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Dear friends, In honor of the first snow of the season, Fire Cider and Elderberry Elixir—my two favorite remedies for winter wellness—are back in stock! Fire Cider is a popular herbalist go-to for seasonal immune support. It’s primarily used to ward off cold and flu, relieve congestion, and warm digestive fire. Handwritten recipes for this spicy brew have been passed between herbalists since at least the 1970s, if not much longer. It’s a beloved staple in the herbalist’s home apothecary, and was recently at the center of a high-profile legal battle between “big herb” and a network of herbalists protecting fire cider (and all traditional remedies) from trademarking. (The herbalists won!) Fire Cider supports immunity and respiratory health first and foremost by thinning mucus and promoting expectoration. It’s most commonly used during the winter, but it’s helpful for allergies, too. In addition to its immune and respiratory actions, fire cider increases digestive secretions and peristalsis, and increases circulation around the body. Many of the herbs traditionally used in fire cider have antimicrobial, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Elderberry has a long history of use as a gentle preventative medicine and very popular remedy for the common cold and flu. Herbalists typically recommend working regularly with Elderberry throughout the winter to ward off (as well as significantly shorten the duration of) common illnesses. In addition to its immune-enhancing actions, Elderberry is rich in flavonoids, and contains anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. There are all kinds of exciting studies about Elderberry and the flu, I encourage you to look into them yourself! You can find a bunch here and here. I make my Elderberry Elixir by combining Elderberry, Hawthorn, and fresh Ginger (another wonderful herb for cold and flu season) tinctures with a potent Elderberry-infused raw honey. It’s quite delicious! The discount code I shared with you in my last newsletter is still valid—please use the checkout code TWILIGHT for 10% off your order. Beeswax and honey, Clare PS- any information I share about herbs is first and foremost educational. Take everything I say with a grain of salt. There’s no such thing as “one size fits all” herbalism— herbs work differently for different people’s bodies. Do your own research, consult a health expert, and for goodness sake, call your doctor if you’re sick!
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