Oxymel facts for kids

Oxymel is a special mixture made from honey and vinegar. For many centuries, people have used this simple blend as a type of medicine.

Its name comes from ancient Greek words. The word "oxys" (ὀξύς) means "acid" or "sharp," and "meli" (μέλι) means "honey." So, oxymel literally means "acid-honey."

How to Make Oxymel

Ancient writers, like Cato the Elder, described how to make oxymel. He explained that it was like a "wine" made from vinegar and honey.

Here is a simple way it was made:

• Take ten parts of honey.
• Mix it with five parts of vinegar.
• This mixture was then left to age, or "subsume," over time.

Another ancient writer, Themison of Laodicea, sometimes confused oxymel with other drinks. For example, hydromel is a drink made from water and honey, not vinegar. There was also "omphacomel," which was made from sour grapes and honey.

How Was Oxymel Used?

Oxymel was often used as a medicine in the past. For example, in a medical book from 1593 called Enchiridion chirurgicum, oxymel was suggested as part of a treatment. It was used to help with eye problems, like ophthalmia, which is an inflammation of the eye.