09/08/2026
The BER months are here and even though it's still 90' here in the Deep South, it's time to start prepping for the cold and flu season. Mondays are my medicine making day and yesterday I spent the entire day chopping and gathering supplies to make two new Fire Ciders:
๐๐๐๐๐บ๐ป ๐ฆ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐ด๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ป & ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐
In reality, autumn is our second summer here along the Gulf Coast. Regardless of the temperature, autumn is a time of *strengthening our immune and respiratory systems with organic herbs of elderberries, echinacea root/leaf, barberry, rosemary, thyme, sage, Appalachian reishi, Irish moss, rose hips, lemon, lime, orange
*restoring our body and soul with deep nourishment like tulsi, astragalus, burdock root, hawthorn berries, dandelion root, schisandra berries, beets, and prickly pear fruit (from my garden)
*introducing warming herbs and spices for our digestive system like garlic, red onion, turmeric, black peppercorns, cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne-jalapeรฑo-serrano-apple peppers.
For this blend, I added some maple syrup instead of Honey because to me, maple syrup is quintessential fall vibes.
๐ช๐ถ๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ช๐ฒ๐น๐น๐ป๐ฒ๐๐โ๏ธ
I know it doesn't seem like it will ever get cold, but don't forget it snowed here for the past two years. Winter is the time for rest and relaxation, looking inward, while still supporting the immune system, digestion, and paying attention to your mood because seasonal depression is a real thing. Here are the herbs and spices that I added for this blend based upon the seasons needs.
*immune/respiratory support herbs and food of pine needles, elecampane, rosemary, sage, thyme, chaga mushrooms, juniper berries, mullein leaves, bay leaves, garlic, red onion, turmeric.
* warming digestive and carminative herbs and spices of green cardamom, anise seed, star anise, caraway, coriander, fennel seed, fenugreek, tons of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and peppers of cayenne, serrano, and jalapeรฑo
* mood supportive herbs of ashwaghanda, chamomile, lemon balm, mucuna bean, and winter fruits of grapefruit, lemon, orange
Again, I used grade a maple syrup with this blend because I personally think it tastes great with these warming spices.
The second picture is red onion soaked and honey. I will strain this off next week and will be making two new cough syrup with the honey. And of course, eating the onions on everything.
The other container is garlic soaked in honey in which I'm going to let it ferment. This is easy kitchen medicine that everyone should have on their counter during flu and cold season. Come by anytime and I can explain to you how to make it.
