How to Make an Oxymel at Home

Use this recipe to make a basic, elderberry, spicy or herb oxymel, and enjoy the benefits of natural healing through the delicious power of vinegar and honey.

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Course: Supplement

Cuisine: American, Greek

Prep Time: 5

Servings:

Calories: 11kcal

Author: Carolyn Thomas

Cost: Varies

Equipment

Double Boiler or a saucepan with a heat-proof bowl
Wooden spoon
Glass Jar w/Lid A glass jar with a plastic lid is ideal. Vinegar can react with a metal lid causing it to rust.

Ingredients

1 Cup Honey
1 Cup Vinegar
Optional Ingredients You can choose from the variations listed in the recipe notes.

Instructions

If using an optional variation listed in the recipe notes below, prepare the vinegar accordingly.
Using a double boiler on low heat, gently warm the honey and vinegar and stir to combine. Use as low of heat as possible (under 104°F) to preserve the active enzymes of your raw honey.
Transfer your oxymel to a clean glass jar, and allow it to cool completely before sealing with a lid.
To soothe a sore throat and ease a cough, take one teaspoon at a time, multiple times daily until symptoms are gone.

Notes

Optional Oxymel Variations:

A basic oxymel made with equal parts vinegar and honey is very effective. However, depending on your specific needs, customizing your oxymel can increase its medicinal benefits. Here are a few variations to consider.

Herbal Oxymel – Add cinnamon sticks, lemon zest, or mint to your vinegar. Seal the jar, shake the mixture daily, and allow to sit for 2 weeks. Strain, add the honey, and mix well. Use as a tonic or in teas.
Elderberry Oxymel – Steep elderberries in hot water for 10 minutes, then strain. Mix the strained elderberry liquid with equal parts honey and vinegar. Use as a tonic or in sparkling drinks.
Soothing Oxymel – Combine dried herbs such as thyme and hyssop (or rosemary) with vinegar. Seal the jar, shake the mixture daily, and allow to sit for 2 weeks. Strain, add the honey, and mix well. Use as a tonic to soothe a sore throat and ease a cough.
Spicy Oxymel – Combine ½ cup diced ginger and ¼ cup red pepper flakes with the vinegar. Seal the jar, shake the mixture daily, and allow it to sit for 2 weeks. Strain, add the honey, and mix well. Use as a tonic to boost circulation and support the immune system.

Storage Instructions:

Because both vinegar and honey are shelf-stable, a basic oxymel can sit on your counter (or in your pantry) almost indefinitely. Just be sure it’s in a sealed container, though, because it’s definitely an attractant to fruit flies.

When using dried herbs for your oxymel variations, you can store your oxymel at room temperature for up to a year. If you prepare your oxymel with fresh herbs, keep it in the refrigerator and use it within a month.

Nutrition

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