Preserving a Tradition. Protecting a Community.
Free Fire Cider exists to protect the term “Fire Cider” and preserve the herbal traditions that have been freely shared for generations. We believe that traditional remedies, herbal knowledge, and the language used to describe them should remain accessible to everyone, not restricted by trademark claims on terms that have long belonged to the public.
The Free Fire Cider movement was inspired by renowned herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, who began sharing her spicy apple cider vinegar remedy known as Fire Cider in the late 1970s. Over the decades, the recipe became a beloved staple within the herbal community and evolved into a widely recognized generic term used by herbalists, educators, and natural health practitioners around the world.
The Story Behind the Movement
In 2012, the term “Fire Cider” was trademarked by a private company, creating concern throughout the herbal community. Many herbalists, small businesses, and educators believed the name had already become a generic term through decades of public use.
In response, herbalists across the United States launched the Tradition Not Trademark campaign to challenge the trademark and defend the public’s right to use the term. The effort brought together hundreds of herbal businesses, educators, practitioners, and supporters who shared a common goal: keeping traditional herbal terminology in the public domain.
The movement gained national attention through petitions, legal actions, educational campaigns, and community advocacy efforts designed to protect the future of traditional herbal medicine.
What Is Fire Cider?
Fire Cider is a traditional herbal remedy made by infusing ingredients such as:
- Garlic
- Onion
- Ginger
- Horseradish
- Chile peppers
- Apple cider vinegar
Many recipes also include additional herbs, citrus, honey, or other ingredients. Like many traditional remedies, Fire Cider has evolved through generations of sharing, with countless herbalists creating their own unique versions.
For many people, Fire Cider represents more than a recipe, it symbolizes the spirit of community, education, and the free exchange of herbal knowledge.
Our Mission
At Free Fire Cider, our mission is to:
- Preserve the history and heritage of Fire Cider.
- Educate the public about the importance of protecting traditional herbal terminology.
- Support efforts that keep herbal knowledge accessible to everyone.
- Provide resources, news, and historical information about the Fire Cider movement.
- Celebrate the herbal community’s commitment to sharing knowledge freely.
Standing Together for Herbal Traditions
We believe that traditional remedies belong to the communities that create, share, and preserve them. By raising awareness and supporting public access to herbal knowledge, we help ensure that future generations can continue learning, teaching, and practicing herbal traditions without unnecessary restrictions.
Free Fire Cider is proudly supported by herbalists, educators, small businesses, and advocates who share a common vision: protecting traditional herbal wisdom and keeping it available for everyone.
Together, we can preserve the legacy of Fire Cider and help keep traditional herbal knowledge free for generations to come.