An oxymel is a traditional medicinal preparation made by combining vinegar (usually apple cider vinegar) and honey, and infusing it with herbs. The word comes from the Greek oxymeli, meaning “acid and honey.” Traditionally, oxymels contained more honey than water, however it is now more common to add equal parts vinegar and honey.
Incorporating oxymels into your household offers a natural, delicious way to support immunity and soothe common ailments like colds, coughs, and digestive discomfort using simple ingredients. Making them at home empowers your family to rely on time-tested, gentle remedies that are easy to prepare and free of synthetic additives.
Which herbs and spices should I use?
| Immune | Ginger, garlic, turmeric, rosehips, rosellas, cloves, lemon balm, cinnamon, echinacea, elderberry, elderflower Respiratory specific: mullein, liquorice root, fennel seeds, elecampane, thyme, fenugreek seeds, ginger |
| Digestive | Chamomile, lemon balm, liquorice root, fennel, marshmallow, cinnamon, ginger, peppermint, calendula, dandelion root, chicory root |
| Calming/relaxing | Lavender, chamomile, lemon balm, skullcap, passionflower, oats green |
| Cognition enhancing | Rosemary, schisandra berry, sage, bacopa, korean ginseng |
Please note that if you are taking medication, it is important to make sure that there are no interactions between them and herbs you choose.
My oxymel contains cinnamon bark, clove, fennel seeds, lots of ginger, rosellas and mullein
How to make an oxymel
This recipe is a rough guide as quantities vary with jar size. Choose from the table above to customise your medicine to what you or your family needs. Oxymels also make great gifts.
Instructions
- Half fill your jar with chopped herbs and spices of choice.
- Whisk together 1 part vinegar and 1 part honey based on the size of your jar.
- Pour over the herbs in the jar and leave no space at the top so that there is no air in the jar.
- Cover the top of the jar with baking paper and then screw the lid on tightly. This prevents the metal lid from rusting.
- Leave in a cool dark place for 2 weeks. Shake regularly, daily if possible.
- Strain the mix and decant into a dark bottle.
- Store in a cool, dark place.
How to use oxymel
- Take a tbsp daily in warm water or in sparkling water.
- Take a tbsp daily as a shot.
- Use in salad dressings.
