Herbal Oxymel Recipe with Sage and Ginger (2024)

{This post is sponsored by Ball® Fresh Preserving}

When fall comes, it’s a good idea to start thinking about herbal remedies that will keep you healthy through winter. This herbal oxymel recipe with sage and ginger is easy to make and has many benefits for the immune system. It also happens to be deliciously sweet and sour!

Ball® Wide Mouth Pint Jars & Leak-Proof Storage Lids

Out of all the Ball® Jars that I have (which is a lot!), I use the Wide Mouth Pint Jars the most frequently, with the Wide Mouth Quart Jars being a close second.

Ball® Wide Mouth Pint Jars are the perfect size for small batch herbal infusions like infused oils, tinctures, and honeys. I make a lot of these herbal remedies, so I always make sure to have these jars on hand!

The Ball® Leak-Proof Storage Lids are great as well, especially for infusions that need to be occasionally turned or shaken to combine. They worked perfectly for this herbal oxymel recipe and there were no leaks!

What is an Oxymel?

You may be wondering what exactly is an oxymel? Luckily, it sounds a lot more complicated that it is!

An oxymel is an old fashioned herbal remedy that has been around for centuries. In its most basic form it is simply a mixture of honey and vinegar, which are both medicinal in their own right.

The ratio of honey to vinegar can be different based on what your needs are. Traditionally they were made with more honey than vinegar.

Most oxymels today are roughly half raw honey and half raw apple cider vinegar, which creates a delicious sweet and sour taste.

Oxymels are sometimes called an oxymel elixir, and fire cider is actually a type of oxymel.

Herbs to Use in an Oxymel

Most oxymels these days are infused with herbs that will make it even more beneficial. There are many different herbs you can use when making an oxymel.

Many herbs you would use in a tincture could also be used in an oxymel. Some common ones are lemon balm, chamomile, bee balm, mullein, nettles, mint, and dandelion root.

Some great herbs to use in an oxymel for immune support are elderberry, rose hips, echinacea, ginger, garlic, onion, sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and cinnamon.

For this recipe, I’m using sage and ginger, which is a combination that I love. Sage is very beneficial for sore throats and coughs, and ginger is a warming immune system stimulant.

Sage & Ginger Herbal Oxymel Recipe

You won’t believe how easy it is to make this sage and ginger oxymel recipe!

First, put some sliced fresh ginger in a Ball® Wide Mouth Half Pint Jar.

Then chop some fresh sage and add that to the jar with the ginger. You want the jar to be about 1/4 to 1/3 full of herbs.

Next, add some raw apple cider vinegar to the jar. This is where you can customize the amounts a bit based on your taste and preferences. I generally fill the jar about halfway with vinegar.

Then add raw honey to the vinegar and herbs to fill the jar. Don’t worry if the honey is thick, the vinegar will help it to dissolve and combine.

Fill the jar as full as you can without overflowing it, as you don’t want too much airspace on the top. This will prevent oxidation, which can make the herbs turn brown.

Then wipe the rim, cap the jar with a lid, and give it a few shakes to combine. This is where the Ball® Leak-Proof Storage Lids come in handy!

If you use a metal canning lid be sure to put a piece of parchment paper under it as the vinegar can react to the metal.

Put the oxymel in a cool place out of direct sunlight to infuse for at least a week and up to 30 days. Then strain out the sage and ginger with a fine mesh strainer before using.

Store the strained oxymel in a jar with a lid in a cool place out of direct sunlight. It will keep for 6 months or more. It can also be refrigerated for a longer shelf life.

How to Use an Herbal Oxymel

This sage and ginger oxymel can be used in a similar way that you would use elderberry syrup. For adults, take 1-2 tablespoons 2-3 times per day when you feel a sickness coming on.

This oxymel can also be safely taken daily as a preventative. If you use different herbs you will want to do some more research on how often and for what duration of time they can be taken, as all herbs have different properties.

Can Oxymels be Given to Children?

In general, oxymels can be given to children over the age of one, but be sure that you are using herbs that are safe for children. You may also want to use a higher proportion of raw honey, as the vinegar taste can sometimes be too much for kids.

This sage and ginger oxymel is safe for children, just use a smaller dosage based on their size.

Oxymels should not be given to children under the age of one due to the raw honey.

Herbal oxymels are simple and fun to make and are really good for your health. I highly recommend giving this old fashioned herbal remedy a try!

More Immune Boosting Herbal Remedies

Boost your immune system with these herbal remedies!

• Elderberry Syrup
• Fire Cider
• Fermented Honey Garlic
• Manuka Honey Vinegar Elixir
• Immune Boosting Herbal Tea