shake the jar every few days. Then the fire cider should be strained through a sieve, and only a shot glass worth consumed at a time. If you make it and then immediately drink it, that could result in burning from the jalapeño for sure!
brenda
hi jen,
iis it safe to leave in the pantry for a month if you live in a very hot, humid climate?
is it better to leave it in the fridge instead for one month before consuming, or will it not work if done in this way?
thank-you for your help, and for the recipe.
have not been able to buy horseradish, or jalapenos where i live, will it still work without these two ingredients.
thank-you,
brenda.
Tim
Brenda, if you live in a hot climate such as south Florida, Louisiana, or Texas, and don't have air-conditioning in your home, there are ways around it. You can generally find a spot cool enough on the floor in your pantry. Just be watchful of the jar. The ingredients are covered in vinegar so they should be okay. If your really concerned about the temp, you can find a spot outside that is shaded for the hottest part of the day. Dig a hole deep and wide enough to fit a 5 gallon bucket in it with the lid about 4+6 inches below ground. Put the bucket in the hole and the jar in the bucket. But remember it needs to be shaken every few days. You can put it in the fridge, bit the fermentation process will be greatly slowed. Or you can get a mini fridge, set it on its warmest setting and stick it in there.
Simple Green Smoothies
Great advice for all us warm climate rawkstars, Tim. Thanks!
Wayne
Hi Jen,
Could you blend all the solids up in a Vitamix or equivalent, then add the ACV? I hate to dispose of beneficial fiber and such...
Simple Green Smoothies
Hey there Wayne - interesting question! Since you're not consuming huge quantities of this at a time, we're not sure how much fiber you'd really benefit from by blending instead. Yet, it sure wouldn't hurt! When blending though, you may need to add a touch of water as the liquid from the lemon may not be enough in this case. If you give it a try, def let us know how it works for you!
Tim
I'd blend it after fermenting. The cell structure will be pretty week at this point and should blend easily. You can even use a blade from most standard blenders right on the mason jar you fermented it in.
Patti
Can you buy it anywhere or do you suggest making your own? I want to start it NOW!!
Simple Green Smoothies
Hey Patti - Oooh good question! Homemade is always best, yet if you'd like to get started taking it now you could try Shire City's Fire Cider. It's widely available (check your local health food store) and will do until you can get your own batch made. 🙂
Erin
This stuff WORKS. I haven't had to take cold/flu meds for 2 years now, just using this along with the lemon, ginger, honey tea. Incredibly helpful, even if I have a hard time with the taste (I plug my nose when taking a shot!).
Simple Green Smoothies
This stuff is legit!!
Rudi Juergens
Hi
Thank you for all the lovely and healthy information.
Love
Rudi
Simple Green Smoothies
You're very welcome, Rudi!
Rebecca B
Hi there, I cannot find horsradish root anywhere...Can you use already pre grated horseradish root with no other active ingredients? Thanks!
Simple Green Smoothies
Rebecca, I think that would be fine to use. As long as it's just pre-grated horseradish root and nothing else.
Aftan
Hello! Hello!
Can pregnant women and nursing mothers use this? There's so little we CAN use when we're sick. I already swear by apple cider vinegar, but I would love to give it an extra boost.
Thanks!
Simple Green Smoothies
Hi Aftan,
It's always best to check with your physician before adding anything new to your diet - especially with baby. They know what's best for you + your body throughout your pregnancy!
Congrats!
Andrea Schmidt
Will it still work if it doesn't sit for a full month? Like if I start it now, can I let it sit for 2 week and take it before Easter?
Simple Green Smoothies
Hi Andrea,
The magic is in that time that you allow the cider to sit. Need something sooner? Make sure + take a peek at our All-Natural Cold + Flu Remedy here...
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/home-remedies-for-cough
Nayna
Great recipe! Thank you Jen ❣️
Simple Green Smoothies
Thanks Nayna!
Holly Couch
I made this back from Nov-Dec and really wanted to try it out. I finally got the chance when I woke up with a scratchy throat and a stuffy nose a week ago! For me, that usually means an automatic 5-10 days of swollen eyes, sore throat, and fuzzy head. This time, I took 1 tablespoon a day for three days and by the fourth day, I woke up and my symptoms were completely gone! I took an extra tablespoon on the fourth day just to be sure, although I was already feeling better. I've already promised to give some of my batch to some friends and I will definitely be sharing this all-natural remedy!
Simple Green Smoothies
Hi Holly,
Yea, love that this recipe helped kick your bug to the curb! 🙂
Marion
Hi Jen,
Do you leave the seeds in the jalapenos?
Simple Green Smoothies
Hi Marion,
Yes! That added spice will help kick your cold or flu to the curb!
Shay
Hi!
How long will the final product last in the fridge?
Simple Green Smoothies
Hi Shay,
The fire cider will keep at least 6 months and probably up to a year if kept from temperature fluctuations and out of direct sunlight.
Michele S.
I just put this crazy jar of fire together tonight and I'm oddly excited for it. QUESTION: When you shake it every few days, do you open the lid for a minute to let the gasses out or anything like that?
Simple Green Smoothies
Hi Michelle,
Leave the lid closed + let the magic happen!
Maria
Wow, this is similar to a concoction my friend called Kill-a-virus (not sure who came up with the name). She gave us some and we used it up. She would never give us the recipe because she felt it was too much trouble. The difference I can detect is straining out the liquid from the rest...after a fermenting period. I think she just left it all in together. This seems better. I can't wait to do this!
Simple Green Smoothies
After you make it, let us know how it compares!
Yas
Heya!
Theres no horseradish where I live. Is there any alternative? I'm sure I can try finding regular radish.
Same with jalapenos. Would regular green chilly do?
Simple Green Smoothies
Hi Yas,
No horseradish? No worries! Just swap out the horseradish for more ginger. So you'll be adding 1 cup overall. No jalapeños? Swap in another spicy pepper you love!
Tammy
I have very bad reactions to jalapeno peppers - I wonder if this would work without them? I think it would still be a bit strong.
Simple Green Smoothies
HI Tammy,
Yes! You can definitely make this recipe without the jalapeños!
Maria
This recipe works people!!’ After searching for alternative cold medicine for weeks I stumble into this awesome remedy. I started putting everything together with excitement, fermented for 1 month and started the process again. I got sick with a terrible cold and right awai took 1T. Every 2hrs, for 1week and BAM COLD GONE. THANK YOU JEN!!’ I shared this with EVERYONE.
Simple Green Smoothies
So glad it worked so well for you, Maria! 🙂
Mary Jo Dowell
Can one put all the ingredients in a blender or food processer to chop them up?
Simple Green Smoothies
Hi Mary,
That sounds like a great idea!
Charlotte
I gotta ask: What's the chaser for the shot of fire cider?
Simple Green Smoothies
Hi Charlotte,
A plant-based milk can be a great option to help cool down the "fire"!
Simple Green Smoothies
Charlotte, my husband and I chase it with a very small amount of pineapple juice (Trader Joe's has it with no added sugars). It helps tame the flavors of the cider and it's also good for sore and scratchy throats.
Shasta
There are a lot of recipes out there that use fire cider as an ingredient. Try a Google search! For an extra health boost, I like to use it as a vinegar replacement in salad dressings - it is great in any type of slaw and gives your meal a nice kick!
Simple Green Smoothies
Thanks for sharing, Shasta! I can't wait to look for even more recipes!!
Sunny
Once drained, do you keep the solids in the fridge? How many rounds can you reuse the solids?
Simple Green Smoothies
Hi Sunny,
Once I've used the solids. I cover them again with Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon Juice and store again for a month. After that use, I then toss the solids and use fresh next time!
Hope this helps!
Brandi
Is there anything that can be done with the solids? Re-use?
Jen Hansard
Exactly! I reuse them for another round of Rawkstar Tonic and start the process all over again.
Lynne
I just took a class on making fire cider and the instructor ran the solids thru a small food processor for a minute or two added a little more honey and made a chutney. The chutney was great on crackers but would be even better with a nice goat cheese.
Peggy
This cracks me up! I can't wait to try it, I would eat dirt if it kept me healthy. Without my health, I can really do nothing. Thanks for sharing.
Jen Hansard
You sound just like me. xoxoxox Hope you make it and stay strong too!
Quantrilla Ard
Same question as Ashley P. Also, can you give it to the littles with some adjustments?
Jen Hansard
You could I guess, but I think the will think you're torturing them if they take it. It's THAT potent and nasty. So I haven't done it with my kids since it's so strong. When they are teenagers, I'll def have them do it. Mine are 8 + 9 years old and would be traumatized from a shot of that. I got the recipe from a friend at church and her so is a teenager and takes it. He says that he can't stand it but he knows it works so he does it.
Tiffany
I give this to my kids with honey. They don’t love it, but they do tolerate it. They are 3, 6, and 8. Hope that helps!
Ashley P.
How long can this be kept in the fridge after the fermenting stage? Is there an expiration date?
Jen Hansard
You can keep it in the fridge for months. I've never had an issue with it going bad—I feel like the longer it sits the stronger it gets. 🙂