Garlic Oxymel is an old immunity boosting remedy owing to it's antiviral and antibacterial properties. It is used to boost the immune systems in the cold & flu season of the winter months.
Oxymel means "acid and honey" and is indicative of its two main ingredients that are used to make the infusion: honey and apple cider vinegar.
The benefits of the ingredients of Garlic Oxymel are believed to be as follows:
- Garlic supports cardiovascular health and can reduce blood pressure. It is also known to prevent blood clots and keeps arteries supple.
- Vinegar aids healthy digestion and acts as an expectorant.
- Honey soothes the throat and provides antibacterial properties.
This oxymel was recently discussed on Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh.
To make the Garlic Oxymel
Ingredients:
- 150 g honey
- 150 ml cider vinegar
- 1 bulb garlic
- 2 tsp aniseed seeds (or fennel seeds)
- 1 sterilised jar
Steps:
- Add the honey into an empty jar, pour in vinegar and stir.
- Peel and crush garlic, grind seeds with pestle and mortar.
- Add ground mixture to the honey and vinegar and stir to combine.
- Cover the jar and leave the mixture for one week in the refrigerator.
- Once a day give the jar a good shake, after one week strain the mixture through a fine sieve lined with muslin into a sterilised bottle.
- This will keep for 6 months in the fridge.
How to take:
- When you have an infection take one teaspoon three times a day.
- If you get bored or are fit and healthy this mixture makes a great French dressing, just add some oil!!
Want to learn more?
Check out Jekka's How to Use Herbs Master Class, read Jekka’s "all about herbs" blogs or visit Jekkapedia to learn more about different herbs.
Also mentioned on Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh were Jekka's Garlic and Lemon Elixir and Fennel Tincture.
Disclaimer
As with all alternative medicines and plants with purported medicinal benefits it is important to inform your doctor or health care provider that you are using them; this helps to ensure safe and coordinated care. We can accept no liability for any side effect or adverse reaction from any allergy or any other cause of harm that may arise. It is important that you consult a licensed medical expert before making any changes to your diet.