Ginger oxymel is a simple, effective way to incorporate the healing properties of ginger into your daily routine. With just three ingredients and a little patience, you can create a soothing, versatile remedy that’s perfect for supporting your health year-round. Whether you’re sipping it as a tonic or using it in your cooking, ginger oxymel is a fantastic addition to your herbal repertoire.
If you’ve ever tried fire cider, you’re familiar with the idea of combining vinegar and honey with herbs. Ginger oxymel follows the same basic principles but offers a unique, warming twist thanks to the ginger’s spicy and invigorating flavor.
Ginger is a time-tested remedy for a wide range of ailments. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, and digestive-soothing properties, making it an excellent addition to your medicine cabinet. Ginger helps improve circulation, relieve muscle pain, and support the immune system. Its warming properties can also help calm the digestive system and ease nausea, making it particularly useful after a large meal or when feeling sluggish.
This potent, yet gentle preparation is perfect for soothing sore throats, calming upset stomachs, or supporting digestion, and it’s easy to make at home using fresh ginger.
What is an Oxymel?
An oxymel is a simple herbal remedy made from two main ingredients: vinegar and honey. Historically, oxymels have been used for thousands of years for their medicinal properties, with ancient Greeks often using them to preserve herbs and for healing purposes. The vinegar acts as a solvent, pulling out the medicinal properties from the herbs, while the raw honey helps preserve the mixture and adds antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities.
The beauty of an oxymel is its versatility—by adding different herbs, you can tailor the remedy to your needs. In this case, we’re using fresh ginger, which offers a warming, spicy element that’s great for supporting the immune system and soothing the digestive tract.
Ingredients for Ginger Oxymel
Making ginger oxymel is incredibly easy, and all you need are three simple ingredients: fresh ginger, raw honey, and apple cider vinegar (with the mother).
You’ll also need a mason jar to mix everything together, and I recommend using a plastic lid (instead of metal) to prevent any rust from forming as the vinegar interacts with the jar.
How to Make Ginger Oxymel
There’s no need to peel the ginger for oxymel, and the skin actually contains beneficial probiotics. You can use as much or as little as you like, but I recommend using about a 4 to 5 ounces for a quart jar. Slice the ginger into thin coins or small chunks. The more surface area you expose, the quicker the infusion process will be.
Next, pack the sliced ginger into a clean mason jar. I like to fill the jar about a quarter to halfway, but you can adjust this depending on how strong you want your oxymel to be.
Now, pour in the apple cider vinegar. If you’re aiming for a 1:1 ratio (which I personally prefer), fill the jar about halfway with vinegar. You can always add more or less vinegar depending on how tart you like your oxymel. Then, add the raw honey to the jar, filling it to just about an inch below the lid. Give the jar a good shake to mix the vinegar and honey with the ginger, and make sure everything is fully submerged.
Some people like to add a little extra layer of acidity by adding a splash of additional vinegar or even lemon juice. It’s totally optional, but it can help create a more balanced flavor profile.
Fermenting the Ginger Oxymel
Once your ingredients are mixed together, seal the jar with a tight-fitting lid and place it in a cool, dark place for 3 to 4 weeks. Every few days, give the jar a shake to help redistribute the ingredients and ensure the ginger stays submerged in the vinegar-honey mixture. If you notice any ginger floating above the liquid, simply top it off with a little more vinegar or honey to keep it covered.
As the oxymel sits, the vinegar will pull out the active compounds in the ginger, creating a rich, flavorful, and therapeutic mixture. During this time, the honey will also help preserve the concoction, keeping it stable for months to come.
Straining and Storing Your Ginger Oxymel
After 3 to 4 weeks, your ginger oxymel should be ready to strain. Using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pour the contents of the jar into a clean jar, leaving the ginger pieces behind. The liquid you’re left with is your finished ginger oxymel. Be sure to label the jar with the date, so you can keep track of how long it’s been stored.
Once strained, you can store the oxymel in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or root cellar. If kept in ideal conditions, it can last up to 6 months, but it’s typically best used within the first few months to ensure the most potent medicinal benefits.
How to Use Ginger Oxymel
There are many ways to enjoy ginger oxymel, and how you use it will depend on what you need it for. For general immune support, digestive issues, or soothing a sore throat, a tablespoon a few times a day is usually enough. You can take it straight or dilute it in a bit of warm water for a soothing drink.
If you want something more refreshing, try adding a tablespoon of ginger oxymel to a glass of sparkling water for a homemade shrub-like beverage. It’s a delicious, tangy, and slightly sweet way to enjoy the benefits of ginger while also getting a dose of hydration.
You can also add ginger oxymel to salad dressings, marinades, or drizzle it over roasted vegetables for a unique, flavorful kick. It’s also great to have on hand for those cold months when you need a little extra immune support or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Ginger Oxymel
Ginger Oxymel is a potent yet gentle preparation that is perfect for soothing sore throats, calming upset stomachs, or supporting digestion, and it’s easy to make at home using fresh ginger.
Ingredients
- 4-5 Ounces of fresh ginger root (not peeled, but sliced)
- Raw honey (local if possible)
- Apple cider vinegar (with the mother intact)
Instructions
- Slice the ginger into thin coins or small chunks.
- Pack the ginger into a mason jar, filling it halfway.
- Pour apple cider vinegar into the jar, filling it about halfway.
- Add raw honey to the jar, filling it just under the lid. Shake gently to mix.
- Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 3-4 weeks. Shake every few days to keep ginger submerged.
- After 3-4 weeks, strain the oxymel into a clean jar and label.
- Store in a cool, dark place. The oxymel should keep indefinitly, but it'll lose potency after about a year.
Notes
Take 1 tablespoon 1-3 times a day for sore throat, digestive support, or immune boosting. Or add to sparkling water for a refreshing, tangy drink. Or, incorporate it into your cooking. It's especially good in salad dressings and marinades.
Herbal Oxymel Recipes
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