Oxymels are a mix of an herb, acid and honey. The acid that we use is apple cider vinegar. Using this mixture, minerals are extracted from the herbs that we add to the apple cider vinegar and the honey.
This product is different from tinctures. Tinctures use alcohol as a base and the oxymel uses apple cider vinegar. These are really good for people that do not want to ingest alcohol or that are taking lots of other herbs that have alcohol in them. The oxymels have a long shelf life, they are very concentrated, and they will extract minerals that the alcohol does not extract.
Let's look at some of the benefits of raw (non pasteurized) apple cider vinegar.
If it is raw apple cider vinegar then there will be a probiotic content to the liquid.
It supports blood sugar stability.
It allows important minerals to be extracted into the liquid.
Honey contains plant chemicals that act as antioxidants. The antioxidants can help protect your body from cell damage due to free radicals that can contribute to the aging process. The raw honey can also contain bee pollen and bee propolis which can be used for potential protection for lungs, stomach, heart, and the nervous system.
Let’s look at some of the benefits of raw honey:
Honey has been known to heal wounds.
It can be used for sore throats.
The Phytonutrients are what make it antibacterial and antifungal.
By adding the herbs, fruits, and vegetables to the honey and apple cider vinegar we can make a refreshing drink referred to as an oxymel. You will use this as a base and you can use just a few drops or you can use a couple tablespoons and mix it with your favorite tea. You can drink it on its own or you can mix it with sparkling water. It can also be used a marinade or a base for salad dressings. I like having multiple oxymels around especially for the winter. In the past I've made fire cider. This was created by Rosemary Gladstar. Fire Cider is exactly what the name says, as it has garlic, horseradish, turmeric, peppers, onions, and of course… apple cider vinegar and honey. I like to add rosemary, sage, thyme, and oregano, which are all wonderful herbs for healing, antibiotic, antiviral use. We can add some aromatics such as basils and flowers. For flavorings you may want to add some fruit. I have an oxymel brewing right now that has peaches from the summer, apple cider vinegar, and honey. It is going to taste wonderful! I have another one brewing with fresh blackberries, basil, apple cider vinegar, and honey.
- Gina
The next class scheduled class is an oxymel class. The goal for the class is that you will take home 3 different blends - a pint of each. We will be making a classic fire cider, a fruit and herb oxymel, a garlic and sage oxymel, and maybe a surprise one if we finish early!
So please join me and others on September 9th from 10:00 a.m.- 12pm at Sweet Blessings Farm. The cost of this class is $50. All ingredients and jars are included in the class. All you need to do is bring a notebook, yourself, and a willingness to learn something new. It's time to start filling up your winter herbal medicine cabinet.
https://www.farmladynutrition.com/book-online