“What is an oxymel?” This is always the first question I get when I mention oxymels. An oxymel is an ancient type of herbal remedy or tonic. It features an herb or blend of herbs, vinegar, and honey. It takes a while to make (4-6 weeks) as the liquids slowly extract the properties from the herbs.
Oxymels are my favorite way of using herbs for medicine or health tonics. Because they’re a long extraction they contain much more of the herbal constituents than a cup of tea. I find the blend of sweet and vinegar irresistible so even if the herbs taste like medicine the sweet tart flavor helps take the edge off.
I like to mix my oxymel into club soda, sparkling water, juice, or a cup of hot tea. Sometimes if I’m in a hurry I just shoot it down and chase it with water. You can also use them in salad dressings to infuse herbal flavors to your salad. They can be used as a preventative, to support or bolster your system after an illness, or when you feel something coming on. Dosage for each goal is highly personal and you should talk to an herbalist if you want to use oxymels for health purposes.
What Kind of Herbs Do You Put in an Oxymel?
I don’t know of any herbs that don’t go well with oxymels, but I try to be strategic. If I have some herbs that I want to try in an oxymel, I’ll make one and try it. But, if I have a specific system that I want a bit of extra support for I’ll select a specific herb that is good for that type of support. Some herbs that I find great to use in an oxymel and try to keep on hand are below.
Elderberry
Elderberry has been shown to be a powerful anti-viral herb. I like to keep some on hand for immune support throughout cold and flu season. Here in the U.S. it has been enjoying a resurgence of popularity over the last few years, but some people still find the flavor off-putting as it tends to be a bit more earthy than most fruit flavors we are exposed to. Thus, I like to introduce friends and family to elderberry with a sweet-tart oxymel or a sweetened elderberry syrup.
Bee Balm
Bee balm, sometimes called monarda or wild bergamot, is a member of the mint family. But before you think it’s like our comforting little cup of mint herbal tea, know that it smells and tastes of very strong oregano. I use it often as an oregano substitute, but being so strong I feel it’s better suited for plant medicine. It’s easy to sip in a sweet oxymel straight or with a little water added. It does wonders for a gassy belly and is a versatile herb that can stand in for many remedies and deserves it’s own article.
Sage
While a cup of sage tea is really nice and reminiscent of Thanksgiving, I find the herb itself very helpful in cough and throat remedies. In an oxymel the combination of the acid and the honey help clear phlegm and then soothe the throat. It also helps keep your remedy non-alcoholic with similar benefits to the old Appalachian cough remedies my uncles make which feature whiskey, honey, and lemon. Delicious, but not for everyone.
Words of Caution
Oxymels contain honey and should never be given to infants under the age of one year. Please consult with your doctor to determine when honey products are safe for your baby.
We also want to be very careful about the herbs we use in our oxymels. You should ensure you’re not allergic to the herbs used to make the oxymel. Because the process of extraction brings out the essential constituents of the plant, it can and often does bring out the constituents people find allergenic. The solution is to pick another herb. There are lots of perfectly acceptable substitutions when working with herbs.
Other Helpful Articles
Ask an Herbalist: Herbal Tonics 101
Herbal Basics: Tonics 101
Herbal Oxymel Recipes & Benefits
*As always, this is not meant to replace medical advice.
♥
Sharon Bryant at Harvest Moon Massage Therapy
is Decatur’s Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage Therapist!