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Herbal Oxymel

How to Make a Herbal Oxymel

Ashley Adamant
Herbal oxymels are extracts of medicinal herbs made with honey and vinegar. They're both sweet and tangy and are taken as syrups for a variety of ailments, depending on the type of herbs used.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 14 days
Filtering Time 10 minutes
Total Time 14 days 20 minutes

Equipment

  • Mason Jar
  • Fine Mesh Filter

Ingredients
  

  • Herbs dried or fresh
  • Honey preferably local, raw honey
  • Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother

Instructions
 

  • Fill a jar about 1/4 of the way full with dried herbal material, or 1/2 to 3/4 full with fresh herbal material.
  • Pour apple cider vinegar over the herb until the liquid line is at the halfway mark.
  • Fill the jar near the top with honey.
  • Cap the jar and shake vigorously to mix ingredients.
  • Allow the contents to infuse for 2 to 6 weeks.
  • Strain the herbal material.
  • Store in a cool dark place for up to a year (with dried herbs) or store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months (if made with fresh herbs).

Notes

Be aware that not all herbs are appropriate for making into oxymel, and the herbs you choose will depend on your intended therapeutic benefit.
Good choices include:
  • Garlic
  • Echinacea
  • Elderberry
  • Bee Balm
  • Lemon Balm
  • Hyssop
  • Nettle
  • Tulsi (holy basil)
  • Rose Hips
  • Turmeric
  • Basil
  • Elecampane
  • Mullein
  • Thyme
  • Oregano
  • Rosemary
  • Sage
Not all herbs are appropriate for oxymel, as there is an active fermentation process that will occur during the infusion. This is beneficial for some herbs like elderberry, garlic, and turmeric. Others can be toxic when fermented, such as melilot and cherry bark, so be sure that you're using a herb that is appropriate for fermentation.
Do not give honey-based remedies to young children, and always consult your doctor, herbalist, or naturopath before trying any herbal remedy.
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