What is an oxymel?
The definition of an oxymel is simple – The ancient Greek word oxymeli translates to “acid and honey”. An oxymel is a traditional remedy that can either be enjoyed on its own or mixed into your favorite drinks. The Greeks developed this cure in order to enjoy the benefits from both acids and sugars, which were prevalent during their era when food wasn't always available at affordable prices due to harvest failures like drought-induced ones known as “the great hunger."
Herbs are not the only things that make this vinegar great. It also has alcohol-free formulation, raw apple cider probiotic for digestive assistance and immunity boosting properties thanks to its unique combo of spices!
What are the benefits?
The use of apple cider vinegar and honey has been around for millennia. Organic ACV is high in acetic acid while raw unfiltered versions contain "mother strands" which provide helpful bacteria along with protein enzymes . Alongside this natural goodness comes the germ fighting properties that make these two ingredients beneficial to your body but when combined together they become even more effective due their added nutritional value from herbs and raw honey.
The result? A delicious drink combining all three.
How to make an oxymel?
Oxymels have been around for centuries, but they’re still trending today. In an effort to better match your health and herbal needs you can experiment with different proportions in order to find what works best!
For example: my starting point is one part dried herbs per three parts vinegar-and honey mixture (or vice versa). You may want more or less depending on how strong tasting tastes are; so start small when adjusting measurements—you'll get happier results this way :)
What you will need:
Quart Jar with plastic lid or parchment paper to fit underneath metal lid
1 cup Herbs of choice
2 cups Apple cider vinegar
1 cup Raw Honey
Fine mesh strainer
Making it:
Fill a quart jar 1/4 full of your choice of herbs.
Cover with 1 cup of raw honey.
Stir to incorporate.
Warm apple cider vinegar to approximately 110 degrees F then pour into the quart jar.
Wipe any liquid off the rim and top with a tight-fitting plastic lid. Alternatively, place a piece of parchment paper under a metal canning lid and ring to keep the vinegar from touching the metal.
Stir the contents of the jar until thoroughly mixed.
Store the jar in a cool, dark place to extract for two weeks. Shake jar at least twice a week to assist in extraction.
Strain out herbs through a fine mesh strainer, pressing down on the herbs to release as much liquid as possible, retaining liquid and setting herbs aside to compost.
Pour strained oxymel into glass storage jars or bottles.
Label and date.
Store in a cool, dark place until ready to use.
Remember:
The FDA has advice for the proper use of honey. If you are wondering whether it is safe to feed your baby some raw unprocessed natural sugars, well there’s a good chance that they might not be ready yet!
The body systems in little ones aren't fully developed so until 1 year old at least - no feeding anything other than cooked foods or purees with Mommy's help will do just fine.
How to use it?
Oxymels are designed to help relieve sore throats, coughs and other common cold symptoms. Mix 1 spoonful in hot water to make a soothing drink for when you're feeling under the weather or have trouble breathing.
You can also use a higher proportion of raw honey to balance out the vinegar taste in this recipe.
Which herbs should I use?
A few immune boosting herbs are elderberry, rose hips, echinacea, ginger, garlic, onion, sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and cinnamon.
Final Thoughts
Some people find that preparing different oxymels throughout the winter can help them when they are feeling under the weather. I typically have one for dry coughs and another to support my immune system, which is something we need all year long! Make sure not give these medicines before age twelve months because it contains raw honey
Making herbal oxymels is a simple and convenient way to support the immune system. With so many different ways of preparing them, there's plenty of room for creativity with every batch you brew!
