Fire Cider vs. Tonic

What is Fire Cider vs. Tonic? 

Fire cider is a traditional herbal tonic made with raw apple cider vinegar and a variety of pungent and spicy ingredients. It is known for its immune-boosting and healing properties, and is often used to ward off colds and flu, as well as to support digestion and overall health.

ACV tonic is a simpler drink that typically only contains ACV, water, plus 1 or 2 additional ingredients that are not spicy. It is sometimes sweetened with honey or maple syrup. ACV tonic is often used for its digestive and detoxifying benefits.

Common Ingredients and their benefits: 

• Raw Apple Cider Vinegar is a rich source of probiotics, which help to support gut health. It also contains acetic acid, which has antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties.
• Hot Peppers such as cayenne pepper and habanero peppers contain capsaicin, a compound that has been shown to boost metabolism, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation.
• Garlic is a powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial agent. It is also known to boost the immune system and help fight off infection.
• Cinnamon Bark contains cinnamaldehyde, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has also been shown to improve blood sugar control and reduce cholesterol levels.
• Onion is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It also contains allicin, a compound that has antibacterial and antiviral properties.
• Rosemary is a herb with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also known to improve circulation and boost the immune system.
• Lemon is a good source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. It is also known to boost the immune system and help fight off infection.
• Ginger is a herb with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is also known to improve digestion and relieve nausea.
• Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has also been shown to boost the immune system and protect against chronic diseases.
• Black Pepper contains piperine, a compound that enhances the absorption of other nutrients, such as curcumin from turmeric.
• Horseradish is a root vegetable with antibacterial and antiviral properties. It is also known to boost the immune system and clear the sinuses.

Tips: 

1. Consult with your medical provider before using a natural remedy like fire cider or apple cider tonic. 
2. Dilute. If your cider or tonic is packing a punch feel free to dilute it to make it more palatable for you. You can even include it in food recipes like a salad dressing or marinade. 
3. Have fun! Make the recipe your own. You do not have to follow our or anyone else's recipe to a tea {pun intended}. 
4. Wear gloves! To prevent any stains from turmeric and or the spicy peppers finding their way to your face. 

Sources:

• National Institutes of Health: https://www.nih.gov/
• WebMD: https://nrd.gov/resource/detail/12594258/WebMD
• Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/
• The Old Farmer's Almanac: https://www.almanac.com/
• Mountain Rose Herbs: https://mountainroseherbs.com/