What is an OxymeL?
The word oxymel comes from the Greek words “oxys” (acid, often vinegar) and “meli” (honey). Simply put, a traditional oxymel is a sweet and tangy herbal preparation made by combining apple cider vinegar, raw honey, and medicinal herbs. This mixture creates a potent remedy that is both flavorful and functional. Today, herbalists use handcrafted oxymels to extract and preserve the beneficial properties of herbs, while making them easier to consume and enjoy.
What Is an Oxymel For?
Oxymels are incredibly versatile. Depending on the herbs you choose, oxymels can support a wide range of wellness goals. From boosting immunity and easing digestion to calming nerves and supporting respiratory health. They’re a delicious and alcohol-free alternative to tinctures, making them ideal for children or those avoiding alcohol.
Some popular uses of herbal oxymels include:
Immune Support: Fire cider is a famous oxymel blend featuring garlic, horseradish, and ginger.
Digestive Aid: Herbs like fennel, chamomile, or lemon balm can ease bloating and promote gut balance.
Respiratory Relief: Mullein, thyme, and elecampane oxymels are often used for coughs and congestion.
Nervous System Support: Lavender or kava kava oxymels may help reduce stress and promote calm.
Because of the vinegar base, oxymels also aid in nutrient absorption and gut health, especially when taken before meals!
Why Choose a Handcrafted Oxymel?
My handcrafted oxymel, made in small batches, offers quality and potency that mass-produced blends just can't match. When herbalists make oxymels by hand, they carefully select fresh, organic herbs and allow the mixture to infuse over weeks, honoring traditional methods. This slow infusion process captures the full spectrum of an herb’s energetics, making the final product more effective and often more magical.
I make it a point to choose local herbs whenever possible and source honey from my local area. Perfect for folks looking to add local honey to their diet. You just can’t get that with mass-produced products. You can quite literally feel the love that went into these oxymels.
How to Take an Oxymel
Oxymels can be taken by the spoonful, mixed into water or tea, drizzled over roasted vegetables, or even used as a tangy salad dressing. They’re shelf-stable and easy to store in your home apothecary or kitchen.
The best way, in my book, to enjoy herbal oxymels is to add them to sparkling water. Doing so creates the most luxurious mocktail, and the herbs really shine through.
Where to buy oxymel
All of my herbal offerings are made in sync with the seasons. The best way to stay up to date with my oxymel offerings is to follow my weekly newsletter and follow me on social media.