As the crispness of fall is soon to settle in, so is what I like to call “germ season”. Between school, travel, and holiday gatherings, and an increase in sugar consumption, our immune systems are suddenly asked to do a lot of heavy lifting. Preparing ahead is one of the best ways to meet this season with peace and strength — and one of my favorite traditions is brewing a big jar of fire cider.
But here’s a little twist that makes it extra special: I always finish my fire cider with a swirl of Liquid Gold.
What is Liquid Gold?
“Liquid Gold” is a golden elixir made from honey, turmeric, and warming spices. It transforms your fire cider into something smoother, richer, and even more healing. It balances the sharpness of vinegar with natural sweetness, while offering powerful anti-inflammatory and immune-supportive benefits.
Think of it as the crowning touch for your fire cider — nourishing, beautiful, and delicious.
Liquid Gold Recipe
Ingredients
1 cup raw local honey
2–3 Tbsp turmeric powder or 2–3 inches fresh turmeric, grated
1 Tbsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Pinch of black pepper (to activate turmeric’s benefits)
Tiny pinch of cayenne (optional, for extra fire)
Instructions
Gently warm honey in a double boiler (low heat — do not boil).
Stir in turmeric, ginger, lemon zest, pepper, and cayenne.
Let infuse on low heat for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Strain for smooth syrup, or leave herbs in for stronger potency.
Store in a glass jar in a cool, dark place (or refrigerate).
To Use: Stir ¼–½ cup of Liquid Gold into each quart of strained fire cider before bottling. Taste and adjust to your liking.
*I sometimes also just add this to a cup of tea without the Fire Cider.
🌿 A Wholiopathic Cold & Flu Season Prep Kit
When sickness strikes, the last thing you want is to scramble for supplies. By preparing a few key remedies ahead, you’ll be ready to nurture both body and spirit. Here’s a simple kit you can keep on hand:
- Fire Cider (with Liquid Gold)
A spicy, vinegar-based tonic to keep the immune system humming. Take a spoonful daily or at the first sign of sniffles. Find the recipe by clicking on this link.
A delicious, antioxidant-rich syrup that supports immune function. Find the recipe by clicking on this link.
- Throat Soothing Tea Blend
Calms scratchiness and irritation.
Per Cup:
1 tsp marshmallow root
1 tsp licorice root
1 tsp slippery elm bark
½ tsp peppermint or chamomile (optional)
Steep 10–15 minutes, covered. Sip warm.
- Herbal Steam Blend
Opens sinuses and eases congestion.
Ingredients
1 Tbsp dried eucalyptus leaves
1 Tbsp dried rosemary
1 Tbsp dried peppermint
Pour boiling water over herbs in a bowl. Lean over, cover head with a towel, and breathe deeply for 5–10 minutes.
OR
* Essential Oil Blend for Herbal Steam
Add this blend to a bowl of steaming water to open airways and ease congestion.
Steam Blend Recipe (make a stock blend in a small bottle):
- 10 drops Eucalyptus (radiata or globulus)
- 8 drops Peppermint
- 6 drops Rosemary cineole
- 6 drops Tea Tree
- 4 drops Lavender
To use: Add 1–2 drops of the stock blend to a bowl of hot water. Cover head with a towel, lean over carefully, and inhale for 5–10 minutes.
- Chest Rub (Vapor Balm)
A soothing balm for coughs and congestion.
Ingredients
½ cup coconut oil (or shea butter)
2 Tbsp beeswax pellets
10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
10 drops peppermint essential oil
6 drops rosemary essential oil
4 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions
Melt oil + beeswax in double boiler.
Stir in essential oils.
Pour into tins/jars and let cool.
Rub on chest, back, or feet.
- Vitamin C + Zinc Herbal Tea
A whole-food boost for immunity.
Per Cup:
1 tsp dried rosehips
1 tsp hibiscus
½ tsp lemon balm
Juice 1/2 fresh orange or lemon
Raw honey to taste
Steep 10 minutes. Drink daily.
- Bone Broth
Nourishing, hydrating, and soothing when appetite is low.
Ingredients
2–3 lbs bones (chicken or beef)
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 onion, quartered
2 garlic cloves
Peppercorns to taste
Pink Himalayan Sea Salt (This is totally up to you. Some don’t use it all and need low sodium options. I have POTS so I will take all the salt I can get!)
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
Loads of fresh herbs to your liking! I use a lot of rosemary in mine but I like to change mine up with different combinations. Sometimes it comes out more herb broth than bone broth!
Water to cover
Instructions
Place everything in a slow cooker.
Cover with water.
Cook on low 12–24 hours.
Strain and store.
Sip warm or use as soup base.
- Comforts (Optional, but Healing)
A cozy environment is medicine too. Keep on hand:
Soft blankets, clean pillowcases (to make changing them out often while ill easier) and herbal heat packs
Beeswax candles
Gentle tissues like the ones with lotion or aloe added
Diffuser blend for calm: 3 drops lavender, 2 drops lemon, 1 drop frankincense
9. Good Samaritan / Thieves Blend
This classic oil blend has a rich history as a protector during times of plague, making it perfect for immune support, cleaning, and purifying.
Master Blend (make this first):
40 drops Clove
35 drops Lemon
20 drops Cinnamon bark
15 drops Eucalyptus
10 drops Rosemary
Roller Blend (Immune Support)
For a 10 ml roller:
3–5 drops Good Samaritan Master Blend
Top with carrier oil (fractionated coconut, jojoba, or almond oil)
Roll on bottoms of feet, along spine, or wrists as needed.
Cleaning Concentrate
20–30 drops Good Samaritan Master Blend
1 cup white vinegar
1 cup distilled water
Optional: 1 tbsp Castile soap
Shake before use. Store in a glass spray bottle.
🌬 Diffuser Blend
4–6 drops Good Samaritan Master Blend in diffuser water reservoir
Purifies the air, supports the immune system, and smells warm and spicy.
💛 Why Prepare Ahead?
Herbal wisdom is about more than fighting illness — it’s about living in rhythm with the seasons and caring for the body God has entrusted to you. By stocking your cold and flu kit now, you’ll be ready to care for yourself and your family with peace, not panic.
Fire cider with its swirl of Liquid Gold is more than just a remedy — it’s a reminder: I am ready. I am cared for. I am nourished.
From my Grace Filled Lemons heart to yours,
Laura
*A Gentle Word for the Immune-Compromised
If you live with a chronic illness, autoimmune disease, or are otherwise immune-compromised, please know that your health is precious. Don’t feel guilty about taking extra steps to protect yourself.
Wearing a mask in crowded places is not a weakness—it’s wisdom and self-compassion.
Resting instead of pushing through is a way of honoring the body God entrusted to you.
Saying “no” to gatherings during high germ season is not selfish—it’s stewardship.
Using herbs, oils, and natural supports can help strengthen resilience, but they don’t replace rest, nutrition, and self-care.
Your safety and peace of mind matter. If you need to do things a little differently to stay well, do so with grace. You are not less faithful or less strong for protecting your health—you are honoring both your life and the Giver of it.
Grace Filled Lemons 
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