Immune-Boosting Ginger Garlic Thyme Oxymel

NOTE: While all the herbs listed below are considered safe, the information below is intended for educational purposes only. It is best to consult with an experienced practitioner and/or your doctor before using new herbs. 

One of the aspects of herbalism that I love the absolute most is how utterly approachable and accessible it is. So many of the herbs and spices we use in the kitchen have incredibly powerful healing properties. And many of the herbal applications —ie, ways we can take herbs as remedies — are simple to make.

This ginger, garlic, and thyme oxymel is the perfect example. A few simple, easy-to-find ingredients combine to create an herbal remedy that’s perfect to have on hand at the first sign of any cold or flu-like illness. It’s been incredibly comforting to know that I have premade remedies ready to go to support my immune system and help my body heal when it needs to. Being (overly) prepared has always been one of the main ways I manage my anxiety. And this immune-boosting oxymel fits the bill perfectly. 

This oxymel, specifically, is meant to be what you reach for at the first sign of any cold or flu-like illness. The herbal elements combine to help support the body’s natural immune response in order to, ideally, stop an illness in its tracks. Or at the very least, shorten the duration and lessen the severity of symptoms. 

FIRST, WHAT IS AN OXYMEL?

Simply put, an oxymel is an herbal extraction of vinegar and raw honey. It’s a great way to extract the healing benefits of herbs and the result is actually pretty tasty.

HOW DO YOU TAKE AN OXYMEL?

Oxymels are meant to be taken by the tablespoon 1-3 times a day. You can dilute it with either cold or hot water, depending on your preference. This oxymel is intended to be used at the first sign of a cold or flu.

As with all herbal remedies, it works best taken in small amounts over time. One tablespoon several times a day is going to be much more effective than taking several tablespoons all at once. Also much more palatable.

Keep taking little doses of this oxymel until the beginning symptoms subside or until acute symptoms come on and you need something a bit more specific.

IMMUNE-BOOSTING GINGER GARLIC THYME OXYMEL INGREDIENTS

Ginger is easily one of my favorite spices to have around. It’s generally known to be a great aid for the digestive system but it does so much more than that. Ginger can help…

• Bring relief to a sore throat and, thanks to its antimicrobial properties, help prevent further infection. 
• Get stuck mucus in the lungs and sinuses moving again, thanks to its stimulating and diffusion properties. 
• Warm you up from the inside, effectively assisting the body’s natural immune response: the fever. 

There’s never not garlic in my kitchen. I keep multiple bulbs on hand because I never want to run out. And in addition to making food more delicious, garlic is an incredibly potent herbal ally. Garlic can help…

• Shorten the duration and severity of symptoms when taken at the first sign of a cold or flu-like illness. 
• Warm the body up and support the fever process, just like ginger.
• Relieve congestion and stimulate mucus flow, helping to thin it and make it easier to expel it from the body. 

Thyme is another common culinary herb that also packs plenty of impressive medicinal properties and a long list of benefits, from digestive support to pain relief. But the reason I chose it here is because of its ability to support lung health. It’s well known for easing congestion in lungs and even stopping coughing spasms.

Apple cider vinegar and raw honey make up the base of this oxymel. Both ACV and raw honey are known to help boost the immune system, soothe dry throats, and soothe digestive issues. The combination also creates a sweet-tart flavor that’s quite palatable. 

RECIPE NOTES

• A prepared oxymel will last about three months stored in the fridge. You want to make sure and label it with the date so you know when it’s time to replace it. 
• Vinegar will corrode metal, so be sure to use a plastic lid on whatever jar you use. You can also put a layer of wax paper between the jar and the lid to prevent corrosion. 
• Be sure to select apple cider vinegar with the “mother” for this recipe.
• If you want the added health benefits and not just added sugar, you need to use raw honey. It’s pricey, I know, but the heated and processed stuff you find in the store is basically honey-flavored sugar. I invest in raw honey to use specifically for medicinal purposes, like this oxymel. I’ve been able to find a great local raw honey at our Costco for an incredibly reasonable price.
• Both fresh and dry thyme work in the recipe. I like using dried because I always have that on hand. If you use fresh, use 3-4 tablespoons instead. When using dried, make sure it’s fairly fresh. Give it a smell and make sure it still smells strongly of thyme. And it should still look green and not too dull or gray. 

If you find yourself with leftover immune-boosting oxymel that needs to be used up quickly, it also makes a delicious base for a vinaigrette. Just whisk it with a bit of olive oil, a bit of Dijon mustard, and season with salt and pepper to taste. That’s the beauty of herbal preparations like this. Many can be treated as food!