World Affairs Brief, January 31, 2020 Commentary and Insights on a Troubled World.

Copyright Joel Skousen. Partial quotations with attribution permitted. Cite source as Joel Skousen’s World Affairs Brief (http://www.worldaffairsbrief.com).

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FIRE CIDER by Andrew Skousen [Joel’s son]

Legend has it that during the black plague a group of grave robbers could steal from plague victims despite exposure to the disease thanks to a powerful combination of vinegar and herbs that protected them. Although the story is far from confirmed the historians who wrote the story also recorded the alleged recipe of what has become known as the “Vinegar of the Four Thieves.” Variations of the formula have been passed down through the ages and inspired herbalists to recreate the recipe, often with their own variations. Rosemary Gladstone, a famous herbalist, created a similar herb-infused vinegar for immunity and called it “Fire Cider” because of the spicy ingredients. It has become popular because of its usefulness both as an everyday tonic for overall well-being, and for its immune boosting effect during cold and flu season. As the coronavirus outbreak continues to grow and spread, it pays to find ways to strengthen your immune system. Try making this simple herbal preparation at home for your current health and learn how to protect yourself better when a viral outbreak occurs near you.

This tonic is an infusion, meaning herbs are steeped in a liquid that draws out their beneficial properties into a form that is more effective than consuming the herbs directly. In this case good quality, unpasteurized/raw apple cider vinegar, a valuable medicine on its own, is used as the extracting medium and as a natural preservative. This kind of apple cider vinegar (ACV) is often used during cold and flu season to soothe sore throats, increase intake of vitamin C and boost the immune system. Additionally, many people take a teaspoon of it every morning in warm water to promote health, boost probiotics and prepare their gut to digest food better. Dr. Mercola explains many of its surprising benefits including how it may reduce blood sugar levels in diabetic patients if taken right before bed.

In this tonic the acid in the vinegar makes the tonic shelf-stable (although with all the added fresh ingredients, many people still recommend refrigeration). The natural probiotics in the raw vinegar help break down the herbs to release their natural medicinal compounds better. No need to worry that the acid will contribute to an acidic condition in the body (healthy bodies are slightly alkaline) because this kind of acid (acetic) breaks down during digestion to a net alkaline result (the same is true for the citric acid in most fruits).

Here is the recipe:

½ cup fresh garlic (at least 1 big head). Garlic is the best broad-spectrum natural antibiotic, fungicide and virucide among herbs. Its power comes from the sulfur compound allicin, which is enhanced when you macerate or juice the garlic. Sulfur is just what the immune system needs, but garlic’s many other properties work together with it for a powerful immune support. Garlic is especially valuable compared to other hard-hitting antibacterial herbs because garlic can be taken in prolonged doses without dulling its effect or overloading the body. Most people’s stomachs aren’t used to high levels of straight garlic, so pressing or juicing it with other calming herbs, such as with this tonic is an excellent way to get more of it. It also helps to combine it with the synergistic effect from the other herbs. Most people also add an equal amount of fresh onion which is also high in sulfur compounds.

½ cup ginger root, freshly grated. Ginger helps soothe the body, refresh it and support the lymph and sinus. An equal amount of Turmeric is also often added for its excellent anti-inflammatory effects.

½ cup horseradish, freshly grated. This potent herb is often only thought of as a condiment, but it is wonderful at clearing the sinus and for freeing congestion. This is an easy plant to grow in any garden, just be careful where you plant it—it grows rapidly and is hard to eliminate.

Hot peppers, as desired. Cayenne pepper has the best medicinal properties, but some people use milder jalapenos or more flavorful varieties like habanero. This is mostly what gives the fire cider its name. It should be potent, but not so spicy you can’t get it down. Those with young kids might want to make it more mild. Many people also improve the taste by adding a small amount of good quality raw, local honey (or Manuka Honey for better health results). Good quality honey has immune-boosting properties, but remember that sugar should be minimized during sickness.

Any of the above ingredients can be substituted with dried or powdered forms, but there will be a loss of potency. The garlic should be raw. The peppers are just as good dried as long as the powder or flakes are not old or stale.

Mix the ingredients in a half-gallon (or 2 quart jars) and fill the rest of the jar to within 1″ of the top with the apple cider vinegar (approx. 4 cups of ACV). Shake to mix well and let sit in a warm place for 3 to 4 weeks. Shake daily to help the herbs infuse into the vinegar. After a month strain and re-bottle. Keep in a cool, dark place or the refrigerator. Take one tablespoon every day for general health or a tablespoon every hour when you start to feel the onset of a cold or flu. Follow it with a glass of water. If it causes stomach discomfort take with a little food. Combined with olive oil it makes a superb vinaigrette salad dressing. If you do get sick reduce your food intake to let your body focus on getting better. Intermittent fasting is also helpful for healing.

Other possible ingredients. Here are many similar recipes with other ingredients such as citrus slices, sage, rosemary, thyme, juniper berries, cinnamon, chives, parsley, Echinacea root, burdock root, lobelia, wormwood, marjoram, and horehound. Don’t put all these options in together, but do feel free to try additional herbs. This form of herbal preparation is very versatile. Once you get a feel for the medicinal properties of herbs you can branch out and try adding what you have locally. Your recipe might even become a legend itself.