Oxymel,
or
Oxymel Simplex
Syrup of Honey and Vinegar,
or Simple Oxymel

Tradition:


Western

Source / Author:



Herb Name

Honey
Water
White Wine Vinegar

Latin


Mel
Aqua
Acetum Vini alba

Amount


2 lbs.
3 1⁄2 lbs.
1 lb.


Preparation:


Boil the Honey and Water in an earthen pot, removing the scum as it rises. Then add the vinegar little by little and boil gently to a syrup.

Function:


Cuts Tough Phlegm, Opens Obstructions, Promotes Digestion, Resists Poison

Use:


1. Prepares Phlegm and Phlegm and Bile for purging
2. Taken before an Emetic to prepare the Phlegm
3. All diseases caused by thick, tough and cold Phlegm
4. Cough and Asthma
5. Obstruction of the Liver and Spleen
6. Jaundice
7. Damp urinary obstruction

Dose:


1–2 oz.

Cautions:


None noted

Modifications:


1. To cleanse Phlegm from the Chest, add Ginger, Elecampane, Orris and Licorice (as in Pectoral Oxymel)
2. Cough, Asthma, add Elder flower
3. Epilepsy, Apoplexy, Migraine, Vertigo, add Oregano, Hyssop, Thyme, Lovage, Squill, Cardamon (as in Oxymel of Squill)
4. To promote Urine, add Fennel root, Fennel seed, Sea Holly root

Oxymel has been used since ancient times, and yet ancient physicians gave no proportions. It was generally accepted that enough Vinegar should be added to correct the sweetness of Honey, and negate the tendency for Honey to increase Bile. Renodeus said the above proportions does this admirably. 

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