Fire Cider is a celebrated herbal folk remedy, first shared widely by the beloved herbalist Rosemary Gladstar (aka the Godmother of Modern Herbalism). Traditionally crafted with fiery, wellness-supporting roots and spices, this infusion has long been used to stoke digestion, awaken circulation, and kindle inner warmth on chilly days. At Gnosis, we honor these timeless traditions by weaving them into the language of chocolate—uniting the wisdom of plant medicine with the pleasure of cacao. This autumn, we offer a reimagined version of this classic tonic.

Here, cacao—with its rich phytochemicals and circulation-enhancing properties—takes the place of apple cider vinegar as a nourishing carrier for botanicals. And in place of garlic and onion, we’ve folded in wildcrafted oil of oregano, preserving the potency of the tradition while transforming it into something both flavorful and functional. SPICY. BOTANICAL. EXTRA DARK!

INGREDIENTS: 70% raw chocolate shell (raw cacao beans*, coconut sugar*), fire cider dark velvet filling (raw cacao beans*, raw blue agave*, yacon syrup*, virgin coconut oil*, cayenne pepper*, horseradish*, ginger*, turmeric*, black pepper*, essential oils: wildcrafted oregano, rosemary*, lemon*, and grapefruit*) *organic

By Rosemary Gladstar
Milton, Vermont

This is one of my favorite and most famous recipes. I started making it at the herb school I founded, the California School of Herbal Studies, around 1980, and it quickly became a popular and well-known recipe used as a tonic and also to prevent colds and flus, to stimulate immune function and to aid in circulation. I think it became so quickly popular in part because it was made from common kitchen ingredients that were easy to find and inexpensive. It was also simple and fun to make, and it tasted darn good, with just the right amount of sweet, spicy, sour and pungent. There are hundreds of variations on this recipe. Here’s the original.

I must be honest and admit that I never measure anything! Instead of a measuring cup or a tablespoon, I use a “measuring hand” or a couple of fingers. In the following recipe, “½ cup” equates to approximately “a handful,” more or less. This method works just great for measuring herbs!

INGREDIENTS

• ½ cup grated fresh horseradish root

• ½ cup or more chopped onions

• ¼ cup or more chopped garlic

• ¼ cup or more grated ginger

• Cayenne pepper, fresh (chop it up) or dried (flaked or ground) to taste

• Apple cider vinegar (preferably raw and organic)

• Sweetener

DIRECTIONS

Place the herbs in a half-gallon Mason jar and add enough vinegar to cover them by 3 to 4 inches. Seal the jar with a tight-fitting lid. Place the jar in a warm spot and let sit for 3 to 4 weeks. Shake the jar every day to help in the maceration process.

After 3 to 4 weeks, strain out the herbs, reserving the liquid. Warm the honey (so that it will mix in well) and add it to the vinegar to taste. “To taste” means your fire cider should be hot, spicy and sweet. “A little bit of honey helps the medicine go down….” The honey also helps cool the heat, moistens, and balances all the fiery ingredients.

Bottle, label and enjoy! Fire cider will keep for several months unrefrigerated if stored in a cool pantry. But it’s better to store it in the refrigerator if you have the room.

A small shot glass daily serves as an excellent tonic. Or take fire cider by teaspoons throughout the day if you feel a cold coming on. Take it more frequently, if necessary, to help your immune system do battle.

Text and recipes courtesy of:

Fire Cider!

101 Zesty Recipes for Health-Boosting Remedies Made with Apple Cider Vinegar

by Rosemary Gladstar

For more than 30 years, best-selling author and popular herbalist Rosemary Gladstar has been touting the health benefits of fire cider — a spicy blend of apple cider vinegar, onion, ginger, horseradish, garlic, and other immune-boosting herbs. Her original recipe, inspired by traditional cider vinegar remedies, has given rise to dozens of fire cider formulations created by fans of the tonic who use it to address everyday ills, from colds and flu to leg cramps and hangovers. Fire Cider! is a lively collection of 101 recipes contributed by more than 70 herbal enthusiasts, with energizing versions ranging from Black Currant Fire Cider to Triple Goddess Vinegar, Fire Cider Dark Moonshine, and Bloody Mary Fire Cider. Colorful asides, including tribute songs and amusing anecdotes, capture Gladstar’s passionate desire to pass along the fire cider tradition.