As an herbalist, one of my yearly traditions heading into winter is making immune-boosting tonics to have on hand. These recipes help prepare you and your family for cold and flu season and are simple to make in your kitchen!  

*Always check with your healthcare provider to ensure herbs safely interact with any medications or conditions. * 

Fire Cider 

Fire cider is one of my favorite tonics to create for winter, as it's very warming and helps boost the immune system. The term Fire Cider and its recipe were coined in the 1970s by herbalist Rosemary Gladstar. Fire Cider is a type of oxymel, a combination of honey, vinegar, and typically herbs. I take a small shot of fire cider as a daily immune tonic through the colder months.  

You can make many variations of fire cider depending on what ingredients are available, but here is a traditional recipe! 

Ingredients: 

  • One onion (can be red or white) 
  • 5-10 garlic cloves chopped or crushed. I like to use a whole head of garlic. 
  • 1-2 spicy peppers: I've used both jalapeños and habaneros.  
  • 1 lemon sliced.  
  • 1 large knob of fresh ginger grated.  
  • Fresh horseradish root, grated. 
  • Turmeric, can be freshly grated or dried. For fresh, grate 1-2 knobs; for dried, use 1 tablespoon. 
  • One cinnamon stick 
  • A couple of stems of fresh rosemary. Dried works as well! 
  • Apple cider vinegar 
  • Raw honey 

Instructions: 

  1. Prepare your ingredients and place them in a jar. 
  2. Pour the apple cider vinegar over your ingredients until the ingredients are covered, typically to the top of the jar. 
  3. If you use a metal lid, place parchment paper under it before tightening it to prevent the vinegar from touching the metal. 
  4. Store in a cool, dark place and shake daily.  
  5. After a month, strain your ingredients from the apple cider vinegar. 
  6. Next, pour about equal parts honey into your strained fire cider. Shaking the jar will mix the apple cider vinegar with the honey well. 
  7. There you have your homemade fire cider! 

Fire cider can be stored for up to a year in a cool, dark place. 

A jar of fire cider ingredients

Elderberry Syrup 

Elderberry syrup is another staple recipe I make every winter. It can be taken daily to prevent colds and cases of flu, and it is great to take while sick as it reduces the severity and length of common viruses. It's also extremely tasty! 

Ingredients: 

  • 1 cup dried elderberries 
  • 2 cups cold water 
  • 1-2 cinnamon sticks 
  • ½ cup raw honey 
  • Cheesecloth 
  • Optional: Add ½ cup of vodka or brandy to increase your shelf life. 

Instructions: 

  1. Add the elderberries and Cinnamon to cold water and bring to a boil on the stove. 
  2. Reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer for 30-40 minutes. 
  3. Remove from heat and let it steep for one hour. 
  4. Strain the berries with a cheesecloth. I like to cover a bowl with cheesecloth, and then pour the filtered mixture into a jar. Be careful as the liquid may still be hot! 
  5. Once the liquid is at room temperature, add honey and stir! 
  6. If you opt to use vodka or brandy to increase shelf life, add it now and stir until it is well mixed. 
  7. Bottle in a clean glass and store in the refrigerator! 
  8. Enjoy! 

Elderberry syrup can last 2-3 months in the refrigerator. If you add alcohol as a preservative, the shelf life will increase greatly! You can also freeze small jars of your syrup and thaw overnight as needed.  

 

Sinus Clearing Steam 

When I get a virus, one of my favorite ways to care for myself with herbs is using an herbal sinus-clearing steam. The best part is that you most likely have every ingredient in your kitchen cabinet! This is a wonderfully affordable and relieving herbal remedy. 

Ingredients: 

  • ¼ cup combination of the following herbs: Rosemary, thyme, sage, and oregano.  
  • Optional: 1-2 drops of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil. 
  • Hot water 
  • Towel 
  • Medium size bowl 

Instructions: 

  1. Bring water to a boil. 
  2. Have your bowl and towel ready. 
  3. Place the herbs in the bowl. 
  4. Pour hot water over the herbs. 
  5. Add essential oil if you are using it. 
  6. Close your eyes and put your head over the bowl. 
  7. Cover your head with a towel, forming a tent. 
  8. Keep your eyes closed while steaming. 
  9. Continue for a couple of minutes.  
  10. When finished, pat your face dry with the towel. 
  11. Rinse your face with cool water! 
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