Elderberry Fire Cider

Fire Cider is a blend of pungent  immune supporting herbs that helps to give our immune system a boost any time of year. One of my favorite herbs to add to my Fire Cider is Elderberry, not only does it add extra immune support benefits but it also gives the fire cider a beautiful color. 

Ingredients:

• Red Onion (I use the whole onion, skins and all, there are beneficial properties in the skins)

• Fresh Ginger (no need to peel) 

• Rosemary (fresh or dried)

• Thyme (fresh or dried)

• Horseradish (no need to peel)

• Elderberry

• Rosehips

• Hibiscus 

• Garlic (I use the whole garlic, skins and all, there are beneficial properties in the skins)

• Lemon or any other citrus (whole with peel)

• Apple Cider Vinegar 

• Raw Local Honey

This recipe is fun because you can really make it your own. The ingredients listed are what I use in my Elderberry Fire Cider, but depending on what is available to you, or the particular plant benefits you are looking for and the flavors you want, this recipe is so versatile, and you can add or subtract whatever you would like. 

Some other things you might consider including your fire cider are: 

• Black peppercorns

• Hot peppers like jalapeno, cayenne or habanero

• Turmeric (fresh or dry)

• Cranberries (fresh or dry)

• Cinnamon

• Juniper berries

• Oregano or any other fresh herbs you might have growing in your garden

The list goes on and on, and you can truly customize this recipe to meet your needs. 

Depending on what size of jar you are using, will then determine how much you need of each ingredient.  

Directions: 

1. Gather and wash all your ingredients, making sure your jar is also clean. 

2. Chop your ingredients into smaller pieces, and start layering into the jar, making sure to leave room for each ingredient you plan to add. 

3. Once the jar is about ¾ of the way full, fill with apple cider vinegar until all the ingredients are covered. 

4. If your jar has a metal lid, make sure to use a piece of parchment or wax paper between the jar and the lid. (Apple cider vinegar will rust the metal lid and ruin your batch of fire cider. And we don’t want that!)

5. Shake. 

6. Store in a cool, dark place for about 4-6 weeks, shaking occasionally. 

7. After 4-6 weeks, using cheesecloth, a metal strainer, or a nut milk bag, strain the liquid into a clean jar. Making sure to wring out as much of the herbal goodness as possible. 

8. Add honey to taste. (The honey sweetens the taste of the fire cider, adds extra beneficial properties and also helps to preserve it.) 

9. Label and date. Can be stored in a cool dark place (the pantry for 6-9 months)

Dosage:

• As a preventive tonic for adults: Take 1-2 tbsps or a shot of fire cider a day

• For acute immune support for adults: Take 1-2 tbsps, 3-4 times a day

• As a preventative for children: Take 1-2 tsps a day 

• For acute immune support for children: Take 1-2 tsps, 3-4 times a day

How to Use Elderberry Fire Cider 

1. Fire Cider Shots: The simplest way is by taking a shot of fire cider at the first signs of sickness, or as a prevention before or after you know you will be around a big crowd of people and you’re looking for some extra immune support.

2. Warm Throat Soothing Beverage: Add one shot of fire cider, a spoonful of honey, and a squeeze of lemon to a mug. Fill with warm water, (right around 100 degrees as to not kill off any of the beneficial properties in the honey). This is one of my favorite ways to enjoy elderberry fire cider in the colder months and can be especially soothing for a sore throat.   

3. Subbing it in recipes that call for Vinegar: When making salad dressings I sub out the vinegar for fire cider, this gives your salad dressing extra immune and health boosting properties any time of year. 

4. Elderberry Fire Cider Mocktail: Add 1 tbsp of elderberry fire cider to the bottom of glass, squeeze in citrus of choice, top with bubbly water, add some additional sweetener (honey, agave) if desired. 

5. 
   

Is Elderberry Safe for Everyone? 

Elderberry is one of those herbs that is also considered a food and is generally safe for most people. That being said, everyone is unique, and so we can not know how each person will react to herbs in general. 

Different sources cite different things when it comes to Elderberry being safe in pregnancy and lactation. Some say it is completely safe, others say it is not. I think for the most part this is because of a lack of clinical data being done on this particular demographic in general. Elderberry has been used through the ages and safely consumed by pregnant and lactating women. Use caution or talk to a knowledgeable practitioner before using elderberry if you are pregnant or lactating. 

Elderberry is considered safe for children. That being said, if you are using an elderberry syrup that contains honey, DO NOT give it to children under the age of 1 years old. As honey is not safe for children under 1 and can potentially cause infantile botulism. 

Elderberry is considered an immunomodulator, which means they have the ability to work on the immune system. People who have autoimmune diseases should use caution when taking elderberry. If you do have an autoimmune disease and want to take elderberry I would suggest speaking with a qualified practitioner before doing so.