Oxymel’s are a very old fashioned tonic that dates back from ancient times that have fallen out of fashion. It remains a favorite herbal healers use and is made of two seemingly opposing ingredients- honey and vinegar. Herbs can be added to great effect and when you see honey menthol cough drops on the pharmacy shelf, note that origin of over two thousand years ago. Oxymels are supremely effective for respiratory issues. The recipe is simplicity itself, equal parts honey and vinegar poured over herbs in a canning jar. Store in a dark cupboard and give the sealed jar a good shake every day. After two weeks, strain out the herbs with cheesecloth and store in the fridge.

 

Recommended oxymel herbs: Oregano, elder flower, sage, balm, mint, lemon peel, thyme, lavender, rose petals, hyssop, and fennel.

 

 Craft Your Own Cough drops: Candied Herbs

 1 cup vodka

 1 cup simple sugar syrup

1 cup honey

2 cups dried herb of choice

1 large sheet waxed paper

 

One of the byproducts of making herbal honey, liqueurs and oxymel is the candied herbs which can also be made especially for snacks and for use in sweetcakes and cookies. To make a batch, stir the liquids together in a big pot and heat slowly, stirring every few minutes. Upon reaching boiling point, add the herbs until well mixed. Turn to a slow simmer until the liquid is very thick and sticky. Spoon the herbs out and place on wax paper to crystallize. Good herbs for this are hyssop, ginger roots, lavender, lemon balm, fennel seed, mint, angelica stems and thyme as well as small slivers of orange, lime and lemon. The gift of homemade candy is a marvelous way to signal a crush.