I don’t know about you all, but this has been one rough winter for us, sickness-wise. Back-to-back colds followed by sinus infections followed by stomach bugs…is it my karma?
Being sick as a grown up is hard enough. But, when desperate, you CAN take more potent over-the-counter remedies like ibuprofen or antihistamines. Generally speaking, these are a no-no for little ones. So what do you do when you see them so sick and miserable? Cuddle the cold away?
Luckily, Mother Nature has a long list of effective-yet-gentle herbs that can ease your baby’s suffering. These can be given in the traditional forms, but good luck getting your toddler to drink tea or swallow a tincture.
Enter today’s star: the oxymel. It is a Greek word: “oxy” meaning “acid” and “mel” meaning “honey.” The acid we are talking about is apple cider vinegar, which contains acetic acid.
Apple cider vinegar on its own has myriad uses and benefits, both internal and external. It has been studied for its effect on blood glucose levels (Brighenti et al, 1995), coronary artery disease, and blood pressure (https://nccih.nih.gov/health/chelation). Certain medications containing acetic acid are used to treat skin conditions, infections if the ear canal, and vaginitis. Furthermore, it has been shown to be a potent anti microbial agent, even against stubborn gram negative bacteria when used topically in a 3% concentration (Ryssel et al, 2009). And then there is the long list of folk uses:
- UTI remedy
- Facial toner/acne remedy
- Head lice killer
- Digestive aid
- Restless leg alleviant
- Detox/fat loss aid
…just to name a few. So, long story short, we are already on our way to a potent home remedy.
Then there is honey. Sweet, soothing, and medicinal. It is an established anti-fungal and antimicrobial, which is why it seems to never go bad. And, most importantly for our oxymel, it has been shown to be MORE effective than dextromethorphan (that’s the “DM” in a famous over-the-counter cough syrup) in treating nighttime cough in children (Paul IM, et al, 2007).
So, you could basically mix honey and apple cider vinegar and have an excellent cough syrup, no herbs required. But I like herbs. So let’s boost this oxymel to amazing heights with…osha root.
Osha grows wild in Colorado. It is in the celery/parsnip family, and greatly resembles Angelica, Cow Parsnip, and…poison hemlock. The latter and osha also often grow right next to each other. For this reason, I do not recommend foraging for this one unless you have a lot of experience. The root is completely different from hemlock. Osha is a brown taproot with a distinct maple and celery aroma. But nonetheless, I wouldn’t risk it. You can purchase osha online. Since it is local to Colorado, you will get the best price from www.herbsandarts.com. They are a wonderful local metaphysical and herbs store that ship all over.
Osha root is pricey, I will admit. Depending on the time of year, you can spend $25 on an ounce. But it is EFFECTIVE and one ounce makes quite a lot of medicine. It is an amazingly effective bronchodilator. You can FEEL it relaxing that tightness in your chest with an almost menthol-y, analgesic effect. Osha studies are sadly lacking, but empirical data support its use for cough and chest inflammation. And personal use gives it a thumbs up, too.
If osha is unavailable or not in your budget, you can also use elderberries, elder flowers, or linden leaf and flower. All are safe for children and have their own actions against colds.
I have also added ginger to this oxymel for taste, warming, and to help with any tummy upset due to the ingestion of mucus that often happens with a cold. So, here is the RECIPE:
OSHA AND GINGER OXYMEL
Ingredients:
- Organic raw honey*
- Organic apple cider vinegar
- 1 oz osha root, dried
- 1 tablespoon ginger root, fresh or dried
- Pint mason jar
Directions:
Place osha and ginger in mason jar. Fill two thirds with honey, one third with vinegar. Cover with lid. Shake to mix. Leave in a cool, dark place for 4 weeks. Strain into an amber colored bottle and store in medicine cabinet.
*Honey should not be consumed by anyone under the age of one due to the risk of botulism
One teaspoon of this was effective for my son (he is almost two). He liked the taste and I noticed a difference almost immediately-no joke. The beauty of this is that you cannot overdose on it. Give it as-needed with no fear of drowsiness or any other unpleasant side effects.
Plein Air Botanicals 