KNOW I ALWAYS FEATURE A
single ingredient in this column, but
it’s holiday time and sometimes rules
are made to be broken. Fire cider isn’t a
one-ingredient wonder – instead it's a
potent concoction of ingredients that
will undoubtedly offer you health
insurance as you make your way
through the festive season.
While your friends are throwing
back shots of booze, you can show them
who’s the cool (and very wise) kid in
town by sharing your homemade fire cider brew, made of
onions, garlic, ginger, cayenne pepper, horseradish and
apple cider vinegar. They will stand back, either in awe
or because of the smell emanating from you.
Not only is this combo unpleasant to the nose but
some might also consider it painful to consume – hence
the name “fire cider” or “unicorn love potion.” We mean
business here.
THE GOODS
You’re likely to find variations on this traditional folk
remedy available on websites or at local farmers’ mar-
kets. It’s simple to make: Combine the aforementioned
ingredients and let the mix infuse for two or three weeks.
Together, these ingredients create a supertonic for the
immune system and, though it may not be the most deli-
cious concoction, it works. I have to say, the first time I
drank it, I kind of hated the person who poured it for me.
Over time, though, I’ve developed a taste for it – and even
grown to love it. You will, too – maybe.
THE BOOST
On their own, onions, garlic, ginger, cayenne pepper,
horseradish and apple cider vinegar boast antiviral,
antibacterial, antifungal and immune-boosting proper-
ties. When we combine them in this tonic, the power
becomes greater than the sum of its parts.
Garlic and onions have long been studied for their
beneficial effects on the immune system. Both have also
been shown to have anti-diabetic properties, improve
the health of your heart and arteries and help prevent
cancer. Cayenne pepper helps promote circulation in the
body and has been shown to have strong antifungal ben-
efits. Horseradish can also help promote circulation,
prevent urinary tract infections, protect your DNA and
– especially relevant during the holiday season – shorten
the duration of f lu. Ginger can also help to remedy stom-
ach upset, promote digestion and reduce nausea. All of
these ingredients infuse their medicinal benefits into
apple cider vinegar – a tonic that has anti-tumour prop-
erties, protects against free radical damage to the kid-
neys and liver (two important detox organs) and anti-
fungal benefits.
Though a spoonful of sugar may help the medicine go
down, there is no sugar invited to this folk remedy party.
The potency of these roots and herbs gets the job done! If
you’ve ever done a shot of alcohol in your life, you’ve got
this covered.THE PLAN
Brew up your ow n right away – I’m ta lking today. It ta kes
a few weeks for it to infuse fully, so the sooner you have
some ready to go, the better.
Consistency is key with any natural remedy, and it’s
typically recommended that you have a shot of this tonic
once a day on an empty stomach for prevention or up to
three times a day to kick that cold (or hangover) to the curb.
Though you may be tempted to dilute this tonic water,
don’t do it. The power is in the potency. If you’re suffer-
ing from stomach ulcers or gut inf lammation, consult
with your healthcare practitioner. If you’re pregnant, it’s
best to avoid this tonic altogether.bhbest health DECEMBER | JANUARY 2018 F21FIRE CIDER SHOOTERS
INGREDIENTS
½ cup (125 mL) garlic, chopped
½ cup (125 mL) horseradish, chopped
½ cup (125 mL) onions, chopped
¼ cup (50 mL) gingerroot, minced
2 tbsp (25 mL) cayenne pepper
3 cups (750 mL) apple cider vinegar to fill
a 4-cup (1 L) Mason jarMETHOD- Combine garlic, horseradish, onions, ginger and
cayenne pepper in a 4-cup (1 L) Mason jar. Fill to the
top with apple cider vinegar. (Make sure that the
vinegar sits at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) above the herbs.) - Let sit for 2 or 3 weeks. Once ready, strain the herbs
so that you’re left with infused apple cider vinegar. - Take a shot daily and feel like the
rock star that you are!