Immune stimulants help build the immune system and are your go-to’s to prevent and treat colds/flus. It’s important to incorporate immune boosters as part of your normal daily maintenance routine and not just taken at the onset of illness. Though they do work very well as a treatment when illnesses arise, they work even better as a preventative measure. Today we are going to prepare an oxymel immune system booster using tried and true ingredients.
What are oxymels? Oxymels are vinegar-based extractions used to preserve the medicinal properties of herbs that can be added to salads, used as a marinade, or taken straight. This popular mixture has been around at least since 400 BC, when it was first documented in Greek medicine. Oxymel is derived from the Greek word oximeli which translates to “acid and honey” and came about as a means to extract herbs that were unpleasant to ingest due to their strong and pungent flavor.
Our immunity oxymel includes:
Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is a common ingredient in oxymel, a tonic that's a blend of vinegar and honey that's often infused with herbs.
Raw honey: anti-inflammatory, fungal, oxidant, and bacterial
Garlic: contains allicin which is good for heart and blood health
Jalapeno pepper: antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, rich in vitamins A, C that works as potent antioxidants
Ginger: antioxidant, antiviral and antibacterial properties
Turmeric: helps with metabolic syndrome, arthritis, inflammation, anxiety (absorption increases with black pepper)
Onion: high in vitamin C, which help regulate immune health, rich in vitamin B, B6, and folate
Star anise: Contains a compound called shikimic acid, which is a very important part of anti-influenza medications around the world. Promotes healthy skin, prevent fungal infections, support respiratory health, stimulate the immune system, optimize digestion, boost circulation, and aids with sleep.
Bay leaf: rich source of vitamins A and C as well as zinc, treats respiratory disorders and infections
Immunity Oxymel (Fire Cider) - for Cold and Flu Prevention
Ingredients
½ onion chopped
7 cloves garlic- smashed
3 tbsp chopped or freshly grated ginger root
3 tbsp chopped or freshly grated turmeric + black pepper
7 stars of anise
7 bay leaves
3 fresh jalapeno peppers
Raw Honey
Apple cider vinegar
Materials
Large Glass Mason Jar with a tight-fitting lid
Wax Paper
Wooden or Plastic Spoon
Method
Add all fresh ingredients to a large mason jar.
Cover the fresh ingredients with apple cider vinegar, leaving about ¼ empty.
Add raw honey and fill the remainder of your jar.
Using a wooden spoon (or plastic), stir oxymel to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, or cover and shake the jar to mix. As your fresh ingredients settle, you may need to top off your oxymel with more apple cider vinegar.
Line the top of your jar with wax paper and securely cover your jar with the lid.
Label your oxymel the tincture name and date.
Store in a cool, dark place for at least 4 weeks. Shake your jar every other day to ensure thorough extraction.
After 4 weeks your mixture is ready to be used! Straining is not necessary- keep your fresh ingredients in your jar to continue to reap its benefits. Take 1 tbsp (adult) or ½ tsp (children 2 and over) per day for maintenance, or 2-3 times per day as a treatment. This mixture is good for 6 months, stored at room temp.
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