Fire Cider Recipe for Immune Support: An Ancestral Tonic for Winter Wellness

Gathering the goodness. Organic citrus, roots, garlic, herbs, and raw apple cider vinegar—this is the beginning of Wyld Fire Cider, our seasonal kitchen ritual rooted in ancestral wellness.

Summer’s Fading, and It’s Time to Prepare for What’s Next

Summer is slowly winding down. The nights are getting cooler, the days are getting shorter, and as much as I’m still savoring every golden drop of these last summer days, I’m also beginning to shift my attention toward what’s coming… fall.

And with Fall, comes the return of sniffles, sore throats, and that “something going around” feeling. It’s the perfect time to start stocking your pantry with nourishing, proactive remedies—and fire cider is one of my favorite ways to do just that.

What is Fire Cider?

Fire cider is a traditional herbal vinegar tonic steeped with powerful roots, citrus, herbs, and spices. It's bold, spicy, and immune-loving—made to help your body thrive through cold and flu season.

Popularized by herbalist Rosemary Gladstar in the 1970s, fire cider has deeper roots. It’s a modern expression of ancestral wellness rituals like:

• Oxymel – a sweet-and-sour blend of honey and vinegar dating back to Hippocrates (circa 400 BC), used to support respiratory and immune function

• Four Thieves Vinegar – a 17th-century blend of herbs and garlic said to protect against illness during times of plague

• Honeygar – a 20th-century folk remedy combining honey and vinegar for daily vitality

Freshly made Wyld Fire Cider—packed with organic garden herbs, roots, citrus, and raw apple cider vinegar. Now it begins its six-week infusion journey before becoming a potent winter wellness tonic.

Why Fire Cider Supports Immunity

Each ingredient in fire cider plays a synergistic role:

• Horseradish, garlic, ginger & turmeric: antimicrobial, warming, and sinus-clearing

• Thyme, oregano, rosemary: respiratory and antiviral support

• Lemon, orange, parsley: vitamin C-rich, detoxifying, and uplifting

• Raw apple cider vinegar: supports digestion and draws nutrients from the plants

• Raw honey (added after straining): soothing, antimicrobial, and deliciously balancing

Together, they create a fiery elixir that supports the body’s resilience when it matters most.

My Garden Fire Cider Recipe -aka "Wyld Fire Cider"

(½-Gallon Batch)

This is the version I make every late summer—pulling from my organic garden and local markets. It’s vibrant, clean, and nourishing.

*Download the printable recipe card here

Wyld Fire Cider.pdf

Download PDF • 2.11MB

What You’ll Need

• 1 half-gallon glass canning jar

• A loose-fitting lid (tight lids can build pressure and may burst)

• Optional: parchment under metal canning lid ring to prevent vinegar corrosion

Ingredients (all organic)

• 3 sprigs each: thyme, oregano, rosemary, Italian parsley

• 2 lemons, hand-squeezed and quartered (zest one first)

• 1 orange, hand-squeezed and quartered (zest first)

• 2 jalapeños, sliced lengthwise

• 2 pieces of ginger root, grated

• 1 piece turmeric root, grated

• 1 piece horseradish root (about 4"), peeled and grated

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 1 head garlic, peeled and crushed

• 6 whole black peppercorns

• Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar, to fill the jar

*All produce should be soaked in a baking soda and filtered water bath for 5–10 minutes to remove garden soil before cutting, chopping, grating, etc. Remove your produce from soak and rinse well with clean filtered water.

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a clean ½‑gallon glass jar

2. Fill with raw apple cider vinegar, covering ingredients with ½" headspace

3. Cap with a loose-fitting lid

4. Store in a cool, dark place for 6 weeks

5. Every other day, tighten the lid briefly, give it a shake, then loosen again to prevent pressure buildup

After 6 Weeks

• Strain into clean jars through cheesecloth or fine mesh

• Stir in raw local honey to taste (start with 2–4 tablespoons)

• Store in the fridge for up to 6 months

How to Use Fire Cider

• Take 1–2 tablespoons daily during cold season to support immune health

• Mix with warm water and honey as a soothing tonic

• Or take a straight shot if you’re brave—it’s fiery but worth it

More Holistic Winter Wellness Tools

Your immune system thrives when supported daily. Alongside fire cider, I love incorporating:

• Epsom salt baths with our Nourish & Glow Botanical Tea Blend I steep the herbs and pour them directly into the bath water for a deeply calming soak. The blend includes organic rose petals, chamomile, lavender, calendula, lemon balm, elderflowers, and orange peel—each one offering gentle support to the nervous system, skin, and lymphatic flow.

• Infrared red light therapy A nourishing way to mimic natural sunlight during darker seasons. It helps support mitochondrial function, energy levels, and mood when sunshine is limited.

• Bone broths made from pasture-raised animals

  Rich in collagen, minerals, and amino acids, bone broth is a grounding and restorative staple in our winter kitchen. I sip it warm with sea salt or use it as the base for soups and stews to support gut and joint health.

• Herbal teas and infusions Our Nourish & Glow Botanical Tea Blend also makes a beautiful daily tea. The combination of organic rose, chamomile, lavender, calendula, lemon balm, elderflowers, and orange peel offers a floral, slightly citrusy infusion that supports digestion, immunity, and relaxation—all in one cup.

• Deep rest, grounding foods, and time in nature Even when it’s cold, fresh air and movement are medicine. Add in warming meals, slower evenings, and good sleep—and you’ve created a rhythm that helps your body feel safe, nourished, and supported all winter long.

Wellness isn’t about doing everything—it’s about tuning into what you truly need. Let this season be one of presence, nourishment, and care.

With love and wellness,

Katherine

Owner & Founder

Wyld Terra