Oxymel

Oxymel is from the Latin oxymeli meaning acid and honey. The concept of Oxymel dates back to ancient Persian traditions and was used by Hippocrates in medicinal formulations (Zargaran et al. 2012). Oxymel is a sweet and sour herbal preparation used as a remedy for specific ailments or as a healthful tonic. It can be taken in doses as a remedy, consumed straight as a health tonic and Oxymel can be added to foods, as a way to enhance assimilation of food nutrients, bringing both lovely plant flavors and additional health benefits.
 
Oxymels take many forms, some as cooked syrups and some as room temperature infused preparations. Adding varied ingredients changes the qualities that each Oxymel contains. Traditionally, Oxymel was used as a remedy, for general healthcare or to affect certain systems of the body. Oxymels are notably used in gastrointestinal tract and respiratory conditions, and they can also be crafted to help cool the body (Heidi 2020). Botanicals used in Oxymels make the difference in not only the taste, but in how Oxymels support the body.
 
Considering the needs of modern diets and lifestyles alongside the benefits of this traditional preparation, we craft our Oxymels as Herbal Culinary Tonics. The base of our Oxymels are a blend of raw honey combined with raw apple cider vinegar, in which we infuse a variety of fruits, herbs and vegetables. Our Oxymel formulations have been inspired by plant flavor and action profiles, and each formula is crafted and prepared to release different properties of the botanicals making each Oxymel unique.

Raw apple cider vinegar contains enzymes, proteins, and good-for-you bacteria, and it can support digestion and help stabilize blood sugar (Gladstar 2019:14-21). In addition to having nutritious qualities in of itself, raw apple cider vinegar is excellent to extract healthful minerals, vitamins, and medicinal qualities (including antibacterial and antiviral properties) from organically rich plant ingredients.

Raw honey brings a wholesome punch with trace enzymes, minerals, vitamins, and amino acids (Jarvis 1958:99-124). Raw honey has antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties and promotes the growth of good bacteria in the intestine.

When considering how to use your Oxymel, we first encourage experimenting. Take a little sip on it’s own, to better see how it tastes and feels. Add a bit to your daily water intake, top your roasted and sautéed veggies with a sprinkle, and dash it into rice dishes, soups and stews.
 
Red Root & Co Oxymels have varied flavors. Wild Greens & Citrus brings a citrus zing balanced with refreshing greens, and Berries & Blooms has bright berry and light floral notes. While Cranberry & Spice highlights autumnal spices with savory undertones, our Savory Roots & Herbs has aromatic herbs balanced by gentle spices, and Heirloom Garlic’s brilliant lemon softens the sharper garlic edges.

If you want to consume it as a daily health tonic, each Oxymel has unique attributes to consider and each shot brings a dose of easily digested nutrition to your body. Wild Greens & Citrus is mineral rich with cleansing and rejuvenating qualities while Berries & Blooms is cooling with anti-oxidant attributes. Cranberry & Spice is supportive, invigorating and nourishing and Savory Roots & Herbs is warming with immune boosting qualities. Heirloom Garlic is deeply immune nourishing with the nutritional brawn of Garlic.
 
Oxymel may firstly have a place as your go-to culinary ingredient, remember that Oxymel is part of your kitchen apothecary. It aids the body as a digestif, take a bit before each meal to stimulate the digestive process. It can be used as a gargle for a sore throat and taken with warm water to soothe a dry throat. Mixed with water and molasses, Oxymel offers excellent hydration after workouts or during long days of physical work. It’s our secret, but we also love using Berries & Blooms Oxymel as a topnotch facial toner. 

Sources:

• Gladstar, Rosemary. Fire Cider! Storey Publishing, 2019.
• Heidi. “Herbal Oxymel Recipes & Benefits” MountainRoseHerbs, 15 March 2020, Accessed 5 January 2021
• Jarvis, D.C.. Folk Medicine. Ballantine Books, 1958.
• Zargaran, Arman, et al. “Oxymel in medieval Persia.” Pharmaceutical Historian, vol. 42, no. 1,   March 2012, pp. 11-13. ResearchGate, Accessed 5 January 2021.