herbal preparation
Spring Oxymel for Clearing Liver and Gallbladder Stagnation
This is an excerpt from the article Spring Oxymel for Clearing Liver and Gallbladder Stagnation by Stephanie Hein featured in the Spring 2024 edition of Botanical Anthology. Our herbal magazine, featuring remedies, recipes and projects with plants for the spring season, can be purchased as a digital version here and as a printed version here.
To rejuvenate enthusiasm for life and embrace new growth, consider boosting the function of the liver and gallbladder by utilizing three spring herbal allies to craft a traditional remedy known as an oxymel to promote bile production and improve nutrient assimilation throughout the digestive system.
Material
1 c dandelion, chickweed, and violet, fresh, aerial parts
2 c raw apple cider vinegar
1 ½ - 2 c honey
Quart-size mason jar
Muslin or cheesecloth
Labels
Large bowl
Method
Chop the fresh plant material as small as possible so that maximum plant surface is available during the maceration (extraction) process.
Fill the mason jar with freshly chopped herbs. Cover chopped herbs with raw apple cider vinegar and honey. Put the lid on and label it with the ingredients list, the date made, and a fun and creative name.
Store in cool, dark space. Shake the jar every day. Make sure herbs stay covered with liquid mixture and add more raw apple cider vinegar if needed. This is a great time to put good vibrational energy into the herbal creation! After 4-6 weeks, it’s time to press out the oxymel.
Remove jar lid and secure muslin or cheesecloth on top of jar and flip it upside down above a large bowl and strain the liquid through the muslin / cheesecloth into the bowl. Remove any remaining liquid by using both hands to squeeze it out of herbs into the bowl.
Pour the strained liquid (oxymel) into a liquid measuring cup. Place funnel into the mouth of the amber dosage bottle and carefully pour liquid from the measuring cup into the amber dosage bottles. The number of amber dosage bottles needed will depend on which size amber bottles you decide to store your finished oxymel in.
Notes
· Try taking 1-2 tbsp daily.
· The oxymel can also be added to seltzer water for a healthy mocktail, or try using as a salad dressing.
· Oxymels are shelf stable for 1 year.
Stephanie lives in the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina and is a mother, farmer, herbalist, and dedicated land tender. She runs a regenerative medicinal herb farm called Wise Earth Way, where she teaches and produces artisanal herbal extracts. You can learn more about Stephanie's upcoming classes and explore her apothecary's products by visiting www.WiseEarthWay.com or Instagram @WiseEarthWay
For educational purposes only. Not intended for medical advice. Always consult your physician.
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