In this cozy, spicy episode of The Joyfully Prepared Podcast, Wendi Bergin dives into one of her favorite herbal traditions — fire cider. She shares how this zesty, vinegar-based tonic can boost your immune system, clear congestion, and bring warmth back to your winter days. You’ll learn exactly how to make your own batch at home, why each ingredient (from garlic to ginger to horseradish) plays an important healing role, and how to reuse those leftover herbs and veggies so nothing goes to waste. It’s a cheerful, no-stress guide to old-fashioned kitchen medicine — the kind of self-reliance that makes you feel capable, connected, and a little bit spicy yourself.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
🌿 What fire cider is and how it supports your immune system
🔥 The healing properties of each ingredient — from garlic’s germ-fighting power to turmeric’s sunny anti-inflammatory boost
🫙 How to easily make your own batch at home (no measuring perfection required)
💛 Creative ways to use your finished fire cider — in dressings, marinades, or as a daily wellness shot
♻️ How to repurpose the strained herbs, roots, and spices into chutneys, spice blends, and compost gold
Favorite quote from Wendi:
“It’s not cold and flu season — it’s being indoors, eating sugar foods season. So let’s fix that with a little jar of spicy joy.”
Mentioned in this episode:
Onions, garlic, ginger, turmeric, horseradish, lemon, rosemary, hot peppers
Apple cider vinegar and raw honey
The Joyfully Prepared Library — resources for learning herbal and homesteading skills
Instagram: @joyfulprepper
Listen & Subscribe:
🎧 Joyfully Prepared Podcast
Share your fire cider!
Tag @joyfulprepper on Instagram or post in the Joyfully Prepared Facebook group with a picture of your creation.
🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com
📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com
🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning
🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate
📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper
👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com