Paulina’s Fire & Flow Oxymel Recipe – Herbal Immune Boosting Tonic.

During the cooler months, many people look for ways to strengthen their immune system, keep their tummy happy and warm the body. My Fire & Flow Oxymel is a herbal immune boosting tonic that blends garlic, ginger, echinacea, fennel, and local honey for seasonal support. It is a robust, traditional blend that brings together the immune-stimulating qualities of garlic and echinacea, the comforting warmth of ginger, and the digestive benefits of fennel, all balanced by the gentle sweetness of local honey.

This simple yet powerful preparation can be taken as a daily tonic, used for seasonal immune support, or incorporated into meals for a burst of flavour and wellbeing benefits.

Just remember — while this oxymel is a wonderful seasonal ally, it is only one part of the picture. The real key to year-round immunity often lies in restoring

balance in your stress response, gut health, and nutrition.

What is an Oxymel?

An oxymel is a time-honoured herbal preparation made from vinegar, honey, and medicinal herbs. The vinegar extracts and preserves beneficial plant compounds, while the honey adds sweetness, balance, and its own therapeutic properties. This method has been used for centuries to make making it a delicious and versatile herbal immune boosting tonic.

Why This Herbal Immune Boosting Tonic Works

• Garlic – Broad-spectrum antimicrobial.

• Echinacea - Immune support.

• Ginger & fennel – Warm the digestion, ease bloating, and support circulation.

• Honey & vinegar – Work together to extract, preserve, and deliver plant compounds.

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Ingredients (makes approx. 200ml)

• 2 cloves garlic, finely sliced – antimicrobial and immune-stimulating

• 1 Tsp fennel seeds  – supports digestion and reduces bloating

• 1/2 tbsp dried echinacea root (5g) – enhances immune response

• 150ml raw apple cider vinegar – supports gut health and preserves the blend

• 150ml raw honey – soothes and balances acidity

Two Ways to Make My Fire & Flow Oxymel

One of the beautiful things about oxymels is their flexibility — there is no single “right” way to prepare them. If you enjoy the slow, traditional approach, a cold infusion will capture the vibrant character of the herbs over time. If you are short on time or want your tonic ready the same day, a gentle warm infusion will speed up the process without losing the core benefits. Whichever way you prepare it, this herbal immune boosting tonic delivers both flavour and seasonal support.

1. Traditional Cold Infusion (3 weeks)

• Prepare the herbs – Lightly crush fennel seeds and garlic.

• Combine in a sterilised jar – Add fennel, echinacea, and garlic to a clean 750ml glass jar.

• Add liquids – Pour in apple cider vinegar and honey. Stir well with a spoon.

• Infuse – Seal with a plastic lid (or line a metal lid with baking paper) and store in a cool, dark place for 3–4 weeks. Shake daily if possible.

• Strain and bottle – Strain through muslin or a fine sieve into dark glass bottles. Label clearly.

2. Quick Warm Infusion (Ready in under an hour)

(Technically a gentle warm infusion, as it uses vinegar and low heat.)

1. Warm the vinegar – Place the apple cider vinegar in a heatproof saucepan over very low heat. Do not boil.

2. Prepare herbs – Lightly crush the garlic cloves and fennel seeds.

3. Add herbs and spices – Add garlic, ginger, fennel seeds, and echinacea to the warm vinegar.

4. Simmer gently – Allow to infuse for 10-15 minutes, keeping the temperature low so it never reaches a rolling boil.

5. Add honey – Remove from the heat and cool slightly. Stir in honey until dissolved.

6. Strain and bottle – Strain through muslin or a fine sieve and pour into sterilised dark glass bottles, label, and store in a cool, dark place.

How to Use This Herbal Immune Boosting Tonic

• Daily support – Take 1–2 teaspoons each morning.

• During illness – Take 1 teaspoon every few hours, up to 5 times daily.

  
  

Safety Notes

• Not suitable for children under 1 year (due to honey).

• Avoid if allergic to garlic, honey or fennel.

• Consult your healthcare practitioner before use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or if taking medications.

  
  

Want more support?

Book your free 15-minute discovery call to explore how herbal medicine could help strengthen your immunity and address the underlying factors that keep you feeling run down.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalised health advice. Herbal remedies should be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner.

About the author: Dr Paulina Billett (PhD) is a Clinical Herbalist based at Young Street Medical in Wollongong, NSW. She is also an Adjunct Lecturer at La Trobe University and is currently undertaking her second PhD with the NICM Health Research Institute. Paulina combines scientific research with holistic care, specialising in stress, gut health, burnout, sleep, and immunity. Her approach integrates Western herbal medicine, flower essences, and lifestyle interventions to help patients build resilience and restore balance.