Oxymel: The Ancient Honey and Vinegar Remedy Scientists Are Studying Again
As I’ve been working for the Colorado Association of Naturopathic Doctors for almost three years now , I’ve noticed something happening.
I’ve started trying some of this stuff. (and no, I didn’t sleep at a Holiday Inn. Not a naturopathic doctor AT ALL), but I read a lot more about traditional ways of treating a huge variety of ailments. For instance, I read about Mullein. It’s a plant that grows everywhere here in Colorado Springs. It has these tall candlesticks that grow out of the fuzzy, floppy leaves. Mullein has been used to relieve respiratory system conditions, such as hoarseness, tonsillitis, cold, cough, asthma, or bronchitis •
Last year I went out into the wild: Okay. Really, it was Red Rocks Open Space — and harvested mullein leaves myself. Dried them. Soaked them in vodka. Put the jar deep in my pantry and let it sit there like a science experiment from my days as a homeschool Science Olympiad mom.
Months later, when I felt that scratchy-throat, heavy-chest thing creeping in, I took a half shot (25ML) of it.
And I swear I bounced back faster than usual.
Was it placebo? Possibly.
Was it anecdotal? Obviously.
Was it empowering? Absolutely.
Which brings me to vinegar and honey.
Apparently this ancient combination — called an oxymel — has been around for thousands of years. What surprised me isn’t that herbalists have used it.
What surprised me is this:
There I was… reading Microbiology. Yes. The journal.
At some point in my introduction to this profession, my reading habits have shifted. I haven’t added it to my girl book club rotation yet, but here we are.
And the study I was reading was looking at honey and vinegar together. Somehow it’s the combo that matters.
The Study
Researchers tested honey and vinegar separately against bacteria.
On their own? Not that impressive.
Together? More effective.
Specifically, they showed stronger activity against something called biofilms — the protective layers bacteria create to shield themselves. Biofilms are part of what makes certain infections stubborn and harder to treat.
The language in the study was scientific. Not “woo woo” as we have tended to think about some of this ancient medicine. And, it doesn’t mean I will be replacing antibiotics with this…remember, I’m no doctor. But, hey, if I can take a little more of an active role in my wellness; in my health, why wouldn’t I?
The study does suggest something important: sometimes combinations behave differently than single ingredients.
And that idea — synergy — is being demonstrated by modern science, even if the recipe is ancient. I think that’s very cool.
•••
So Yes. I’m Making Fire Cider.
There’s a traditional preparation known as Fire Cider — apple cider vinegar infused with garlic, ginger, horseradish, sometimes cayenne, and finished with honey.
It’s spicy. Sharp. And a real head clearer.
And after my recent mullein harvesting in the wild, I’m feeling a little wild myself and maybe slowly, I am accepting the science AND the tradition of some of these ancient medicines. My mom, who used to give me ginger/lemon/honey in a base of Olive Oil for my colds, would be proud.
And when modern microbiology starts re-examining something that’s been around for centuries, I’m willing to pay attention.
Even if it means expanding my reading list.
•••
Sources for the Curious*
Harrison F, Blower R, Connelly E, et al.
Sweet and sour synergy: exploring the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of acetic acid and vinegar combined with medical-grade honeys.
Microbiology. 2023.
Available via the National Institutes of Health:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8301161/
(This is the study showing that vinegar and honey together may disrupt bacterial biofilms more effectively than either ingredient alone.)
Merckoll P, Jonassen TØ, Vad M, Jeansson SL, Melby KK.
Bacteria, biofilm and honey: a study of the effects of honey on biofilm-embedded bacteria.
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2009.
(Explores how honey can affect bacteria that are protected inside biofilms — one reason researchers continue studying honey in wound care.)
World Health Organization
Antimicrobial Resistance.
World Health Organization Fact Sheet.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antimicrobial-resistance
(Provides background on why scientists are increasingly exploring alternative antimicrobial strategies.)
By: Joy Maples, APR | COAND Executive Director
Joy Maples is the Executive Director of the Colorado Association of Naturuopathic Doctors . She’s not a doctor of any kind and faints at the sight of blood. But she’s one heck of an administrator.
As Executive Director, she’s a bridge builder. She is the one working to make naturopathic medicine visible, understandable, and useful to people who’ve only known the mainstream healthcare system, which we all agree is stressed.
“I’m a patient, a professional, and an advocate, working to make naturopathic medicine a viable option for preventative care in Colorado’s healthcare landscape. Coloradans deserve options in safely gaining their health and vitality through the care of a registered Colorado Naturopathic Doctor.”