frustratedearthmother
Sustainability Master
Yes - what he said! I swear I forget about elderberry … geeze...CRS!
Fireball whiskey....lolSorry that you are sick. Thera-Flu is good for the crud, elderberry syrup (order dried berries from amazon and make the syrup) vitamin C and a hot toddy with bourbon in it to make you sleep.
A cousin working towards SS sent me this.... this sounds like it will light up your life!
It is from "The Urban Field Guide"
Fire Cider
Fire cider is a combination of pungent spices and roots that help to fight off respiratory infections, increase immunity and circulation and will undoubtedly keep you warm over the long winter months. It can be used as a tonic to stave off the nasty colds going around. And, it takes not even 10 minutes to make!
FIRE CIDER RECIPE *****
1/2 onion (chopped)
5 cloves garlic (chopped)
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 cup grated ginger
1/2 cup grated horseradish
1 quart organic Apple cider vinegar to cover
Coarsely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Grate both the ginger and the horseradish and place in a quart jar. Add the cayenne and cover with apple cider vinegar. I used all organic ingredients because the ingredients are pretty cheap and I want my medicine to be the best it can be. Before capping the jar I put a square of wax paper on the jar top so the vinegar wouldnt corrode the lid.
Traditionally fire cider is buried in the early fall and then dug up anywhere from 3-8 weeks later.
You can let it brew from 3 weeks to 2 months depending on how strong you want it to be. I think 3/4 weeks is good though. I think fresh turmeric would be amazing in it, maybe some burdock too.
I have mine tucked away with my other medicines brewing and stewing in a dark cabinet.
After letting it brew for a period of time strain the herbs through cheesecloth and wring them tightly to get out any extra cider. Compost the herbs. Its best to keep your cider in a dark colored glass away from heat.
The cider will last for 6 months. Don't forget to label it! You can take anywhere from 1-2 Tbsp daily with some water or straight from a shot glass, you know if youre hardcore like that! It also makes a really good salad dressing. Enjoy and stay healthy!
****CAUTION: if you are on blood thinners, are about to have surgery or have gastrointestinal ailments like IBS or ulcers, fire cider is NOT for you! Dont do it!*****
Im already thinking of variations I want to try next time. I might add honey of course. Lemon zest would be good and also moving for the digestion. Burdock would be a nice liver cleansing herb to help with all of the fatty winter foods. Fresh jalepenos In fact maybe Ill make another jar tomorrow for some new year gifts!
http://www.herbalremediesinfo.com/firecider.html