Home Remedies

Have you ever heard of fire cider? It’s an immune-boosting tonic that’s been used for decades to naturally protect against cold and flu and ease sinus congestion. Fire Cider has been used to boost immunity, metabolism, liver function, poor circulation, weak or sluggish digestion, and low energy. It's also antibacterial, antifungal, decongesting, and contains powerful antioxidants.
Anecdotally, people usually take 1–2 tablespoons daily as an immune booster. However, people who find the tonic strong can dilute it in a glass of water. Some people may only take it if they feel a cold coming or to help warm themselves up during the winter season.
The Herbal Academy's fire cider recipe uses fresh herbs, so we recommend refrigerating the final preparation and using it within 6 months. If you are using dried herbs, your fire cider can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for up to 1 year. However, if you have the space, refrigeration will keep it fresher for longer.
Here's the recipe....

FIRE CIDER

1 medium onion, chopped
10 cloves of garlic, crushed or chopped
2 jalapeno peppers, chopped
Zest and juice from 1 lemon
1/2 cup fresh grated ginger root (or ginger root powder)
1/2 cup fresh grated horseradish root (or horseradish powder)
1 tablespoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
2 tablespoon dried rosemary leaves
Organic apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup of raw, local honey, or to taste
Prepare your roots, fruits, and herbs and place them in a quart-sized glass jar. 
Pour the apple cider vinegar in the jar until all of the ingredients are covered and the vinegar reaches the jar's top.
Use a piece of natural parchment paper under the lid to keep the vinegar from touching the metal, or a plastic lid if you have one. Shake well.
Store in a dark, cool place for a month and remember to shake daily.
After one month, use cheesecloth to strain out the pulp, pouring the vinegar into a clean jar. Be sure to squeeze as much of the liquidy goodness as you can from the pulp while straining.
Next comes the honey. Add and stir until incorporated.
Taste your cider and add more honey until you reach the desired sweetness.

ELDERBERRY SYRUP

Elderberry syrup -
– Is antiviral
– Shortens the duration of the flu
– Reduces the severity of the flu (runny nose, sore throat, muscle pain, fever)
– Reduces inflammation
– Is rich in antioxidants
– Acts as a very mild laxative
– Helps to lower cholesterol
– Is an all-around immune booster!
Combine two cups of dried elderberries with 8 cups of water in a large pot.  Bring to a boil and simmer the berries for 45 minutes.
Let the mixture cool to room temperature and then strain the berries with a fine, mesh strainer.  Be sure to smash all the goodness out of the berries.

Stir in 2 cups of raw honey.
Put in a jar and refrigerate.
As a preventative measure, herbalists recommend taking 1-2 tablespoons per day.  You can also drizzle it over oatmeal, fruit, or pancakes.