If I could only have just one herbal remedy in my home for the winter, elderberry syrup would be it. Elderberries are great for boosting the immune system, as they protect against bacteria and infection. I give it to all members of my family daily during the winter months when we tend to spend much more time indoors without any fresh air circulating, in places were people are often harboring colds, coughs and other illnesses that we’d like to avoid. I up the dosage when someone starts showing symptoms of illness or when we have been around someone we know is sick. Though you can buy elderberry syrup from a store, it’s just as easy to make.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups of cold water
- 2 cups of organic dried Elderberries
- 1 organic Cinnamon Stick
- 1 tsp fresh grated organic ginger root or organic dried Ginger Root
- 1 cup of local raw honey
Directions: Combine the berries and herbs with cold water in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and allow herbs to simmer for 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from heat and mash the berries in the liquid mixture. Strain the berries and herbs, squeezing out the juice. Measure the liquid. While cooling, add an equal amount of honey and stir until the honey dissolves. Bottle in sterilized glass.
