..And a hug around the neck

I've started a movement in my house to step away from convenience food, fast food, processed food and bring the food that goes into my family back to the beginning of where it should be prepared: in my kitchen. It isn't always easy- especially in this rush rush world- but I can control what goes into the food, which keeps my family healthier. I share my recipes with you, so that you, too, can benefit from what I've learned.

Oxymel Tutorial

 What is an oxymel? 
An oxymel is just a sweet and sour herbal syrup. It contains: vinegar, honey & herbs. They’re very beneficial for respiratory conditions, so the herbs contained therein will usually reflect that.

How to make an oxymel 
Cold Method 
Fill a small jar about half to three-fourths full of herbs. Pour honey over them, then vinegar. Use about 1/3 of the jar filled with honey to 2/3 of the rest vinegar OR for a sweeter syrup, try 1/2 jar honey and 1/2 jar vinegar. It’s a very flexible amount. Both honey and vinegar act as preservatives, so you’re not going to ruin the mixture by altering the ratios. Stir it all together; it might not blend well at first, but it will settle and blend over time. Just stir or shake it every day for about two weeks, then strain the herbs out, bottle it up and store in a cool place or the refrigerator.

Hot Method  
Simmer your herbs and vinegar together for ten to twenty minutes. Strain out and stir in honey while the vinegar is still warm.

Take oxymels by the spoonful for sore throats, thick congested coughs or as a general treatment to combat cold symptoms.

The shelf life for oxymels is about a year.

Some herbs recommended for use in oxymels 
*Bee Balm (Monarda): sore throat, antibacterial, helpful for thick congested coughs, fever
*Elder flowers and buds: specific for sore throats, immune stimulating
*Ginger, Garlic & Onion: to make a tonic to fight cold and flu (make sure to mince your garlic into tiny bits & refrigerate this combination) Lemon Peel: can be added for flavor
*Mint: stomach soothing, digestive aid
*Oregano: antibacterial, antiviral, useful for upper respiratory infections
*Rosemary: Useful for low energy and poor circulation, good for digestion and nerves. Avoid daily use or medicinal levels if pregnant.
*Raspberry Leaves: general tonic for women
*Sage: antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral. Contraindications: dries up milk flow, not for medicinal use by pregnant or nursing women, do not take for an extended amount of time.
*Thyme: for upper respiratory infections, coughs, bronchitis, antiviral and antibacterial. 

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