A Homeopathy Recipe: FIRE CIDER

   Long story short: I've become somewhat of a "natural" person. Perhaps it all began when my mom forced our family through a "tofu" stage back in 1997. Or, when I married one of the most health-puzzles of a man back in 2010. OR, definitely after becoming a mom. Because all moms are a little crazy. 

   I could barely keep a hamster, let alone an IKEA plant alive before our two-year old son came along, and now, now I'm kind of like Rafiki in the "Lion King." Smearing weird concoctions on your forehead... And although I'm a firm believer (whatever that really means) in numerous crunchy topics, please note, we do eat chicken nuggets from time to time. So, there's that. We have not re-entered the tofu stage. Yet. 

   End of disclaimer. Let's segway back into what this post is all about! 

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Surviving Cold & Flu season! (Office germs from Daniel and playground germs from the Bean. Yet, somehow mama usually is the one who gets hit hardest. What's up with that?) 

We try and stay away from the OTC medicines or quickly-prescribed antibiotics for the average sniffle and fever.* That means my collection of herbs and natural tonics is growing. As well as my leg hair. HAHA. Sorry, bad hippie joke. 
Back on topic!

One of my new favorite things to have on hand, especially during the winter, is a batch of Fire Cider. This folk remedy has been used for generations to ward off sickness, relieve sinus congestion, aid in digestion, increase circulation, and give your immunity a boost. The basic recipe highly popularized by herbalist {Rosemary Gladstar} is easy to prepare with ingredients usually found in most kitchens. And if you make this, your kitchen will smell SO good during the prep. AND if you drink this, you might need to invest in some breath mints, (but hopefully, less Dr. visits!)




Fire Cider 
hot spicy sweet

1/2 cup peeled and diced horseradish 
1/2 cup peeled and diced garlic 
1/2 cup peeled and diced onion 
1/4 cup peeled and diced ginger 
1/4 cup peeled and diced turmeric 
1 jalapeno, chopped
1 orange, quartered and thinly sliced 
1/2 lemon, quartered and thinly sliced 
1/2 cup chopped parsley 
1 teaspoon cayenne
2 to 3 cups raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar 
1/4 cup raw honey, or more to taste 

Place all of the vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices in a clean 1-quart jar. Fill the jar with vinegar, covering all the ingredients. Seal with lid. (Metal lid? Place a piece of parchment or wax paper between the jar and the lid to prevent corrosion from the vinegar) Shake well. 

Let the jar sit for 3 to 6 weeks. Strain the vinegar into a clean jar. Add honey to taste, (start with 1/4 cup). Refrigerate and use within a year. 

Take 3 tbsp at the first sign of a cold or 1 tbsp daily to boost your immune system. Also, can mix with juice or drizzle on a salad. (Some other great additions: Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Peppercorns, different Pepper varieties, etc.) 


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Cheers to your health! 

xoxo

{Bon Bon}


 *Note: Of course, severe illnesses should require professional medical attention and treatment. But, I've seen firsthand how the sometimes "easy" option of harsh drugs from the doctor's office can harm, more than heal. A quick solution for a long-term situation. The fast-fix band-aid to cover up a deeper problem. Yada Yada Yada.