DIY Oxymels

Hi! If you're reading this blog, I am assuming your purchased one of our oxymel kits! Well you made a great choice. Before getting started, check the "made" and "ready" date. Oxymels are ready 4 weeks after infusion starts. Its best to wait until this date to finish your oxymel, but if you cant its okay to let it sit as long as you need.

Oxymels are powerful medicinal herbal remedies that have been used for centuries. Before I give you the step by step instructions for your oxymel. I wanted to talk to you more about it. If you want to bypass this, scroll down to the bottom for your step by step instructions.

Let's talk apple cider vinegar!

What are the health benefits of apple cider vinegar? ACV helps with blood sugar regulation, fat metabolism, and antimicrobial properties. It has trace amounts of minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron. It has trace amounts of vitamins such as Vitamin C and Vitamin B complex ( B1, B2, B6). ACV is high in antioxidants, enzymes, and amino acids. The organic acids found in ACV are malic acid and citric acid. 

Taking 1-2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar in ¼ cup of water has many benefits. It helps with leg cramps, fevers, sore throats, stomach issues, fevers, exhaustion, weight management, blood sugar reduction, and heartburn. You can also apply it diluted topically for sunburns, fungal infections, and to your scalp.

Let's talk oxymels!

What is an oxymel? An oxymel is a traditional herbal preparation combining honey, vinegar, and herbs. It's been used for centuries in herbal medicine for its health benefits, particularly as a remedy for colds, sore throats, and digestive issues. After straining the herbs, the infused vinegar is mixed with honey in a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio (honey to vinegar), depending on taste preferences. Once your oxymel is done, you can take a teaspoon or tablespoon as needed for immune support or cold relief. You can dilute it with water or tea to make a refreshing tonic. You can also use it as a salad dressing or drizzle over roasted vegetables for a flavorful boost.

Lets break down each one!

Fire Cider - your daily multivitamin

 Fire cider is high in antioxidants,  helps boost your immune system, aids in gut health, clears your respiratory tract, is anti-inflammatory, boosts your energy, and helps in the detoxification of the liver. Its different from the rest because its made with fruits and vegetables instead of herbs. The "fire" in the fire cider helps relieve sinus congestion to prevent sinus infection and help with seasonal allergies.

Oranges- Vitamin C, B1 (thiamine), folate, potassium

Lemons- Vitamin C, B6, potassium, small amounts of calcium and magnesium

Onions- Vitamin C, B6, folate, manganese, chromium

Garlic- Manganese, B6, vitamin C, selenium, small amounts of calcium and iron

Ginger- Vitamin B6, magnesium, manganese, potassium

Turmeric- Manganese, iron, potassium, vitamin C

Jalapenos- Vitamin C, B6, vitamin A, potassium, folate

Horseradish root- Vitamin C, calcium, potassium, magnesium, folate

Cayenne-Vitamin A, C, B6, E, potassium, manganese

Rosemary-Vitamin C, A, B6, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese

Respiratory Relief- used as a cough syrup and expectorant

Echinacea- helps with respiratory infections, reduces cold duration, is anti-inflammatory, supports the immune system, and more.

Lemon Balm- Relieves coughs, soothes sore throats, helps with asthma, loosens mucus, reduces respiratory inflammation, and more.

Mullein- clears mucus, fights congestion, soothes irritated airways, supports lung detoxification, fights respiratory infections, and more.

Nettle- reduces seasonal allergies, supports lung function, clears mucus and congestion, is a natural decongestant, is an immune builder, and more.

Wild Cherry Bark- soothes throat irritation, supports lung health, is antispasmodic (relaxes respiratory system muscles), antimicrobial, and a mild sedative.

Licorice Root- soothes a sore throat, expels mucus, reduces inflammation in the airways, supports immune function, reduces asthma, helps with allergies, protects lung tissue, relaxes bronchial muscle, and more.

Orange peel-High in vitamin C, boosts white blood cell production, protects against oxidative stress

Immunity booster- used for colds and immunity boost

Elderberry- Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, enhances immune response, helps fight viral infections

Cinnamon- Contains cinnamaldehyde with antimicrobial properties, supports immune defense

Orange peel-High in vitamin C, boosts white blood cell production, protects against oxidative stress

Cloves-Loaded with antioxidants, antibacterial and antiviral, supports immune health

Ginger root- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, stimulates immune response, fights respiratory infections

Echinacea- Activates immune cells, shortens duration of illness, effective against colds and flu

Thyme-Antimicrobial and antifungal, rich in vitamin C, supports respiratory and immune function

Sleep aid - used for sleep and relaxation

Passionflower- Increases GABA, calms racing thoughts, reduces insomnia and anxiety-related wakefulness

Lavender- Relieves stress, promotes relaxation, improves sleep quality, effective via aromatherapy

Chamomile- Contains apigenin (sedative effect), reduces anxiety, helps with falling asleep

Calendula-Mild calming effect, reduces inflammation/discomfort that may interfere with sleep

Lemon Balm- Eases anxiety and restlessness, improves sleep quality, works well with other herbs

Ashwaganda- Regulates cortisol, helps stress-induced insomnia, improves sleep efficiency

Orange peel-High in vitamin C, boosts white blood cell production, protects against oxidative stress

DIRECTIONS:

Now lets get started on making your own oxymel. Once you have finished, this should make you anywhere from 28 oz- 32 oz of oxymel.

You will need:

32 oz mason jar

Strainer

Bowl (I like to use my 32 oz pyrex because it has a handle and a spout to pour)

Cheesecloth

12- 14 oz of raw local honey

Whisk

Parchment paper if using metal ring lids

Instructions:

1.Empty contents of infusion into the strainer over the bowl/pyrex. You can take the left over scraps and put them in a blender to make concentrated wellness shots. You use the strainer first so you dont clog the cheese cloth.

2. Attach your cheesecloth to the top of your 32 oz mason jar. Do this by laying it across the top and pushing it in to create a basket shape with the cheesecloth. Use the metal ring from the lid to secure the cheesecloth from falling into the jar.

3. Take the contents from the bowl and run it through the cheesecloth to catch the powdered herbs and horseradish root.

4. Add 12-14 oz of honey (depending on your liking) to the 32 oz mason jar. Use a whisk to combine the honey and the ACV infusion. 

Your oxymel is ready to consume! Counter safe for 6 months. Refrigerator safe for 12-18 months. Oxymels never expire, but the sugar combined with ACV will start to make "prison wine." To slow that process, refrigeration is best. 

Dosage: 1 tbsp a day when desired. 1 tbsp 3x a day for illness.

How to take: You can take it like a shot of medicine or add it to hot water or tea.