Oxymel

Various ingredients, including ginger, garlic, lemon, honey, and a honeycomb, are arranged on a white surface. A jar of honey with a dipper and a small bowl with lemon slices and garlic cloves are also present. A bottle of apple cider vinegar adds to the ensemble's health-boosting potential.

The Time-Tested Remedy for Gut Health and Wound Care

Oxymel, a blend of honey and vinegar, has been used for centuries as a natural remedy. The name comes from Latin and Ancient Greek words meaning “acid” and “honey,” reflecting its simple yet powerful ingredients.

Traditionally, both honey and vinegar have been known for their antiseptic properties, but when combined, they create a potent mixture with even greater effects.

A mason jar of apple cider garnished with herbs and anise sits on a wooden surface next to a whole apple, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and a grey cloth. The scene invites the question: is apple cider vinegar good for you? With its myriad benefits, many believe it is.

What Is Oxymel?

Oxymel is an ancient traditional remedy combining honey and vinegar. Its origins trace back to ancient Persia and were even used by Hippocrates in medicinal practices. (Zargaran et al., 2012)

Over the centuries, this mixture has been valued for its therapeutic properties. Historically, oxymel was commonly used by apothecaries (chemists) during the Middle Ages and praised by notable figures such as the physician-philosopher Ibn-Sīnā (Avicenna). (Amr et al., 2007)

Although this recipe may sound more fitting as a salad dressing today, the remarkable benefits of oxymel are gaining renewed attention in modern medicine.

Oxymel’s Resurgence in Modern Medicine

For over three decades, our clinic has advocated for the use of oxymel, long before it became widely recognised online through social media. Recently, Oxymel has gained attention for its impressive performance in treating wounds. Research has shown that this ancient remedy can be remarkably effective against bacteria, especially in cases where conventional antibiotics struggle.

In the past, apple cider vinegar, a key ingredient, was often considered a “health nut” fad. It is gratifying to see both oxymel and apple cider vinegar (ACV) now achieving mainstream recognition for their health benefits.

Powerful Antibacterial Effects

Recent studies highlight oxymel’s impressive efficacy in treating wounds, particularly against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Research has demonstrated that oxymel is up to 1,000 times more effective in killing bacteria than vinegar alone and up to 100,000 times more effective than honey alone.

This makes oxymel a promising option for managing infections that do not respond to traditional antibiotics. (Harrison et al., 2023) (Deluca 2023)

Oxymel’s Scientific Validation

Antiseptic Properties: Both honey and vinegar have long been used for their antimicrobial effects. Honey combats bacteria through its high sugar content and acidity, while vinegar’s acetic acid acts as a natural antiseptic by breaking down bacterial DNA and proteins. (Harrison et al., 2023)
Enhanced Efficacy: Studies have shown that while honey and vinegar individually have limited effects on bacterial biofilms, their combination in oxymel produces significantly greater antibacterial activity. The combined treatment has proven to be far superior, making it an exciting prospect for treating chronic wounds. (Harrison et al., 2023)
Chronic Wound Care: Oxymel may offer a valuable alternative for chronic wounds, particularly those resistant to antibiotics, such as those often found in diabetic patients or individuals with severe burns. Chronic wounds affect 1-2% of the population in developed countries and are increasingly common as diabetes rates rise. (Darani et al., 2023)
Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to existing treatments, oxymel is not only a potentially more effective option but also a cost-effective one, which could alleviate the financial burden on healthcare systems. (Microbiology Society 2023)

Oxymel Recipe

Balancing Honey and Vinegar in Modern Oxymel Recipes

Historically, oxymel recipes leaned heavily on honey, often using up to five parts honey for every one part vinegar, making it a very sweet concoction. While this generous amount of honey provided a rich sweetness and made an effective herbal extraction, it might be too sweet for today’s taste preferences.

Why Adjust the Honey-to-Vinegar Ratio?

Taste Preferences: Modern palates may find a high honey concentration overly sweet. It depends if you like honey or not. I’m a beekeeper and consume honey every day, I’m used to the sweetness but some may find it overpowering and may need to adjust the sweetness to suit their taste level.
Herbal Extraction Goals: A balanced ratio can optimise the extraction of beneficial herbs without overpowering flavours. Adding more ACV and less honey allows more efficient extraction of some plant chemicals contained in medicinal herbs like thyme, turmeric, ginger, or garlic.
Health Customisation: Adjusting proportions allows you to tailor the oxymel to your specific health needs and desired benefits. Some like to consume less honey, and therefore calories.

Flexibility of Oxymel Recipe

One of the greatest advantages of oxymel is its adaptability. You have the freedom to experiment with different ratios to create a blend that best supports your health objectives and suits your taste buds.

Basic Oxymel Recipe

Here’s a simple oxymel recipe to begin with:

Dried or Fresh Herbs (garlic, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, etc.) : 1 part
Vinegar and Honey Mixture: 3 parts
Combine Ingredients: Mix one part herb with three parts vinegar-and-honey blend.
Adjust to Taste: Modify the proportions to match flavour preferences and health goals.

Oxymel Recipe Customisation Tips

Less Sweet: Reduce the honey and increase the vinegar for a tangier taste.
More Herbal Strength: Add more herbs for a stronger extraction of their beneficial properties.
Balanced Flavour: Aim for an equal balance of honey and vinegar if you prefer a milder sweetness.

By starting with this basic recipe, you can easily adjust the ingredients to create a personalised oxymel that aligns perfectly with your health and herbal needs.

Combining the acidity of apple cider vinegar with the natural goodness of honey creates a powerful way to harness the benefits of both, while also making it easier to extract and enjoy the health-supporting properties of herbs—especially powerfully-tasting herbs that might be hard to take on their own.

Equipment You Will Need

Saucepan
Bottle with tight-fitting lid (or a glass jar)
Funnel
Measuring cups
rubber spatula
Strainer

Ingredients

Honey
Apple cider vinegar (choose raw honey, talk to a local beekeeper)
Optional: Cinnamon sticks, fennel or ginger.

Directions

Measure ingredients using these ratios: 1 part infused vinegar to 1 part or 1 1/2 parts honey.
Heat the infused vinegar to steaming, not boiling.
Add all other ingredients and stir.
Cover the saucepan with the lid.
Simmer gently on low for 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and leave to sit for 10 minutes.
If cinnamon sticks were used, you can either remove them or keep them in the mixture.
When cool, poor into a glass bottle or jar.
Enjoy 1 Tbsp before each main meal.
Oxymel is best stored in the fridge and used within 6 months.

Note: some infused vinegars don’t need as much honey.

Oxymel Recipe – Cold Extraction

This method is excellent for infusing a variety of fresh or dried herbs into your oxymel. A herbal oxymel is a very good medicine for coughs, colds, influenza.The only herbs I recommend using fresh are garlic, ginger, and turmeric.

Dried herbs include lemon balm, hyssop (good for coughs), elecampagne (good for coughs), lemon or lime peel, thyme, oregano, rosemary (antimicrobial).

Various natural ingredients arranged on a white surface, including cinnamon sticks, mint, ginger, lemon, honey, dried herbs, a cup of herbal tea, and a bottle of apple cider vinegar.

Prepare the Herbs:
Fill a pint-sized jar (600 ml) approximately one-quarter full with herbs, dried or fresh in case of using fresh ginger, garlic, or turmeric.
Add Liquids:
Pour equal parts of apple cider vinegar and honey into the jar, covering the herbs completely.
Mix Thoroughly:
Stir the mixture well to ensure the ingredients are fully incorporated. I make mine in a glass jar with a tight-fitting screw-top lid and give it several good shakes.
Seal the Jar:
Wipe any excess liquid from the jar’s rim, then secure it tightly. Be careful if you use any metal, don’t let it get into contact with the vinegar, acids and metal don’t tend to get on well.
Shake and Store:
Shake the jar vigorously until the mixture is well combined. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for two to four weeks, shaking it at least once daily to help with the extraction process. Shaking one daily vigorously is best.
Strain and Preserve:
After two weeks, strain the herbs out using a fine mesh strainer, pressing them to extract as much liquid as possible. Set the spent herbs aside for composting.
Bottle your Oxymel:
Pour the strained liquid into clean glass storage jars or bottles. Squeeze the remaining liquid from the herbs. I use a piece of linen for this, it’s surprising how much comes out.
Label and Store:
Clearly label and date the jars, then store them in a cool, dark place. When stored correctly, the oxymel will have a shelf life of approximately six months or more if made well.
DOSAGE: Take one Tablespoon in a little water before meals once or twice a day.

Clear teapot with tea, lemon slices, and flowers on a wooden board. Tea infuser, metal spoons, and a cup of tea garnished with cinnamon sticks are nearby. Loose tea leaves and a twine bundle are in the background, evoking thoughts of whether apple cider vinegar is good for you as an addition.

Oxymel Recipe – Hot Extraction

This hot method is when you need an oxymel quickly. However, it’s not suitable for highly aromatic or floral herbs due to the intensity of the heat. Herbs like like basil, parsley, chives, dill and coriander are considered delicate.

I find hot extraction particularly good for garlic and ginger extracts.
A hot herbal oxymel is a fantastic good medicine for coughs, colds, influenza. I recommend using fresh are garlic, ginger. I find turmeric is better with cold extraction. My favourite herbs using the hot infusion method are dried oregano, rosemary, marjoram, thyme, the hearty, woody Mediterranean herbs.

Prepare the Ingredients:
Place your herbs in a stainless pot and add twice as much apple cider vinegar as the final amount of oxymel you wish to make.
Heat the Mixture:
Bring the vinegar and herbs to a boil. Caution: The steam from apple cider vinegar can be very strong, avoid inhaling it directly or exposing your face to the rising steam.
Simmer and Reduce:
Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer very gently until the liquid has reduced by about half, which typically takes 30 to 40 minutes.
Cool the Mixture:
Remove the pot from heat and allow the liquid to cool to room temperature.
Strain the Herbs:
Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, pressing the herbs to extract as much liquid as possible. Set the strained herbs aside for composting.
Combine with Honey:
Mix the strained herbal vinegar with an equal amount of honey, stirring until the two are fully blended.
Bottle the Oxymel:
Transfer the oxymel into clean glass storage jars or bottles.
Label and Store:
Clearly label and date the jars. Store them in a cool, dark place. When properly stored, the oxymel will have a shelf life of around six months.
DOSAGE: Take one Tablespoon in a little water before meals once or twice a day.

How To Use Oxymel

Once you’ve crafted your first batch of oxymel, the possibilities for enjoying it are endless. For a soothing remedy during cold and flu season, stir a spoonful into warm water, creating a comforting drink that can help ease those seasonal sniffles.

As a medicine – I recommend up to a Tablespoon one, twice, even three-times daily in a little water before meals or snacks. It’s great taken hot for sore throats, colds, coughs, influenza, or other URTIs (upper-respiratory tract infection. Also good for ear problems, digestive upset, heartburn, indigestion, bloating, constipation, and more.

On a hot summer day, add a splash to sparkling water for a refreshing, tangy beverage that not only cools you down but also gives you a healthful boost.

Oxymels aren’t just good as healthy drinks – they are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Drizzle it over pancakes for a unique sweet-and-sour twist that pairs perfectly with breakfast.

You can also incorporate oxymel into your cooking by whisking it into a vinaigrette to dress a fresh garden salad, adding a layer of complex flavour that elevates even the simplest dishes. Whether used as a beverage enhancer, a culinary ingredient, or a natural remedy, oxymel offers endless opportunities to enjoy its benefits.

Conclusion

The promising results of recent studies suggest that oxymel could become a significant addition to the arsenal against resistant infections. Researchers plan to further investigate why the combination of honey and vinegar works so effectively and hope that this time-tested remedy will provide a valuable tool for treating stubborn infections in the future. The honey and ACV combination has been used for generations – and for a good reason. Try it yourself, I highly recommend it.

Gut Health Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar

A jar of honey is surrounded by ginger, pink salt, a lemon, an orange cut in half, green leaves, and a bottle of apple cider vinegar on a wooden surface.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has long been celebrated for its numerous health benefits, particularly when it comes to gut health. This versatile natural remedy is rich in acetic acid, which plays a key role in promoting a healthy digestive environment.

By increasing stomach acid production, ACV helps break down food more effectively, ensuring that nutrients are better absorbed and reducing the likelihood of indigestion and bloating.

Additionally, the fermentation process used to create apple cider vinegar fosters the growth of beneficial bacteria, which can help balance the gut microbiome and improve overall digestive health.

Incorporating apple cider vinegar into your daily routine may also support the management of conditions like Candida overgrowth, SIBO, and IBS.

The acetic acid in ACV has antimicrobial properties that can help control the growth of harmful bacteria and yeast, while its alkalising effect can help maintain a balanced pH in the gut.

This balance is crucial for preventing the overgrowth of pathogens and promoting a thriving population of beneficial bacteria, ultimately leading to improved gut function, reduced inflammation, and better overall well-being.

Here is my tried and true recipe, it makes between 10 to 15 shots:

The Apple Cider Vinegar Gut Shot

½ cup apple cider vinegar
1 Tbsp good-quality honey
1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger
or 2 tsp ground ginger
Pinch of salt
Juice of half a lemon
Juice of half an orange

The Method

In a 700ml jar with a tight-fitting lid, mix together the vinegar, honey, ginger, and salt.
Squeeze the lemon juice and orange juice into the jar and mix in.
Fill with water, seal the jar, and refrigerate overnight.
Pour into a small glass for your morning shot of goodness.
Store in the fridge for up to 1 month
Enjoy!

Pro Tips

Try adding a clove of freshly mashed garlic for an extra antimicrobial boost.
For extra benefit and a better result, be sure to drink a few glasses of fresh water throughout the day. This will make your digestion even more effective.
Additionally, take one probiotic capsule twice daily with meals. Consider Yeastrix Probiotics

References

Gawrylewski, Andrea, Scientific American Newsletter, October 11, 2023
Pliny the Younger (1853). Naturalis historiae (in Latin). Vol. xxxvii. p. 271.
Copland, James (1855). A Dictionary of Practical Medicine. Harper & Brothers.

Eric Bakker N.D.

Greetings! I am a naturopathic physician from New Zealand. Although I’ve retired from clinical practice since 2019, I remain passionate about helping people improve their lives. You’ll find I’m active online with a focus on natural health and wellbeing education through my Facebook page and YouTube channel, including this website.

Oxymel

The Time-Tested Remedy for Gut Health and Wound Care