Long before syrups and capsules, herbalists preserved medicinal plants in a simple mix of vinegar and honey called an oxymel, and dried elderberries are one of the best things you can put in one. A tablespoon a day is all this makes sense to take.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried elderberries
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tbsp whole cloves
- 2 inches fresh ginger, sliced
- 2 cups raw apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup raw honey
Instructions
- Combine the elderberries, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger in a clean quart jar.
- Pour in the vinegar until the solids are fully submerged, then add the honey and stir well.
- Seal with a plastic lid or parchment under a metal one, since vinegar corrodes metal over time.
- Store in a cool, dark cabinet, shaking the jar daily for 2 to 4 weeks.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Transfer to a clean bottle and refrigerate. Take 1 tablespoon daily, or stir into warm water.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Calories | 35 |
| Total fat | 0g |
| Total carbohydrates | 9g |
| Dietary fiber | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Sodium | 2mg |
Why This Is Good for Your Gut
Elderberries are rich in anthocyanins, polyphenols that act as prebiotics by feeding beneficial gut bacteria like Akkermansia muciniphila, a species linked to a healthier intestinal lining. The vinegar base supplies acetic acid that can support stomach acidity, while raw honey contributes trace oligosaccharides that beneficial bacteria use as fuel.
A tablespoon of tradition beats a shelf of supplements.
Enjoy tonics like this? Try our Citrus Ginger Immune Tea or Build Your Flare Day Plan Before You Need It.
This recipe is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
