MY FAVORITE OXYMEL IMMUNE TONIC FOR THE COLDER MONTHS
Dr. Krista Coombs, DrAc, IFMCP
November 19, 2025
As a gal with an autoimmune condition, with the highlight having challenging immune activation to calm down, I don't do well with colds and flus in Winter. Because of this, I have sought natural remedies to support my immune system to minimize my discomfort and to quicken healing when I do get a cold or flu.
Now you get to benefit from my exploration as I pass on to you ONE of my go-to's for immune support when the days get longer and colder. I hope this does you as much good as it does me and my partner.
I LOVE oxymels! They are an ancient Greek traditional herbal health tonic typically made from a mixture of honey and vinegar with various medicinal herbs.
I studied to be a herbalist during my four years of medical training in Traditional Chinese Medicine and oxymels were a staple to be creative with, especially in the cooler Fall and Winter months when supporting our immune systems to handle the cold and flu season becomes top of mind.
These tonics are aromatic healing syrups, with anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and immune supporting and boosting properties, depending on the herbs you use. You can consume them by the tablespoon or add to some water or juice to make them a little more palatable. I personally prefer my body to be exposed to the full force of the tonic so choose to take it in pure form on a regular basis. The honey is what balances the bitter intensity of the vinegar and herbs, so I find it easy to adapt to this method of use.
Perhaps you’ve tried Fire Cider before which contains nightshades like cayenne pepper. It’s a great drink. But, if you are dealing with an autoimmune condition, you might have some difficulty with regularly consuming a nightshade with that level of heat intensity.
So, below I am giving you my favorite oxymel tonic recipes with two instructional videos to help you support your immune system in the colder Fall and Winter months even with managing autoimmunity. I learned about this particular recipe from author and herbalist, Magdalena Wszelaki.
This recipe needs to be prepared and then sit for a couple of weeks to a month before consuming it. So, my recommendation is to make a note of the ingredients now, purchase whatever you don’t yet have, then make it when you next have a little time to do so for yourself and perhaps as gifts for loved ones. I’d love to see you be prepared for the cold weather and cold and flu season about to pounce on us and thrive through the seasons.
HERBS FOR THE IMMUNE OXYMEL
The following eleven herbs will work synergistically together to help your body better fend off viruses and various bacteria associated with colds and flus and give your immune system a much needed supportive boost over the colder months.
You can find the first nine herbs in most grocery stores. The other two herbs are usually easy to source from quality herbal apothecaries either online or maybe in your town. These are awesome to always keep on hand, so stock up!
HORSERADISH ROOT - Don’t be afraid of this amazing root, my friend! Yes, it’s hot and intense, but in this tonic, it lends its strength to help reduce sinus congestion and headaches.
GINGER - This warming aromatic root herb will help with any nausea and inflammation.
GARLIC - The warming natural anti-microbial and immune supportive allicin ingredient (amongst others) packs a punch in terms of actions but also flavor.
TURMERIC & PEPPERCORNS - These power houses work together, with the peppercorns enhancing absorption of turmeric by a staggering 2000%! Both have wonderful antioxidants too to aid the immune system’s health.
ORANGE PEEL OR WHOLE ORANGE - Naturally high in Vitamin C like the rose hips, but also will give the tonic a nice sweetness you’ll enjoy. Sometimes I only use the peel and other times I simply slice a half an orange to add to the jar. Ensure it’s organic since using the peel.
FENNEL SEEDS - This is a lovely licorice tasting and smelling herb that can help with any nausea and bloat and digestion issues. It also balances the flavor of the tonic nicely. Ensure you pound the seeds in a mortar and pestle to release the natural oils.
CINNAMON - Another great tasting and smelling herb that’s warmth can heighten the heating nature of the tonic.
CLOVES - And finally, another warming, digestion soothing herb to make the tonic taste so festive.
ROSE HIPS - These magnificent rose fruits are naturally high in Vitamin C which everyone knows helps reduce the impact of viruses this time of year. Food sourced Vitamin C is a healthy form of the vitamin compared to supplemental forms, so this is a real powerhouse in this tonic.
ELDERBERRY - I love even elderberry syrup on its own to help with reduction of viral infections. But in this mixture its hefty antioxidant content lends a giant hand to supporting the immune system.
Get creative! You can experiment with different herbs if you’d like. I enjoy some lemon, dandelion root, cardamon and white onion. Play! But, keep it a warming tonic, full of herbs mostly known for their ability to support a better body balance with microbes and immune support.
BENEFITS OF DRINKING THIS OXYMEL REGULARLY
I love this tonic for:
Helping prevent intense colds and flus
Clearing away mucus more easily and to ease congestion
Reducing a scratchy or sore throat
Lessening nausea and queasiness
Aiding digestion and reducing bloating and gas
HOW TO MAKE THIS IMMUNE OXYMEL
This recipe will make ~3 cups of the tonic.
I love to go heavy on the garlic, ginger, turmeric and horseradish in my tonics, above what is in the recipe below. I also use a hefty mortar and pestle to lightly crush each of the whole herbs before adding to the mason jar. You do not have to be super precise here. The idea is to make a powerful tonic to help your body handle the microbes in your body during a more stressful time of the year - less light, more cold temps. So, get creative and play with the basic recipe below!
INGREDIENTS
½ cup fresh orange peel or ½ orange, cut in slices (adds some extra sweetness)
red onion, chopped with skin (if organic)
½ cup fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
1 cup fresh horseradish, peeled and chopped into small chunks
whole head of garlic, coarsely chopped
¼ cup dried rosehips
¼ cup dried elderberries
1 tsp ground turmeric (or you could chop 5-6 inches of fresh turmeric)
½ tsp crushed peppercorns (black or mixed colours)
1 tsp - 1 Tbsp fennel seed, lightly crushed to release oils
~10 whole cloves
1 stick of cinnamon
2 cups organic apple cider vinegar with “the mother”
½ cup or more of a quality raw honey (to taste and for preservation)
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine all your prepared herbs in a 32 ounce mason jar and pour the vinegar on top, leaving ~1 inch of space at the top.
Secure the lid and store in a dry spot for 2-4 weeks. The closer to 4 weeks the stronger the tonic will be.
Label the jar with the date so you know when to strain it.
Strain the infused concoction through strong cheese cloth into a clean jar. Squeeze the herbs with your hands to get as much of the juices out as you can. You might find squeezing small amounts at a time a better strategy to get the most from the mixture.
Into the remaining fluid, stir in the raw honey until it dissolves. This can take a little while to do.
Secure the lid and store in the fridge or in a cool, dry area away from heat and light for up to a year. (I tend to go through it in the Fall and Winter months though as a preventative tonic.)
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are hoping to preserve this tonic for a whole year, you will need to add an equal amount of honey to the quantity of tonic you strain out. Otherwise, use less honey and use the tonic up in 1-2 months and store in the fridge.
DOSAGE: Take 1-2 Tbsps or more of the tonic daily to support your immune system as a preventive tonic. Or at least take 1 Tbsp daily when you feel like you’re coming down with a cold or flu - in this case, take daily for a week or two for support. I like to sometimes take it at full power, and other times I’ll add my dose to some water or juice and drink it down.
NEXT STEPS!
This amazing oxymel Fall and Winter immune tonic is great for you and for those you love. I really hope you will make this right away and support your spectacular immune system with quality nutrients and warmth from foods.
And if you are serious about becoming more educated about lifestyle and food ways to keep your immune system strong, I packaged amazing tips in 10 sections in an awesome mini-course that you can purchase right now - BUILDING IMMUNE RESILIENCE THE EASY WAY. You’ll become an expert in knowing the things to do foundationally to support your immune system this season.
Hugs,
Dr. Krista
DrAc, IFMCP
WATCH VIDEO 1: CRAFTING THE IMMUNE OXYMEL
WATCH VIDEO 2: FINISHING THE IMMUNE OXYMEL
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