Antioxidant Oxymel

There is something so fulfilling about making things. I have been creating a lot in the kitchen this fall and really enjoying utilizing herbs for day to day well being. An oxymel is a form of traditional medicine making that combines apple cider vinegar and honey to extract herbs. Oxy meaning acid and mel meaning honey. The Rosehips and Hawthorn berries are high in antioxidants like vitamin C and flavonoids, making them rich in supporting the blood vessels and also the immune system. Antioxidants are also valuable for connective tissue health --- think healthy skin, muscles, tendons, etc. I take it as a daily tonic to support my antioxidant status.

I learned this recipe from Heather Luna, owner of the Acorn School of Herbal Medicine and adapted it to what was available from Natural Grocers. Feel free to watch her make this recipe in her video. Enjoy this as support for your immune system this fall or give it as a lovely gift to someone you love.

Ingredients:

1 32 oz mason jar

3/4-1 cup dried Rosehips from Natural Grocers -- from bulk spice aisle

3/4-1 cup dried Hawthorn berries from Natural Grocers -- from bulk spice aisle

2 tsp cinnamon

equal parts Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar

*if honey is hard at room temp, melt in a double boiler on the stove

Plastic lid or parchment paper

Instructions:

This is not precision, so don’t stress on exact proportions. Add some of the dried herbs to the jar, then add a couple ounces of honey. Then add some dried herbs, then add a couple ounces of vinegar. Stir to combine the honey and apple cider. Repeat until the herbs are all in the jar and approximately equal parts of honey and vinegar have been added to the top of the jar. Cover with a plastic jar or use parchment paper to create a barrier between the liquid and the lid. Acid will erode the metal, which you do not want. Let the jar sit for two weeks. Every day, turn the jar over and shake a little to agitate the plant material which will help it extract. After two weeks strain out the herbs and reserve the liquid. Because Rosehips have pectin, the final product will be like a thick syrup.