Oxymel of Garlic Recipe

A garlic oxymel is a beautiful home remedy, blending apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic and herbs for powerful medicinal benefits. Used for centuries in traditional medicine, oxymels support immune health, digestion, and respiratory function, while also helping to fight infections, soothe sore throats, and reduce inflammation. It has a sharp but sweet-tart flavour and natural healing properties - a must-have in your fridge!

This recipe makes a delicious salad dressing as well as an effective medicine. The quantities aren’t critical, you can adjust any of them according to your tastes and needs.

Oxymel

derived from the Greek word 'oxymeli', which translates to 'acid and honey'

Ingredients

• 30 gm (about 10 cloves) garlic bulb (Allium sativum)

• 4 gm (1 heaped tsp) fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare)

• 4 gm (1 heaped tsp) caraway seeds (Carum carvi)

• 100 ml apple cider vinegar

• 40 ml (about 2 tbsp) honey

• 1 sterilized amber bottle

  
  

Method One

(for a mild garlic taste and effect)

1. Gently warm seeds in vinegar (without boiling) for a few minutes.

2. Remove from heat.

3. Add the peeled and crushed garlic.

4. Strain and add honey. Warm to combine if necessary.

5. Store in a dark glass jar

Method Two 

(for a very strong garlic taste and effect)

1. Optional - crush the seeds with a mortar and pestle.

2. Then gently warm seeds in vinegar (without boiling) for a few minutes, then strain.

3. Add honey and warm to combine.

4. Peel and crush garlic and place in a jar.

5. Pour the warm honey and vinegar mixture over the garlic and steep.

Method Three

(for a milder garlic taste but a strong effect)

1. Crush the seeds with a mortar and pestle.

2. Digest herbs in vinegar at 40 degrees in a slow cooker or somewhere hot in your home, for 7-14 days.

3. Strain, press, and add melted honey.

4. Simmer at very low heat until thickened if a syrupy consistency is desired.

   
   

Dosage

Take a teaspoon or dessertspoon doses as needed or desired for sore throats, colds, coughs, and flu symptoms.

Expiry

Note oxymels are unlikely to go off because both the honey and vinegar have preservative qualities. Considering also garlic's antimicrobial action a garlic oxymel like this is highly unlikely to go bad.