Oxymels
Oxymels are simple kitchen medical formulas of herbs, vinegar and honey that date back to the Renaissance era. Pliny the Elder and Hippocrates used them widely.They are making their way back into our homes and pubs. These tonics were used to bolster the immune system and create overall health and strength. They were used in the prevention and treatment of colds, flu and viruses. Easy to make and store, there are literally thousands of combinations that can be made.
Each combination will have its own energetic properties and medicinal values, but the base of vinegar and honey is always the same. The vinegar is sour and bright and unblocks Qi stagnation and aids digestion. Honey’s sweetness moistens Yin, nourishes Jing and bolsters the immune system. Whatever herb you add in will influence the energetics. I am partial to sage and thyme for the Autumn. I used a rosemary and rose hip combination as a part of my recovery from Covid last Christmas.
Usually, they are prepared and set for two weeks before use. I’ll be honest, there have been times when I didn’t have some made up and I needed it now, so I opted for making a strong tea of the desired herb and added honey and vinegar to the drink - not the same, but similar. In other cases, I’ve let my oxymel sit for 2 month before remembering to strain the herb out and start using it. That’s the beauty of some simple kitchen remedies, you have flexibility.
Ingredients
Sage or favorite herb
Local honey
Apple cider vinegar (use a vinegar that has the mother)
Instructions
Fill a clean jar 1/4 of the way full with fresh sage leaves (washed and drained)
Fill the jar the rest of the way with equal parts honey and vinegar
Close the lid tightly, shake to mix, and let stand for two weeks.
Enjoy a tsp a day to help stave off colds and flu. I use up to 3 tsp a day when I feel like I’m fighting a cold.
Recipe Notes
The base of vinegar is sour and bright and moves digestive stagnation and unblocks Qi. Honey’s sweetness moistens Yin, nourishes Jing and bolsters the immune system. Now choose an herb for its properties or simply because it delights you.
Chamomile — Gently clearing, brightens the eyes and soothes - great for kids.
Juniper — Anti-viral, anti-fungal, very clearing. Warm, pungent, opens the orifices.
Lavender — Anti-viral, anti-fungal. A wise herb that can warm or cool. Moves stasis.
Oregano— Anti-fungal, anti-viral, very good for chronic yeast and infection conditions. Warming, and pungent.
Rosemary — Anti-viral, anti-fungal. Warming, pungent, enlivening, helps you focus. Drains phlegm and opens the orifices.
Rosehips — High in vitamin C.
Sage — Anti-viral, anti-fungal. Clears virus, candida and chronic infections. Slightly warming, and pungent. Drains damp.
Thyme — Anti-viral, clearing and enlivening. Neutral to warm, clearing, drains phlegm, stimulates digestion.
Get the idea?
Here’s to a healthier you
