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!
Health Benefits of Horseradish... yes, Horseradish!
Looking at this picture, many people may not ever realize that this is horseradish in its natural state! Yes, horseradish is a root, similar to tumeric and ginger. It is a root vegetable that is part of the Brassicaceae family which also includes wasabi, mustard, broccoli and cabbage. It is a powerful and pungent plant which also has many health benefits. This is why it is a key ingredient in my Fire Cider. The powerful aroma that affects our sinuses is why horseradish is more commonly used as a condiment, rather than as a vegetable itself. Here are some of the many health benefits:
- Boosts Immunity. Horseradish is filled with nutrients, phytochemicals and Vitamin C. Together these have antioxidant properties that stimulate white blood cell production, our body's main line of defense.
- Improves Respiratory Conditions: This may come as no surprise. Similar to wasabi, horseradish has a strong pungent odor that can make our eyes water and clear the sinuses. Just taking a strong sniff of the horseradish root can help to clear the mucous secretions in the sinus and respiratory tract due to colds and alleries.
- Antibacterial: Horseradish can be great to help fight microbes and bacterial infections.
Other health benefits include: Weight loss/metabolism, Lowers Blood Pressure, and Improves Digestion.
The easiest way to prepare horseradish is to peel away the brown skin of the root and shred the white part to add to food and makes a great infusion with vodka if you like a spicy bloody mary. Enjoy!
Cold and Flu Season: When to see a doctor
This flu season has proven to one of the worst we have seen in quite some time. Hospitals have set up tent triage units just to accommodate the number of people affected by the virus this year. Almost every single one of my patents has come in and been affected by sickness this season. Whether it be cold and sinus or the flu.
I usually pride myself on being able to stay healthy. I have a everything at my fingertips to fight sickness when it strikes me. But then it happened to me. I got sick this season. Shortly after Christmas I caught the cold. I never had a cough, but it attacked my sinuses. I could not breathe for days. Everything under my power, which normally works for me, did not seem to help me this time around. I took my Wellness Formula, which is my #1 one go to when feeling sick, did not work. I made Elderberry syrup, did not help. I drank my homemade Fire Cider like water, did not help. The neti pot only gave me temporary relief. I sprayed colloidal silver in my sinuses, only temporary relief.
After a few days, I began to feel better. I started to notice that I could not stop blowing my nose. After a few more days and started waking with sinus pain and pressure on my left side. I finally called my doctor. Then got me in that same day and I was given antibiotics for a sinus infection. I have never had a sinus infection in my life! I am happy to say, I am finally out of the woods, but all in all I was not 100% for about two weeks.
As much as we try to stay healthy and use natural remedies to fight off sickness and stay well, we must also be aware of when it is time to go to the doctor or even the ER. We have to remind ourselves that it is ok. It is ok to seek medical attention when your holistic ways just are not enough. It is ok to take antibiotics or prescription medications when needed. In these instances, don't stop taking your herbs. Don't stop doing whatever natural healing it is that you choose for yourself. In these instances, your holistic approach becomes complimentary to western medicine. Your results will be that much quicker.
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