When someone in our home gets sick, I dose them all with elderberry tincture and other herbal remedies. They may still get sick, but I know their immune systems are working hard at getting rid of whatever it is they have.
Farmhouse Flu Tonic, or sometimes called Fire Cider is a traditional herbal remedy that’s popular among herbalists with the recipe changing from person to person. It’s a spicy, tangy concoction usually made with apple cider vinegar infused with powerful ingredients like garlic, onion, ginger, horseradish, and hot peppers. Some folks also add herbs like rosemary, turmeric, or others for extra benefits and flavor.
The idea behind the mixture is that it combines ingredients known for their immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and circulatory benefits. It’s often used in the colder months to ward off colds and flu, or as a general tonic to stimulate digestion and warm up the body.
On that note, here is my version of a flu tonic that tastes like heck, but really does rev up your immune system. Use it as a spicy base for a salad dressing or be brave and take a shot every couple of hours from the first sign of a cold symptom. Cheers!
Farmhouse Flu Tonic
1 quart jar with lid
Cider vinegar
1/4 cup chopped ginger root
1/2 cup fresh chopped onion
1/4 cup fresh shredded horseradish root(the real deal)
3 cayenne peppers or 1/8 cup red pepper flakes
6 fresh garlic cloves, peeled
Roughly chop all ingredients and fill the quart jar about 3/4 full.
Pour cider vinegar over all to cover
Add a plastic layer to top before adding lid. This prevent corrosion of the metal seal-yep, it is that strong.
Seal tightly
Shake every day for at least 2 weeks
After 2 weeks, strain and measure vinegar
Add equal part natural sweetener, such as honey , Agave syrup or maple syrup. I have added molasses but my children do not like it as well. Try it!
