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!
Put the sliced ginger and chopped sage into a wide mouth pint jar. The jar should be about 1/4 to 1/3 full of herbs.
Fill the jar about halfway with raw apple cider vinegar, more or less depending on your preference.
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.
Wipe the jar rim, cap the jar with a lid, and give it a few shakes to combine.
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.
Notes
Fill the jar as full as you can without overflowing it, as you don't want too much airspace at the top. This will prevent oxidation, which can make the herbs turn brown.
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.
For adults, take 1-2 tablespoons 2-3 times per day when you feel a sickness coming on.
This sage and ginger oxymel is safe for children over the age of one, 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.