Hops, Rose & Bee Balm Oxymel

An oxymel is a traditional herbal preparation made by combining honey and vinegar with herbs. The result is a sweet-and-sour herbal elixir that can be enjoyed by the spoonful, added to tea, or diluted in water.

For this oxymel, we’re combining the floral qualities of rose and bee balm with the earthy, aromatic character of hops.

Items Needed

• Pint-size glass jar

• Plastic lid, or wax paper to place between the jar and a metal lid

• Dried rose petals

• Dried bee balm

• Dried hops

• Raw honey

• Raw apple cider vinegar

Directions

~ Fill approximately half of your jar with a combination of dried rose petals, bee balm, and hops.

~ Pour equal parts raw honey and raw apple cider vinegar over the herbs, making sure the plant material is well covered.

~ There is some flexibility here. Add more honey if you’d prefer a sweeter oxymel, or increase the vinegar for a more tart preparation.

~ Stir well to incorporate the honey and vinegar.

~ Place the lid on the jar and shake well.

~ Store the jar in a sunny location and shake it once or twice daily for approximately 4–6 weeks.

~ Strain the herbs from the finished oxymel.

~ Transfer to a clean jar or bottle and store in a cool, dark place.

Working With Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs introduce additional moisture into the preparation. If you make an oxymel with fresh herbs, refrigerate the finished preparation rather than storing it at room temperature.

How to Use Your Oxymel

This sweet-and-sour herbal preparation can be taken by the spoonful, diluted in hot or cold water, or added to an herbal tea.

I especially enjoy oxymels as a way to make herbs a little more approachable. The honey softens the sharpness of the vinegar while the vinegar adds brightness to the preparation, creating an herbal elixir that’s both flavorful and versatile.

As with any herbal preparation, choose herbs that are appropriate for you and consider any allergies, medications, pregnancy, or other individual considerations before use.