Immune Boosting Elderberry Syrup Recipe
We’ve all had a rough case of the cold or flu and we know how miserable that can be. Fortunately, nature provides healing remedies that might help us avoid getting sick… or shortening the duration when illness does strike.
Elderberry is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in the world and refers to the fruit of the Sambucus tree. When taken at the onset of symptoms, this powerhouse has been found to reduce the duration of colds, the flu, allergies, sinus pain, inflammation, and digestive issues.
Dried berries are cooked down to make syrup, juice, nutritive jams, chutneys, and wine. Be cautious though as the berries, as well as the leaves and bark of the plant, are poisonous in their raw state and should be cooked first.
Preparations of elderberry can be found at your local drugstore in various forms (syrups, lozenges and gummies), but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make your own!
Immune Boosting Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Ingredients:
4 cups cold water
2 cups organic dried elderberries
2 organic cinnamon sticks
4 inch piece orange peel
10 cardamom pods
2 tsp whole cloves
1 tsp fresh grated organic ginger root or organic dried ginger root
1 cup raw, local honey
1 cup vodka or brandy (alcohol is optional)
1 tsp ashwagandha (optional)
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 minutes.
Remove from heat and mash the berries in the pot. Allow to cool slightly.
Strain the berries and herbs through sieve, squeeze out all of the liquid, and return back to your pot
Add honey and ashwagandha (if using) and gently heat mixture for a few minutes. Don’t boil the honey!
Turn off heat and let cool.
If using alcohol add it now and stir until well combined.
Bottle in a glass jar and store in the fridge.
Standard dose is ½ tsp - 1 tsp for kids and ½ - 1 tablespoon for adults. If the flu does strike, take the normal dose every 2-3 hours instead of once a day until symptoms disappear.