Elderberry Syrup Recipe

One of the tools in my arsenal of homemade remedies is elderberry syrup. I won’t spend a winter without it, especially when the kids are back to school! You can find elderberries fresh in the wild or from your local farmer, or buy them dried at a health food store.

Here are some of the Health Benefits of Elderberries:

-          Boost the immune system

-          Fight and protect against bacterial and viral infections

-          Reduce the symptoms and duration of a cold or the flu

-          helps clear sinus infections

-          has natural diuretic effects and promotes bowel movements

-          anti-inflammatory properties

-          anti-carcinogenic properties

-          eases symptoms of allergies

-          high in antioxidants

-          high in vitamin A, which makes it great for healthy skin

I only use the syrup when I’m not feeling well, or when the kids get the sniffles. For adults, take 1 tablespoon up to 4 times a day and for children, 1 teaspoon up to 4 times daily. Then you want to stop using it for a while before taking it again (best to keep it for when you really need it).

Elderberry Syrup Recipe

Ingredients:

  • ¾ cups dried elderberries, or 2 ¼ cups fresh elderberries

  • 3 cups water

  • 1 teaspoon dried cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick

  • 1 teaspoon dried cloves or 4 whole cloves or 1 drop clove essential oil

  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger or 1 teaspoon dried ginger or 1 drop ginger essential oil

  • 1 cup raw honey

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, bring the elderberries, water, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger to a boil.

  2. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the liquid has reduced by half, about 40-45 minutes.

  3. Allow the liquid to cool, and then drain the liquid using a fine mesh strainer or cheese cloth.

  4. Press all liquid out of the berries using the back of a wooden spoon.

  5. Add the raw honey and mix well.

  6. Store in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator. Mine usually last the winter, and you want to have a fresh batch for the following flu season.

It feels a lot better when you know you can take charge of your health. No one knows you better than yourself, and your body has the ability to heal itself. All it takes sometimes is a little help from Mother Nature.

Estelle

Estelle Levangie