Colds and respiratory conditions tend to sneak up on us at the change of seasons. Rather than reach to an over-the counter remedy that removes the symptoms but prolongs a cold, my favorite go-to remedy at the sign of the sniffles is my Oxymel.
To understand what Oxymel is, the word comes from the Greek language. “Oxy” (sour), and “Mel” (sweet) is a description of the flavor profile of this traditional remedy. Simply, Oxymel is a combination of Raw Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey. For decades modern herbalists have come to infuse these two substances with a variety of herbs, which tailors the remedy and its effective outcomes.
I first experienced Oxymel while I was in herbalism school. I had a respiratory cold where my nose was running so badly that I was going through a pile of tissues. I sat in the furthest corner of a local coffee shop, struggling through homework, and a pile of waded up napkins. Unfortunately, I was also under a deadline to get my homework done for school, and found myself sacrificing self-care for meeting responsibility. (Note to self: Bad Vitalist!). As one of my professors used to say, “when you are an herbalist you grow to look forward to getting sick, just so you can try out the effectiveness of a remedy.”
The next morning I decided to go to the store and get some ingredients for a remedy that I had learned about in school called “Oxymel”. It called for apple cider vinegar, honey, fresh turmeric, garlic, ginger, lemon and red pepper flakes. I purchased the necessary items at the store, wrote to my teacher to let her know I wouldn’t be in class that day, and began making my brew immediately.
After four hours of infusing the honey and apple cider vinegar with the herbs, I strained the contents, combined the two infused liquids together, and took a shot glass of the formula. The formula had a kick of heat, but finished with a sweetness. In a half hour I took another tablespoon. I repeated this two more times and went to bed. By the next morning I felt one hundred percent better. The shift in how I felt was so profound, and immediate, that I was amazed how sick I had been just 24 hours prior. Needless to say, Oxymel is now my go-to remedy any time I feel a hint of a cold.
To see how to make your own oxymel formula, visit my YouTube channel here. Making Oxymel isn’t an exact art. You can flavor your oxymel for your own palette. I made my original recipe with oranges, and peppers that I grow in my garden, along with some additional carminative seeds.
To make your own oxymel you will need the following:
500 ml raw local honey
500 ml raw apple cider vinegar
one handful of chopped raw turmeric, chopped
1 four” knot of fresh ginger root, chopped
2 full garlic bulbs, peeled and chopped
1 whole lemon, chopped (with skin)
one tsp. pepper flakes
In the recipe that I made on YouTube, in: DIY Cold Remedy: Learn How to Make Your Own Oxymel I added the optional ingredients of:
1 orange
6 small cinnamon sticks
1 cup of dried hawthorn berries
2 Tbsp. Fennel
Again, you can adjust your formula for your palette and what you have around the house. You could also add ingredients such as: horseradish, onions, wasabi, sage, herbs for the respiratory system, ect. Make sure you write down your recipe in case you want to make the same one again.
This will keep for 1 1/2 years if kept in the fridge. I personally go through what I make every year, so I have yet to have any go bad on me. Roots of Alchemy Fire Starter Oxymel has become one of my best selling products in the Winter Season. Roots of Alchemy Fire Starter Oxymel can be purchased on Etsy, here and is available for sale in two sizes.
Oxymel has become one of my most used and trusted remedies during the winter season. I’d love to hear about how my video inspired your creations. Be Well!
Published by Roots of Alchemy
Kathryn is a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist, Certified Herbalist, Nutritionist and Flower Essence Practitioner. Her experience within the field of holistic health is rooted in Clinical Aromatherapy, raw food preparation, and healing foods preparation. As a practitioner, Kathryn brings her attention to detail through observation, ability to listen on a deeper level, appreciation for the body’s expression, and an investigative interest. She believes that by listening and being watchful of the body and how it carries itself, along with tracking our daily rituals and routines, it allows for a deeper understanding of one’s state of wellness and where it would be most useful to set the attention toward self-care.
Kathryn’s interest in plant medicine began at a young age when she realized she had sensitivities to chemicals commonly used in products such as fabric detergent and soap. This led to the discovery of one of her first plant allies, essential oils. Moved by the concept that essential oils have the ability to affect multiple levels of our being, what first provided a non-irritating alternative way to scent herself, laid a pathway into a study of the human body and holistic wellness. After years of her own study and learning medicine making skills, she went on to earn her Certification in Clinical Aromatherapy at the Institute of Integrative Aromatherapy in 2010. While in the Clinical Aromatherapy program she developed a series of Chakra Oils as a meditation tool to help people access and understand their energetic system. Her holistic practice is called Roots of Alchemy, LLC; She also makes all-natural body care and face care products through this company.
Moved by learning of how many people were using essential oils inappropriately and experiencing unintentional negative outcomes, Kathryn was inspired to create Esenta, The Aromaticum App in 2016. This is a pocket resource guide to using essential oils safely.
Kathryn’s reverence for the power of herbs and food as a primary source of healing was deeply anchored after her mother passed away at the age of 56, nearly ten years ago. After losing her mother, and months of being depressed and eating only minimally, Kathryn began to consider food as a possible route to finding her well-being. Taking purposeful steps in this direction created a shift in her awareness around self-care. She went on to study Healing Diets and Herbalism at the School of Natural Medicine. It was during her study here that she decided to pursue a deeper study with herbs, and through kismet timing and manifestation of a heartfelt wish, found herself studying Medical Herbalism at the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism.
In addition to her herbal interests, Kathryn has also studied astrology, numerology, and tarot as self-development tools and hand-drew her own tarot deck as part of a ten-year apprenticeship. She weaves imagery with words to allow for a story to open up possibility. Through life’s trials and storms, she has come to witness the mystery of the journey and how often our perceived weakness can lend light which allows one to find their greatest resources of strength. This intersection between our mind, body, emotions, and spirit, lays the foundation for our vital force to actualize.
Kathryn developed a deep love for the mysteries and wisdom of the natural world at an early age. She grew up in Boulder, Colorado and has enjoyed a history of hiking and camping throughout the Front Range.
Her core areas of clinical interest include skin issues, musculoskeletal concerns, digestive concerns, anxiety and stress management, pain management, nervous system support, restorative formulations, food elimination guidance and support, the emotional thread within wellness, and food preparation assistance, in addition to others.
View all posts by Roots of Alchemy
Roots of Alchemy 