FIRE CIDER & other tonics

he leaves on my deciduous trees are fluttering down, carpeting the ground with piles of umber and gold. Autumn. The changing of seasons with colder temperatures, later sunrises and earlier sunsets all signal that it is time to restock the home herbal medicine kit to boost wellness and help with the ailments that seem to proliferate during the winter season. First is a big batch of ‘fire cider’, a traditional brew of roots, fruits, herbs and spices in apple cider vinegar that is believed to be immune boosting, sinus clearing, antiinflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and encouraging of good circulation. This tonic is also known as