Oxymels are an ancient form of herbal medicine making, created to soften the sharpness of potent medicines making them more palpable to ingest (such as garlic). More recently they have become popular in being the base of daily tonics, zero-proof cocktails, the dressing to a seasonal salad and can be utilized as a hair rinse. These multifunctional herbal infusions are a simple blend of herbs, vinegar and honey - perfectly harmonizing sweet and sour. Learn how to make an oxymel below and a few ways we enjoy using these beneficial and effective medicines to enhance our everyday wellbeing.
How To Make an Oxymel
There are no rules or limitations to what herbs to use in an oxymel, use whatever dried herbs you have in your kitchen, your favourite loose leaf tea or an aromatic herb you feel drawn to such as lavender, rosemary, elderberry. The only thing to keep in mind is it must sit for 2 weeks until usable.
What you'll need
- One clean dry glass jar
- Baking paper
- Vinegar (I prefer apple cider vinegar or a white balsamic)
- Raw honey
- Enough dried herbs to fill the jar half way
- Strainer or cheese cloth
Method
Fill your glass jar a quarter of the way full with your chosen dried herbs (here's a curated list of herbal blends that work great). Pour either apple cider vinegar or white balsamic till the jar is three-quarters full, top the rest of the jar with raw honey. Place a piece of baking paper over the top of the jar and seal it with the lid. Place it near a sunny window for two weeks and don't forget to give it a shake daily. Once the half-moon cycle is complete strain it with a sieve or cheese cloth and store it in an airtight jar or carafe and enjoy.
* If you are using fresh herbs instead fill the jar three-quarters of the way full.
Photo by Cristina Gareau
Oxymel Combinations
Vibrant and Mood Enhancing Oxymel - utilize the benefits of Hibiscus Lemonade Tea to uplift your mood, replenish trace-minerals, hydrate and a dose of anti-oxidants.
Immune Boosting and Symptom Relieving Oxymel - utilize the benefits of Immunity Tea to relieve flu symptoms and boost natural immunity.
Stress Releasing and Calming Oxymel - utilize the benefits of Me Time Tea to calm the nervous system, quiet the mind and unwind after each day.
Balancing, Replentative and Skin Brightening Oxymel - utilize the benefits of Beauty Base Tea to balance and nourish the skin from within.
Digestive Relief and Soothing Oxymel - utilize the calming and supportive benefits of Digest Tea to support and soothe the digestive system.
Menstrual Pain Relief and Nourishing - utilize the pain relieving qualities of Period Tea during your cycle to minimize cramps, replenish trace-minerals and calm the nervous system.
Great Herbs for Oxymels
Any herb works great in oxymels but here's a list to get you started.
- Rose
- Elderflower
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Mint
- Tulsi
- Elderberry
- Stinging nettle leaf
- Lemon balm
- Ginger
- Raspberry leaf
- Dandelion leaf
- Thyme
