An oxymel is a very traditional way of providing medicinal herbal remedies that has been used for centuries. Traditionally, our great grandmother's made oxymels using herbs and fruits that compliment each other in taste and healing properties.
An oxymel is a syrup like mixture of honey and vinegar made with complimentary herbs. Oxymels are a balance of acid from the vinegar and sweet from honey. I think oxymels are perfect for children and a great introduction to herbal remedies. The really great thing about making oxymels is that they are so versatile in nature. Keep the base the same- half part vinegar and honey and different herbs for what you need.
One of my go to oxymel recipes this time of year is a sage, ginger, and citrus oxymel. I struggle with allergies and for some reason usually get a cold or sinus infection as the temperatures go up and down and the pollen count rises. Sage is an herb that I know I can rely on to ease sore throat pain from coughing and pollen. Ginger is great for cold and fighting infections. Of course, an overload of Vitamin C always helps build your immune system and cut down on mucus. Plus, sage and oranges pair so well together.
SAGE AND GINGER OXYMEL RECIPE
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
1 cup of honey
1 cup of apple cider vinegar
sage, chopped fine
ginger, peeled and sliced
2 oranges, sliced
2 limes or lemons, sliced
The first step is to decided on what herbs you will use. For this recipe, I am using sage paired with ginger. You don't have to use multiple herbs either. You can alwyas use one. For example, a simple sage oxymel or lavendar would be just fine.
Next, prepare your herbs and other ingredients. Be sure to rinse your herbs and pat them dry. Next, fill your glass jar about with the herbs. Be sure to only fill about a third or half way. Pour raw apple cider vinegar and honey over the herbs, covering them completely.
Cover with a tight lid and let it sit on your counter for four to six weeks. Make sure to shake it every few days or so. After four weeks, strain the liquid and store in a clean jar with a tight lid in a cool dark place. It should last for a year.
You can take oxymels as you would store bought medicine. Take one to two teaspoonsful everyday. ANother great way is to add to your food. The test is not overwhelming so you can drizzle over your salad, add to a smooothie, or even a soup.
