Interested in Boosting your Immunity this Winter? Not only does this spicy, tasty tonic act as an immune tonic but it is also quite nourishing to the digestive system. Herbs, spices & vinegars are tonifying to your Kidney’s & Water Element from a Chinese Medicine perspective and in Naturopathic Medicine we strongly believe in the value of ‘Let Food Be Thy Medicine’.

Not only is this recipe easy & quick but it stores really well. Give it a go and let us know what you think! Feel free to add any of your favorite herbs or spices for a little more kick!

FIRE CIDER: Adapted from Rosemary Gladstar

• 1/4 – 1/2 cup peeled & diced (shredded also works) ginger root
• 1/4 cup peeled & diced (shredded also works) fresh horseradish
• 4 tablespoon diced fresh turmeric
• 1/2 cup white onion
• 5-10 cloves or 4 tbsp minced fresh garlic (for more pungent)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder or 1 chopped fresh jalapeño
• sprig rosemary
• sprig thyme
• zest & juice of 2 lemons
• raw apple cider vinegar (ACV)
• raw local honey

*Optional for the ambitious: Add dried nettle or raspberry leaf for additional minerals & nutrients. Another favorite addition of Dr. Zech’s is adding dried hibiscus flowers and pomegranate seeds for a cardiovascular protective effect.

Pack all of the ingredients in a 1- pint mason jar. Cover ingredients plus 2 inches over with ACV & lemon juice. You may need to check on it every few days and add a little more vinegar or lemon juice to ensure everything stays covered in liquid. Place in a dark, cool, dry cabinet away from heat for 2 weeks-1 month (2 weeks less potent, 1 month more
potent & pungent) to macerate. At the end of the maceration period, strain and mix a ½-1 cup organic honey. Put into a clean jar and place in fridge for up to 2 months.

Use a couple spoonfulls daily during cold or flu season to support immune system, on salads, in broths,stir fry, or even
as a marinade. It is also lovely in cold winter months added to hot water to warm you up.

* This post was originally printed in the Village Medicine Seattle’s Wellness Quarterly Magazine, 1Q25 Edition. Read and download the full publication

About The Authors

Dr. Tiffany Jaramillo is a Naturopathic Physician and practitioner at Village Medicine Seattle. Tiffany loves empowering, educating, and reconnecting patients to their inner wisdom. Learn more about Dr. Jaramillo

Dr. Meghan Zech is a Naturopathic Physician and Fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology (FABNO) serving patients at Village Medicine Seattle. Meghan believes in an individualized approach to educate and empower patients in order to establish and support sustainable health and well-being. Learn more about Dr. Zech