Introducing SISTAAHroots
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Our Story
Rooted in Ancestry - Grown for Healing. Homegrown herbal remedies crafted in the spirit of our ancestors - blending earth wisdom, cultural heritage, and the healing power of nature!
welcome to SISTAAHroots
SISTAAHroots grows alongside SISTAAHstudio—both grounded in the spirit of our ancestors, nurturing creativity, awakening awareness, promoting healing, and wellness in the community: one through art as resistance and renewal, the other through the power of plants.
SISTAAHROOTS PRODUCTS ARE MADE FROM MY GARDEN, OR MY HANDS - SOMETIMES BOTH
Wilhelmina Grant-Cooper
Rooted in Ancestry - Grown for Healing
Discover SISTAAHroots!
Be on the lookout for the following SISTAAHroots wellness products while supplies last. Sango's "Hot Shot" Fire Cider, Four Thieves Vinegar, Home Grown Lemon Balm Herbal Tea, Oregano Salve Healing Balm, Soothing Thyme Salve, and Smooth and Fragrant Rose Moisture Balm!
Description of Wellness Tonics
What is Fire Cider?
Consult a Professional: If pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition (like ulcers or heart issues), or are taking medication, consult a doctor or qualified herbalist before use.
Fire cider is a spirited, homespun herbal tonic that carries the warmth of the kitchen and the wisdom of generations past. Born from the custom of using robust roots and spices to bolster health, fire cider is made by steeping ingredients like horseradish, ginger, garlic, onion, and hot peppers in tangy apple cider vinegar. After a good, patient wait—just as our elders would recommend—the blend is sweetened with a touch of honey, yielding a lively, bold, and soothing elixir.
Origins and Tradition
This tonic’s roots run deep in folk medicine, drawing from the old ways of preserving the harvest and harnessing the power of nature for health. Grandparents and wise neighbors alike have long passed down recipes for herbal infusions and vinegars, sharing not just remedies but stories, laughter, and love. Fire cider embodies this spirit, connecting us to the enduring legacy of those who relied on simple ingredients and communal care to stay well.
Key Ingredients
· Ginger: A kitchen staple, warming body and soul, and always on hand for an upset stomach or a chilly morning.
· Garlic: Beloved in old remedies for its immune-boosting punch, tucked into soups and broths with a knowing hand.
· Onion: Adds depth and comfort, a humble vegetable with a quiet strength found in every pantry.
· Hot Peppers: Their fiery kick is both flavorful and fortifying, a nod to the spice that kept many a winter’s chill at bay.
· Apple Cider Vinegar: The backbone of the brew, drawing out the goodness of roots and herbs and making every drop count.
· Honey (optional): A gentle sweetness, reminiscent of gathering wild honey or trading for it at the local market, softening the blend and bringing harmony.
Uses and Benefits
Fire cider is cherished for its robust taste and the comfort it brings. Folks often take it by the spoonful as a daily tonic, especially as the leaves turn or the snow falls. It finds its way into dressings, marinades, soups, and even a mug of warm water on a quiet evening. Its blend of hearty ingredients is celebrated for supporting the immune system, warming the body, and invoking the kind of well-being that comes from mindful living and time-honored tradition.
How to Enjoy Fire Cider
· Sip a spoonful straight to start the day, just as family might have done in days gone by.
· Stir into hot water and honey for a soothing drink when you need a little comfort.
· Add to soups and stews for an extra layer of flavor and goodness.
· Mix into vinaigrettes or drizzle over greens for a homemade touch at the table.
four thieves vinegar
As legends go, during the 18th-century plague epidemic in Europe, a band of thieves robbed the homes and graves of those who were sick and dying of the disease but never fell ill themselves. Their secret? An herbal tonic known as Four Thieves Vinegar. When the authorities finally apprehended the individuals, they agreed to grant them their freedom in exchange for the recipe. They wrote it up and posted it on the walls of the city so every man could make it for himself. Modern day herbalists believe that Four Thieves Vinegar may help guard against colds and flu.
Herbalists recommended dosages of around 1 tablespoon diluted in a glass of water per day for an adult and 1 teaspoon in water for a child. Because its flavor is akin to salad dressing, you may want to use it as such or add it to juice.
Modern versions of the recipe generally include four herbs—one for each thief—and garlic, a strong anti-viral and antibacterial itself, infused in apple cider vinegar. Some herbalists recommend the Four Thieves tonic as a preventative to ward off any communicable sickness like the common cold and influenza.* This makes sense when you look at the health-promoting properties of the individual herbs that you’ll find in most of today’s recipes.
Herbs Used in Four Thieves Vinegar Recipes
Garlic—Garlic not only smells wonderful in cooking, but it promotes health as well. In addition to its positive effect on cardiovascular disease by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, garlic has been used for centuries to fight infectious diseases. Scientists now know that its principal compound, allicin, has strong antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Rosemary—Rosmarinus officinalis is one of the most popular culinary herbs around the world. And it’s also been widely studied for therapeutic use. A few of the validated medicinal uses of rosemary include antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory.
Clove—For centuries, people have used clove as a food preservative because of its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Studies have shown clove oil is effective against staph, E. coli, and pseudomonas.
Sage—Sage, or Salvia officinalis, has a wide range of traditional uses such as to relieve digestive disturbances, bronchitis and cough, and sore throat due to inflammation. The flavonoids and compounds in sage have strong antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
Juniper Berries—Studies show that juniper possesses anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties, among others.
Thyme—Thanks to the phenols thymol and carvacrol, thyme has the highest level of antioxidants of any herb. Thymol is a proven antimicrobial and antibacterial which is effective against staph, E. coli, and salmonella infections.
Cinnamon—Not just for cookies, cinnamon possesses antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Its historical uses include promoting oral health and improving blood coagulation and circulation.
More About Four Thieves Vinegar
Four Thieves Vinegar Uses
Consult a Professional: If pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition (like ulcers or heart issues), or are taking medication, consult a doctor or qualified herbalist before use.
Four Thieves Vinegar is a versatile herbal infusion with various modern and traditional uses, from a culinary ingredient to a household cleaner and a folk remedy.
Culinary Uses
Vinaigrettes and Salad Dressings: Use it as a base for flavorful dressings by mixing one part vinegar with three parts olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Cooking Ingredient: Splash it into soups, stews, or stir-fries for an extra "kick" of flavor and herbal properties.
Flavoring: Drizzle over roasted vegetables or use as a bread dip.
Wellness Tonic (Diluted): Some modern recipes suggest taking 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon diluted in a glass of water or tea a few times a week to support the immune system, especially during cold and flu season. Note: The strong acidity can damage tooth enamel with frequent use, so dilution is important.
Four Thieves Vinegar can be used for various purposes, including as a wellness tonic, a household cleaner, a skin treatment, and in spiritual practices. Its use depends on the specific recipe, as some are made for internal consumption while others are for external/household use only. (This Four Thieves Vinegar is made for internal consumption).
Internal Uses (Culinary and Wellness)
Wellness Tonic: To support the immune system or when feeling unwell (e.g., with a cold or flu), dilute 1-2 tablespoons of the vinegar in a glass of water or herbal tea and drink once or a few times a day.
Gargle Solution: For sore throats or oral problems (like gingivitis), mix with equal parts water and gargle.
Cooking: Use it as you would any other flavored vinegar. It makes a zippy addition to salad dressings, a drizzle over roasted vegetables or eggs, or added to soups and stews.
Oxymel: Mix with honey to create an oxymel, a traditional herbal preparation often used for respiratory issues.
External Uses (Topical and Household)
Household Cleaner: Dilute with an equal part of water in a spray bottle to create a natural disinfectant for kitchen and bathroom surfaces, mirrors, and windows.
Skin Treatment:
Astringent/Toner: Dilute with two parts water and gently pat on the face after cleansing.
Antiseptic: Apply the vinegar to superficial wounds, cuts, acne, or insect bites using a cotton pad or damp cloth to disinfect and soothe itching.
Bath Additive: Add a tablespoon to bathwater for a purifying and soothing soak, but always skin test first, especially if the recipe has strong ingredients.
Hair Rinse: Use as a hair lotion or final rinse after shampooing to combat dandruff, sanitize the scalp, and add shine.
Insect/Pest Repellent: Rub a small amount (diluted or pure, depending on the recipe) on hands, ears, and temples to help repel insects, or spray around the perimeter of your property.
Inhalation: Add 1-2 tablespoons to a bowl of hot water and inhale the vapors to help clear respiratory congestion (keep eyes closed).
Spiritual Uses
Protection and Banishing: Sprinkle around the home or property to keep negative energies away.
Cleansing: Add a small amount to water to cleanse altars, ritual tools, or for use in a spiritual bath.
Safety Precautions
Read the Label: If using a pre-made product, confirm the ingredients and whether it is safe for internal or external use.
Dilution is Key: Always dilute the vinegar for most topical and internal uses to protect sensitive skin and tooth enamel.
Skin Test: Perform a patch test on a small area of skin before widespread topical use to check for sensitivity.
Consult a Professional: If pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition (like ulcers or heart issues), or are taking medication, consult a doctor or qualified herbalist before use.
Thank you for your support.
Be well,
Wilhelmina Grant-Cooper
SISTAAHroots@gmail.com IG: @SISTAAHroots
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