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RECIPE OF THE MONTH:
Fire Cider
Want to boost your immune system this season? In addition to regular acupuncture treatments, you can brew up some Fire Cider, a classic herbal remedy that is often used at the first signs of cold or flu, or as a cold-weather tonic for increased resistance to pathogens. Its ingredients have properties that are anitmicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral. Fire Cider can act as an immune stimulant, a diaphoretic (opens the pores and makes you sweat) and a vasodilator. All of the herbs contained in the blend have expectorant properties. In addition to being taken orally, it can also be used topically, as a liniment for chest colds. Fire Cider improves circulation, helps to remove waste form the body, and activates your mind and body during the cold winter months.
As always, for best results, make sure that all ingredients are organic. You can pick them up at the winter farmers' markets. Also, the High Falls Food Co-op is a great source for local, organic produce; they recently had fresh horseradish roots there.
PLEASE NOTE: Like all medicinal herbal preparations, Fire Cider is contraindicated for certain conditions. The herbs in this formula can affect individuals who are taking blood thinning medications or aspirin. This formula should be used with caution by any individual with a sensitive stomach, acid reflux or chronic heartburn, gastric ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, or Crohn's disease.
INGREDIENTS (Makes 1 quart) 3-inch piece of fresh horseradish root, grated or finely chopped 2-inch piece of fresh ginger root, grated or finely chopped 1 small onion, peeled and chopped 1 head of garlic, peeled and chopped 2 fresh cayenne peppers, chopped; or ½ tsp of dried cayenne powder Apple cider vinegar METHOD Place the ingredients into a sterilized mason jar, filling the jar 1-2 inches below the mouth. Pour the vinegar over the herbs, making sure there are no air bubbles. Leave at least ½ - 1 inch between the lid and the vinegar. Add a layer of wax paper between the jar and the lid, and secure this with a rubber band. This is necessary as the vinegar will corrode the metal lid. Then, seal it with the lid. Allow the herbs to steep for 2-6 weeks in a dark place. Shake daily for best results. Then, use a strainer to separate herbs from vinegar, catching the infused vinegar in a bowl. Take the remaining herbs and put in a thin cloth and squeeze that last vinegar out (be sure to wear latex gloves for this, so you don't get the firey liquid on your hands). Pour into a clean bottle or jar. You can mix it with some raw local honey before using, for added immune support. To take as an immune tonic, take 1-2 tablespoons a day. For acute conditions, take 1-2 tablespoons 3 times a day. Fire up your immune system this season and enjoy! | 
