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My first taste of Fire Cider was almost in a moment of desperation.

I had a lingering cold virus, stuffy nose and hacking cough.

We all know that feeling.

Back, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, a cold virus made us uncomfortable.

Fire Cider helps ease some of the symptoms of a sore throat.

A teaspoon sip or two as the remedy for the symptoms.

I became enthused about making a homemade version after our friend Becky Black assembled hers.

And Myk Heidt, who works for the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community as an environmental health coordinator, posted her ingredients and preparation.

Both woman are powerfully creative.

The Fire Cider I made last year was pushed to the back of my refrigerator and forgotten about once the cold season ended.

This fall, 13 Moons at Work, a program of Swinomish, was offering ingredients to tribal members.

I used most of the ingredients in this recipe, leaving out the onion.

Ingredients

Cranberries, fresh, ½ cup

Horseradish root, fresh, 2 inches

Ginger, fresh, 2 inches

Garlic, fresh, 4 cloves

Onion, 1 medium

Cilantro, 1 bunch

Borage, 3 inch stem

Rosemary, 6 inch stem

Oregano, 3 stems, 4 inches each

Turmeric powder, 1 tablespoon

Hot peppers, 2 to 4

Lemon, 1

Apple cider vinegar, 1 quart

Honey, ½ cup

Preparation

Rinse all ingredients, except the garlic cloves.

Leave all herbs whole.

Cut up the lemon and hot peppers.

Leave cranberries whole.

Peel and chop the horseradish and ginger.

Begin layering the lemon and hot peppers in the bottom of a large jar.

Add the herbs, circling them around the side of the jar.

Add the cranberries, garlic and turmeric powder.

Pour the apple cider vinegar over the top.

Push down and weight the ingredients to submerge them under the cider.

Secure a non-corrosive lid.

Store in a cool, dark location for three weeks.

Occasionally shakethe jar, and once shaken, push the ingredients under the apple cider vinegar.

After three weeks, strain and keep the liquid portion.

Stir in the honey.

Store in the refrigerator.

Note: you may substitute or add oranges and other herbs.