DIY: Pine Needle Oxymel
Oxymels are infusions of herbs in apple cider vinegar and honey. They are really good for cold and flu remedies, soothing sore throats, calming coughs, and giving the immune system a boost.
FUN-FACT: Oxymel comes from the Greek word oxymeli, which translates to “acid and honey,” and has been documented since Hippocrates.
Pine is very high in Vitamin C, which is great for immune health.
Collecting Pine Needles
Gather your pine needles—use whatever you have on hand. I usually end up using a bandana. I prefer harvesting in mid-morning (depending on the time of year), once the dew has evaporated. I don’t always wash the needles, depending on my intended use, but I do prefer harvesting them dry. That’s just personal preference.
Sort through and remove any brown or damaged needles. Rinse the green ones if needed.
After rinsing, make sure to dry them completely. Any leftover moisture can cause your vinegar to go rancid.
Preparing the Needles
Roughly chop the needles with a knife or scissors (my preferred method), just enough to expose more surface area so the vinegar can extract all that goodness. They don’t need to be tiny; mine are usually about an inch to an inch and a half long.
Fill a clean glass jar ¼ to ½ full with chopped needles.
-Use more needles for a stronger oxymel.
-Or let it sit longer to strengthen over time.
Adding Honey & Vinegar
Use roughly equal parts raw honey and apple cider vinegar.
Warm honey pours better, but avoid overheating it.
Too much heat can reduce some of its beneficial properties. I don’t personally recommend microwaving, but technically it could be done. In general, the less heat, the better. Room-temperature honey works fine.
Make sure to use raw, unfiltered honey if possible, and apple cider vinegar with the Mother for the best results and health benefits.
Preventing Lid Oxidation
Acid + metal = oxidation, which leads to rusty residue and a less pleasant flavor.
You can:
-Place a piece of parchment paper between the jar and lid
-Use wax-free parchment or plastic wrap as a barrier
It won’t hurt you if oxidation happens—it’s more of a quality issue than a safety concern. If your jar isn’t filled to the top, the contact with the lid is minimal anyway. Just keep an eye on it.
Infusion & Storage
-Add needles, honey, and vinegar to the jar. Cap it (with a barrier if using) and shake to combine.
-Store in a temperate spot—not too hot or cold—and shake every few days.
4–8 Weeks Later
Your oxymel will be ready in 4–8 weeks. It won’t get much stronger after the 8-week mark unless you add fresh needles, but that’s usually unnecessary unless you prefer a more intense flavor.
NOTE: Jars are different because these are not the same batches, but they are done the same–if anyone was wondering.
Blackberry and ginger would be great to add to the infusion to strengthen the cold/flu-fighting properties of your oxymel. You can, of course, do this with other herbs like garlic, or even cayenne, both of which are great for the immune system.
Plants that can be used as food, or taken in higher concentrations, are great for use in oxymels because you can make salad dressings and other things with your oxymel. If you use plants that are harmful in high doses, you should not use them in this way.
A Note of Caution
This post is for educational purposes only and not medical advice. I am not certified to diagnose, prescribe, or treat. Always research herbs thoroughly and consult reliable sources before trying a new preparation.