Wellness Secret: Fire Cider Tonic

If you’re into wellness and natural remedies, you probably know that raw apple cider vinegar is a great cure-all. It helps clear the sinuses, settle an upset stomach, soothe a sore throat, and give you more energy (it contains amino acids which fight against lactic acid build-up). Taking that one step further is Fire Cider, a tonic created by Shire City Herbals in New England based on a traditional folk recipe from the region. 

In addition to raw apple cider vinegar, Fire Cider contains organic oranges, lemons, onions, ginger, horseradish, habanero pepper, garlic, and turmeric. The mixture is steeped for 6 weeks before raw wildflower honey is added to the mix, and the tonic is bottled for consumption. In addition to all the natural benefits of apple cider vinegar, the concoction is thought to help ward off colds and flus, aid in digestion, and increase circulation.

I had always seen Fire Cider around but it wasn’t until I was at Blackberry Farm in Cupertino this summer that I finally tried it. And I’m so glad I did—while it has a fiery taste, it really gives you an energized feeling and settles your stomach. The medicinal benefits are also great; immune-boosting foods and tonics are essential in the cold-weather months and when you have small children at home! There are plenty of recipes online if you want to make your own medicinal cider tonic, but I can’t resist Fire Cider’s blend. It has just the right balance of sweet, tart, and spice. XXJKE