Fire Cider

Fire Cider is an old herbal folk remedy. The pungent, hot, sour and sweet properties of this herbal tonic is sure to kick out a cold. But Fire Cider is not only used to for cold and flu season. Fire Cider is a great immune enhancing formula that can be taken daily as part of your daily regimen. It can promote circulation and also aid in digestion. Sip it straight, add it to other beverages or even add to create a craft cocktail. You can even cook with it.

I love Fire Cider because it is simple to make, and uses ingredients that you may already have in your house or garden. There are hundreds of variations out there, and there really is no right or wrong. Here is my recipe: (This is a recipe that you should try to use all organic ingredients)

1/2 Cup grated organic ginger root

1/2 cup grated organic horseradish root

1/2 cup dice organic turmeric root

10 cloves organic garlic, crushed or chopped

1/4 tsp. cayenne powder

2 jalapeno peppers, chopped

I medium organic onion chopped

Sprig of fresh rosemary plus 2 Tbsp fresh rosemary leaves

2 Tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

2 Tbsp fresh parsley chopped

1 orange, halved and sliced

1 lemon, halved and sliced

Zest of one lemon

1 Tbsp black peppercorns

1/4 raw local honey, or to taste

Raw organic unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar.

Prepare all your ingredients and place them in a quart or 1.5 quart size jar. Fill with Apple Cider Vinegar. If using a mason jar, place a piece of wax paper between the jar and the lid to prevent the vinegar from corroding the metal lid. Place in a cool dark area (cabinet) for 4 weeks and shake daily. After weeks, strain ingredients through a cheesecloth into a clean jar, squeezing every last drop out. Add more honey if desired.

You will want to immediately start your next batch, as you will see, this won't last very long!

Cheers to making food into medicine and staying healthy during cold and flu season!

Simple DIY Single Herb Tinctures

Here are the next steps to making a single herb tincture. I chose turmeric because I love all the amazing properties it has. When using a dried herb, the proportions are 1 part herb to 4 parts vodka. When using a fresh herb, use 1 part herb to 2 parts vodka. Pour contents into a mason jar. Label with the date and let sit for 6 weeks, Shaking the contents of the jar every few days. After six weeks we will strain through a cheese cloth for final product.... 

Simple DIY Icepack...

Here is a simple #DIY recipe for sprains and muscle pain and you don't have an ice pack. 2 parts water, 1 part rubbing alcohol (I like to use the green) and pour into a 1 quart size ziploc bag and put in the freezer. I like to double bag it. It should come out the consistency of a slushy and gives off more cold than a bag of peas. If it comes out hard like ice, just add more rubbing alcohol until you get your desired consistency.

Stress, Anxiety, Depression and The Alpha Stim

Mood disorders such as anxiety and depression are two of the most prevalent mental health problems. The increased stresses of today's world can really take their toll. When some are not able to cope stress, anxiety and depression can ensue. In many cases, anxiety disorder can also lead to insomnia. Acupuncture is an effective treatment for mood disorders. 

I always like to tell my patients that a secondary effect of any acupuncture treatment is stress/anxiety relief and relaxation. This is due in part by each acupuncture needle insertion. It has been proven that each acupuncture insertion released endorphins. This is a partial explanation of how acupuncture treats pain and you leave feeling very relaxed with stress and anxiety levels less.

When treating these ailments, I like to also use The Alpha-Stim. The Alpa-Stim is a microcurrent device that stimulates the brain to release serotonin.  Alpha-Stim works by transmitting a unique, patented electrical waveform to modulate the cell's signals to return to baseline, normal functioning- significantly reducing stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia without medication and no side effects. Patients report a pleasant and calming feeling when using.

I always tell my patients... Acupuncture is more than just needles. I like to combine western and modern technology with the ancient art of acupuncture for optimal results. Combining acupuncture simultaneously with the Alpa-Stim produces immediate sense of calm and patients report having the best night's sleep that night.

If you would like more information on the Alpha-Stim, please visit their website:

http://www.alpha-stim.com/

or email me directly:

antonio@bodyandsoulacupuncture.com