Electuaries and oxymels are traditional herbal preparations that make herbs easier and more enjoyable to take. Oxymels combine vinegar and honey into a tangy herbal syrup, while electuaries mix powdered herbs with honey into a spoonable paste for convenient daily use.
Oxymels Best for: Respiratory support, digestion, immune support, and daily herbal tonics. An oxymel combines vinegar and honey to extract and preserve herbal properties. It can be taken by the spoonful, diluted in tea or water, or used in culinary recipes and dressings.
Suggested Use: Take 1-2 teaspoons up to 4 times daily, either directly or mixed into tea or beverages.
Storage
Store in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months
Refrigerate for 6-9 months for longer shelf life
Avoid metal lids, as vinegar can corrode metal and affect flavor and quality
Instructions
Lightly chop, crush, or bruise the herbs.
Fill a clean glass jar:
¼ full for dried herbs
¾ full for fresh herbs
Pour vinegar over the herbs until the jar is about ¾ full.
Top off the remainder with honey and stir gently if desired.
Seal with a non-metal lid (or place parchment under a metal lid).
Store in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks, shaking daily or a few times per week.
Strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, squeezing out as much liquid as possible.
Transfer to a clean glass bottle and refrigerate.
Quick Hot Method (For a faster preparation):
Combine herbs and vinegar in a saucepan.
Heat very gently for 10-20 minutes (do not boil).
Strain and stir in honey while the vinegar is still warm.
Cool and transfer to a clean glass bottle.
Electuaries Best for: Daily herbal support, children, sore throats, and herbs that taste better with honey. An electuary is a traditional blend of powdered herbs and honey, creating a sweet, spoonable herbal paste that can be taken directly or stirred into warm beverages.
Suggested Use: Take 1 teaspoon, 1-4 times daily, as needed.
Basic Ratio: Use approximately 1 part dried powdered herb to 3-5 parts honey by volume, depending on the desired thickness and taste.
Instructions
Finely powder or grind dried herbs.
Mix the herbs with honey until a smooth, spreadable paste forms.
Transfer to a clean glass jar with a lid.
Allow to meld for 1-2 weeks for best flavor and potency, though it can be used immediately.
Storage: Properly stored electuaries generally last 1-2 years in a cool, dry place.