Oxymels, What Are They?

6/23/20263 min read

What is an oxymel? It's an ancient herbal remedy made by blending raw honey and vinegar (usually raw apple cider vinegar). Its name comes from the Greek words oxys (acid/sour) and meli (honey). Documented since the time of Hippocrates (400 B.C.E.), oxymels are valued as both folk remedies and culinary tonics.

If you've ever heard of or bought or made something that's taken off lately like a wildfire called "Fire Cider", then you've already been introduced to an oxymel. The simplest form of an oxymel is basically 1 part honey to one part vinegar. That's it. But, why stop there? You can add in herbs, fruits, even vegetables (like Persian Sekanjabin which has cucumbers).

If you can't do honey, you can even substitute that with vegetable glycerine, maple syrup, agave syrup, or your own sugar syrup. Honey is traditional, especially raw honey, because of its enzymes, antioxidants (flavonoids & polyphenols), vitamins, and prebiotic components. But, don't underestimate the power of maple syrup either because it's also loaded with antioxidants, minerals and prebiotics, not to mention a low Glycemic Index score. While Agave syrup is also considered low GI and has prebiotics, it's not as nutritionally loaded as maple syrup or honey but it does have a more "honey-like" consistency than maple syrup. Vegetable glycerine is also a good substitute in the consistency department and it's going to help you retain hydration and has a low GI score but it can upset the digestive system if you use too much.

Now we're done with half of what goes into an oxymel but what about the acidic half? The vinegar! Personally, I like using a good apple cider vinegar (ACV) that's raw, unpasteurized, and still has the "mother". But, why? Well, if you use the ones like I do, with the "mother", it contains strands of proteins, enzymes, and friendly bacteria. Raw vinegar is considered an antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial. It can also help reduce blood sugar, bad cholesterol, and it acts as a great preservative! The acetic acid in the vinegar is also a great way to draw the medicinal properties, minerals, and vitamins from any herbs that you use in your oxymel.

Combining vinegar and honey helps to create an environment hostile to infection, promotes wound healing and immune support! This is a win-win combination and if you like those Sweet & Sour Asian dishes, you'll love an oxymel! I like making them into sodas with some ice and sparkling water!

Here's a cardiovascular support recipe if you want to try making your own oxymel. This one probably won't be so good as a soda (like I mentioned above) but you can also drink it straight, like a shot! Just swing it back!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup raw, local honey
1/2 cup raw apple cider vinegar (ACV)
1/4 cup crushed fresh garlic cloves (supports artery suppleness)
2 tablespoons dried hibiscus flowers (helps relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure)
1 tablespoon fresh or dried hawthorn berries or leaves (traditionally used to strengthen the heart)

Instructions:

Place the garlic, hibiscus, and hawthorn into a clean, sterile glass jar.
Pour the apple cider vinegar over the herbs, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Add the honey and stir thoroughly to combine.
Cap the jar tightly (use a plastic lid, as vinegar can corrode metal) and shake well.
Store in a cool, dark place for 2 to 4 weeks, shaking the jar every couple of days.
Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve into an amber glass bottle, squeezing the herbs to extract all the liquid.
Store in the refrigerator where it will keep for up to 6 months.

How to Use It:

Dosage: 1 tablespoon of the oxymel into a glass of warm or sparkling water or drink it like a shot!
Frequency: Drink 1 to 2 times daily.

Both of the main ingredients in an oxymel are used in witchcraft as well. Honey to sweeten someone's disposition, for binding/attraction spells, abundance, fertility, and for communication with spirits. Vinegar is used to "sour" things (or people's situations or experiences), to repel negativity, for cleansing, purification, banishing and for uncrossings. Maybe, a witch could look at an oxymel as an attraction spell with the power to repel negativity?

Let me know in the comments if you have ever tried to make or have tasted an oxymel before. Thanks for reading!