How to Make Fire Side Tonic

Fire Side Tonic—A Fermented, Immune-Boosting Elixir

Looking to fire up your health and digestion? Fireside Tonic is an age-old, potent blend of anti-inflammatory ingredients designed to aid digestion, strengthen the immune system, and warm your body from the inside out. It’s a fermented tonic, meaning it’s packed with natural probiotics that support gut health, while the powerhouse combination of herbs and spices supercharges your immune defenses.

At the heart of this tonic is apple cider vinegar (ACV), known for its numerous health benefits. ACV aids in digestion, balances blood sugar, and has antimicrobial properties, making it an excellent base for this immune-boosting drink. This tonic is also loaded with herbs that work synergistically to bring out their best properties. Here are some of the stars of the show;

• Garlic: A natural anti-inflammatory and immune booster, garlic has been used for centuries to fight infections and enhance overall health.

• Chili: This fiery spice doesn’t just add heat—it stimulates circulation and aids in digestion, making it an essential part of this recipe.

• Honey: Sweet, soothing, and packed with antioxidants, honey is the perfect complement. It balances the sharpness of the vinegar while adding its own antibacterial benefits.

• Ginger: A beloved herb used widely in Natural and Traditional Chinese Medicine, with a wide variety of uses from warming the body, fending off colds and boosting digestion.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: ACV is an amazing carrier to infuse these herbs in, with a host of its own benefits from blood sugar regulation to digestive support.

Why Fire Side Tonic?

This tonic works like a shot of wellness in a glass. The combination of fermented ingredients, anti-inflammatory herbs, and immune-boosting powerhouses makes it the perfect addition to your daily health regimen, especially during the colder months when digestion slows and immunity may need a boost. Honey plays a crucial role in the Fire Side Tonic by balancing the sharp, spicy flavors of the other ingredients. It also adds its own health benefits, as honey is known for being a natural antibacterial, antioxidant-rich, and soothing for digestion.

In the recipe, honey is added after fermentation to sweeten the tonic to your taste. Its natural sweetness complements the apple cider vinegar and spicy ingredients, making the tonic easier to drink while adding immune-boosting properties.

Drink it straight, add a tablespoon to hot water, or mix it into your favorite salad dressings for a healthful zing! Feel free to play around with a variety of herbs and flavors.

Fire Side Tonic Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups raw apple cider vinegar

• 4 cloves garlic, sliced in half

• 1-2 fresh chili peppers, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• 1 tablespoon fresh turmeric, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground turmeric)

• 1/2 small onion, chopped

• 1 tablespoon horseradish, grated

• 1 lemon, sliced thin

• 1/2 orange sliced thin

• 2 springs rosemary

• 1/2 cup Honey, or more to taste

PROCEDURE

1. Chop and grate all fresh ingredients. In a large glass jar, add all the chopped and grated ingredients. Pour the apple cider vinegar over them until the jar is full. Make sure the ingredients are fully submerged in the vinegar.

3. Seal the jar with a lid, if using a metal lid then place a piece of parchment between so the vinegar doesn’t corrode the metal. Place the jar in a cool, dark place, allowing it to ferment for at least 2-4 weeks. Shake the jar once a day to keep everything mixed.

4. After the fermentation period, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean jar, squeezing the solids to extract all the liquid.

5. Stir in the raw honey to your taste. You can start with 2 Tbsp. and adjust according to how sweet or sharp you like it.

6. Seal the jar and store it in the fridge. It can last up to 6 months.

How to Use:

• Take 1 tablespoon daily for immune support.

• Add a tablespoon to hot water for a warming tea.

• Use it as a zesty addition to salad dressings or marinades.

This recipe packs a powerful punch of anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting ingredients in a fermented base. Enjoy the benefits of this health tonic year-round!

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