Easy Herbal Remedies

Easy Herbal Remedies is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 20 calories per serving. Recipe by Mtn Grandma on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 40 min

Cost: $56.69 total, $7.09 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 quart Apple Cider Vinegar (unfiltered, raw)
  • 0.5 cup Horseradish Root (peeled and grated)
  • 0.5 cup Fresh Ginger (peeled and chopped)
  • 0.5 cup Onion (chopped; one medium onion)
  • 0.5 cup Garlic (peeled and finely chopped; about 5‑6 cloves)
  • 3 tablespoon Cayenne Pepper (powdered; can substitute 1/4 cup fresh chopped cayenne or dried flakes)
  • 2 cup Raw Honey (unpasteurized, preferably local)
  • 1 bulb Garlic (for fermentation) (about 10 cloves, peeled and roughly chopped)
  • 1 medium Onion (for cough syrup) (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Fire Cider Ingredients

    Peel and grate the horseradish root, peel and chop the ginger, chop the onion, and finely chop the garlic.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Blend Fire Cider

    Add the grated horseradish, chopped ginger, onion, garlic, cayenne pepper, and apple cider vinegar to the blender. Blend on high until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Store Fire Cider

    Pour the blended mixture into a clean glass jar, seal loosely (or use a fermentation lid), and refrigerate.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: 4°C

  4. Prepare Fermented Garlic Honey

    Peel and roughly chop the garlic cloves, place them in a clean jar about half full, then pour raw honey over the garlic until the cloves are completely submerged.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Ferment Garlic Honey

    Close the jar with a lid that allows gas to escape (e.g., a fermentation airlock or loosely fitted lid). Store the jar at room temperature, opening daily to “burp” for the first week, then move to the refrigerator after 2‑3 weeks.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: 20-25°C

  6. Prepare Onion Honey Cough Syrup

    Chop the onion and place it in a clean jar about half to three‑quarters full. Cover the onion completely with raw honey, stirring to ensure all pieces are submerged.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Store Onion Honey Syrup

    Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate. Use a teaspoonful up to five times daily as needed for cough relief.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: 4°C

Nutrition Facts

Calories
20
Protein
0 g
Carbohydrates
5 g
Fat
0 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free, Raw (honey is not heated)

Allergens: Honey

Last updated: April 16, 2026

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Easy Herbal Remedies

Recipe by Mtn Grandma

Three easy, food‑as‑medicine recipes from Mountain Grandma: a spicy immune‑boosting fire cider, probiotic fermented garlic honey, and soothing onion honey cough syrup. All ingredients are natural, shelf‑stable, and can be stored for weeks to months.

EasyAmericanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
31m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
41m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$56.69
Total cost
$7.09
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Blending fire cider until fully combined
  • Ensuring garlic is completely submerged in honey to prevent spoilage
  • Allowing gas release during the first 24 hours of fire cider fermentation

Safety Warnings

  • Raw honey should not be given to children under 1 year due to risk of botulism.
  • Wear gloves when handling horseradish and cayenne to avoid skin irritation.
  • During fermentation, gases can build up; use a vented lid or burp the jar daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of fire cider in American folk medicine?

A

Fire cider originates from Appalachian and New England herbal traditions where vinegar‑based tonics were used to boost immunity and circulation during cold months. It combines “trinity herbs” (garlic, onion, ginger) with cayenne and horseradish for a warming, circulatory‑enhancing elixir.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of fire cider in the United States?

A

Some regions add turmeric, black pepper, or fresh lemon juice, while others use different ratios of vinegar to honey. In the Pacific Northwest, maple syrup may replace part of the vinegar for a sweeter profile.

cultural
Q

How is fermented garlic honey traditionally served in herbal medicine practices?

A

Fermented garlic honey is taken by the spoonful as a daily immune tonic or added to tea for throat soothing. Historically, it was also used topically on minor cuts because of its antibacterial properties.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is onion honey cough syrup traditionally associated with in American folk remedies?

A

Onion honey cough syrup is a classic winter remedy, often prepared in families before the flu season. It’s also shared during holiday gatherings as a natural alternative to over‑the‑counter cough medicines.

cultural
Q

What makes fire cider special or unique in American herbal cuisine?

A

Fire cider combines potent circulatory herbs with acidic vinegar, creating a synergistic blend that both stimulates the immune system and improves digestion. Its sharp, spicy flavor distinguishes it from milder vinegar tonics.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making fire cider at home?

A

Common errors include sealing the jar too tightly during the first 24 hours, which can cause pressure buildup, and not blending the ingredients long enough, resulting in uneven flavor. Also, using pasteurized honey can reduce fermentation activity.

technical
Q

Why does this fire cider recipe use apple cider vinegar instead of other vinegars?

A

Apple cider vinegar provides a mild acidity and contains beneficial probiotics that complement the herbal ingredients, whereas stronger vinegars like white or balsamic can overpower the delicate herb flavors.

technical
Q

Can I make the fermented garlic honey ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, prepare it a few weeks in advance. Keep the jar at room temperature for the first 2‑3 weeks, burping daily, then refrigerate. It will stay safe and flavorful for up to six months when refrigerated.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the fire cider is ready?

A

The fire cider should be a homogenous amber liquid with fine particles of herbs suspended. It may appear slightly cloudy from the blended ingredients, which is normal.

technical
Q

How do I know when the onion honey cough syrup is done and safe to use?

A

The syrup is ready immediately after the onion is fully covered with honey. It should be thick, glossy, and free of mold. Store it in the fridge; if you notice any off‑smell or mold, discard.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Mtn Grandma specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Mtn Grandma focuses on homestead living, natural health, and food‑as‑medicine recipes, sharing practical, budget‑friendly herbal remedies and traditional cooking techniques.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Mtn Grandma's approach to herbal home remedies differ from other health‑focused channels?

A

Mtn Grandma blends Appalachian folk wisdom with modern budgeting tips, emphasizing whole‑food ingredients you likely already have at home, whereas many other channels rely on specialty products or complex lab‑tested supplements.

channel

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