In the old world, our ancestors relied on simple kitchen medicines. One of the most treasured among them was called "Honeygar" - a mixture of honey and vinegar that was used across Europe as both a food and medicine (plus, in my opinion, is just fun to say!)
What is honeygar?
When I recently released my blog post on Making a Herbal Medicine Bottle, a dear friend of mine told me that in her culture (she is Bulgarian) they also use a potent combination of vinegar and honey as a part of their rural healing practices. I personally learned how to make honeygar from a elderly Irish friend, so I was delighted to hear that it has been used across many other parts of the world as a friend to healers!
This simple preparation belongs to an old tradition known in classical herbalism as an "oxymel" - a word that comes from the ancient Greek oxymeli, meaning “acid and honey.” This combination may sound a bit strange to our modern ears, but for thousands of years it was considered one of the most balanced and effective household remedies.
Honey brings its sweetness, nourishment, and soothing properties, while vinegar contributes preservation, powerful digestive stimulation, and actually helps to alkalise the body's PH levels! Together they create a tonic that is both medicine and nourishment - strengthening the body, while also gently cleansing it.
Across the ancient world - from the Mediterranean to the forests of Northern Europe - honeygar held a respected place in folk medicine.What is it used for?
In traditional herbalism, honeygar is considered a daily tonic rather than a strong medicine. It gently supports many functions of the body. Common traditional uses include:
Digestive support
Vinegar (especially Apple Cider Vinegar/ACV) stimulates digestive juices, while honey soothes the stomach.
Immune support
Herbal honeygars are often taken during cold and flu season.
Respiratory health
Historically used to soothe coughs, sore throats, and ease congestion.
Energy and vitality
Take 1-2tbls (diluted in water) as a refreshing tonic drink (especially during the change of seasons).
Herbal extraction
Many herbs extract well in vinegar, allowing their properties to be preserved and combined with honey for a pleasant taste.
How do I make it? Basic Honeygar Recipe
Making honeygar at home is wonderfully simple.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of raw honey - local is best
- 1 cup of raw ACV (preferably "with the mother")
Method
- Combine the ingredients in a clean class jar.
- Shake well until fully blended.
- Store the sealed jar in a cool place, out of direct sunlight.
The mixture keeps for many months (6-12) because both honey and vinegar are natural preservatives.
How do I take it?
- 1 tablespoon diluted in warm water
- Once or twice daily as a tonic
Herbal Honeygar Variation
To make a medicinal version, simply add herbs. Common herbs include:
- Thyme (fights infections)
- Garlic (a natural anti-biotic)
- Ginger (settles an upset tummy & relieves nausea)
- Sage (for sore throats)
- Rosemary (improves memory & can help to relieve pain)
Fill a jar halfway with fresh herbs, cover with vinegar, and allow it to infuse for 2–4 weeks. Strain the vinegar and mix it with honey in equal parts.
Some of the Benefits of Honeygar
The benefits of honeygar arise from the natural properties of its two ingredients.
Honey
- Soothing the throat
- Antimicrobial
- Nourishing & energising
Vinegar
- Stimulated digestion
- Support metabolism
- Helps to extract the minerals & plant compounds from medicinal herbs & spices
Together these potent friends create a preparation that is warming, stimulating, and strengthening - which is really helpful during seasonal changes!
A Simple Remedy with Ancient Roots
Honeygar reminds us that some of the most effective remedies are also the simplest. Long before modern medicine, people discovered that combining honey’s nourishment with vinegar’s sharp vitality created a tonic capable of supporting the body in many ways.
Today, rediscovering honeygar connects us to a living thread of herbal tradition — one that stretches from ancient Greek physicians to Celtic herbalists, Germanic folk healers, and Slavic village medicine.
Sometimes the oldest remedies are the ones still worth keeping in the cupboard.
A Curious Tidbit of History
One of the most fascinating aspects of honeygar (in my opinion) is that it appears all over the world, in various healing traditions.
The Greek physician Hippocrates (often called the "father of medicine") recommended oxymel as a remedy for respiratory illnesses and digestive complaints - more than 2,000 years ago. Later physicians continued to prescribe it throughout the medieval period.
In fact, oxymel remained a common medicine in European apothecaries until the 18th century, when industrial medicine began replacing traditional herbal preparations.
For something so simple, honeygar has an impressively long lineage!