Humans have made strong brews with natural ingredients to combat illness for generations. The actual term "fire cider" is widely attributed to herbalist Rosemary Gladstar. Rosemary has been touting the health benefits of fire cider for more than 30 years. In her 1999 book, Rosemary Gladstar's Herbs for the Home Medicine Chest, she recommends making a batch of fire cider as soon as cold and flu season hits.