According to Hippocrates – the father of modern medicine, the combination of vinegar and honey called Oxymel created the foundation for many medicinal herbal formulas as well.
Source: http://mountainroseblog.coms
Oxymels! Oxymel – from the Latin oxymeli meaning “acid and honey” has been made and used in many ways throughout the ages and it’s a recipe that can be adapted to suit your health and herbal needs.
Traditionally, an Oxymel recipe would be used to administer herbs that might not be so pleasant to taste and the more pleasant tasting herbs can become even more tasty after sitting in honey and vinegar. Making your own medicine can be fun and delicious.
After you try making an Oxymel syrup, you can try it in some bubbly water on a warm day, on top of freshly-made pancakes, on a bed of fresh greens from your garden, by itself, or with some warm water to help keep your spirits and throat happy during times of stress.
Use the combination of herbs to aid whatever issues you may be suffering from. Apple cider vinegar and honey alone are a soothing treat to your throat, when you throw in some of your favorite herbs for supporting a healthy functioning immune system you have made Oxymel!
Use the combination of herbs to aid whatever issues you may be suffering from. Apple cider vinegar and honey alone are a soothing treat to your throat, when you throw in some of your favorite herbs for supporting a healthy functioning immune system you have made Oxymel!
An herbal historical combination was created by Rosemary Gladstar, including; ginger, garlic, cayenne, and horseradish and called it fire cider.
What you will need:
- organic apple cider vinegar
- raw local honey
- organic medicinal herbs of your choice (see below)
- pint jar
- pan to decoct
- jar for storage
Notes:
Raw apple cider vinegar is a great way to make an alcohol free extract.
Organic herb possibilities for a throat soothing immune boost:
Generally speaking, you want a ratio of 1:3 – 1:4 .
1 part dried herb to 3 or 4 parts vinegar and honey. You can easily measure by filling a jar less than 1/4 of the way with herbs and then topping with equal parts honey and equal parts vinegar. The older techniques prefer more honey, up to 5 parts honey to 1 parts vinegar, and the newer recipes call for more apple cider vinegar, as much as 3 parts vinegar to one part honey. I prefer half and half. You can find a ratio that suits you! For storage, I prefer a glass jar with a cork top.
1 part dried herb to 3 or 4 parts vinegar and honey. You can easily measure by filling a jar less than 1/4 of the way with herbs and then topping with equal parts honey and equal parts vinegar. The older techniques prefer more honey, up to 5 parts honey to 1 parts vinegar, and the newer recipes call for more apple cider vinegar, as much as 3 parts vinegar to one part honey. I prefer half and half. You can find a ratio that suits you! For storage, I prefer a glass jar with a cork top.
Method 1: Stir, Shake, and Sit
Good method for a variety of herbs!
Place desired herbs into pint jar (1/4 – 1/5 of the way full), cover with apple cider vinegar and honey. You can stir before sealing the jar, or seal the jar and shake until well mixed. Now let your jar sit somewhere cool and dark and shake a couple of times a week. After two weeks, strain and pour into a glass jar for storage.
Method 2: Vinegar Reduction
Great for non-delicate herbs and hearty roots!
If you’re in a pinch and need an Oxymel quickly, you can always experiment with a vinegar reduction. I would not use this method for especially aromatic or floral herbs, as it may be too harsh of an extraction process with heat causing the aromatics to dissipate. In my recipe, it worked well, bringing out the aroma of all herbs perfectly evenly! Apple cider vinegar steam can be very intense, so be careful not to put your face and eyes over the pot while it is simmering (it will not feel good if you do!) You will want to use twice as much vinegar as you need in the end, since this is a reduction and you will loose half of it in the process to evaporation. Reduce for 30-40 minutes on low heat. Once you are done, let cool and strain, mix herbal decocted vinegar with equal parts honey until well mixed and store in an airtight bottle.
Method 3: Infusing Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar Seperately
Nice option for especially delicate herbs.
This is a very easy way to make an Oxymel if you already have infused honey and infused apple cider vinegar, or one or the other. If you have previously infused apple cider vinegar or honey you simply get to mix them together using a ratio that suits you and enjoy! If you regularly cook with herbal infused honeys and vinegars and have some of your favorites sitting around, this can be a great way to turn your culinary spice into a soothing treat!
http://www.happyherbalist.com/
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