Loving It :: Elderberry Syrup

I was visiting Mountain Rose Herbs

when I came across their

wonderful you tube

tutorials.

With the upcoming cold and flu

season upon us...

in fact for some

already here...

I wanted to find a home remedy

to protect and prevent.

The antioxidants...

and anti-viral properties of the

Elderberry seemed like a good place to start.

I thought I had an elderberry bush

in my back yard...

but after careful research and

numerous second opinions

found what I had was the choke berry.

Good for wildlife.

Not good for humans.

So...

off to the local natural food store...

Claudia's

I went...needing dried elderberries.

With a few ingredients from my cupboard

I was ready to go to

my cauldron

to concoct the witch's brew.

1/2 Cup Dried Elderberries

1 Cinnamon Stick

5 Whole Cloves

1Tablespoon Fresh Grated Ginger

2 Cups Water

Boil...then simmer for about 20 minutes.

Until it is reduced by

about half.

Strain over a bowl.

A Dave Ramsey Footnote:

I discussed this recipe with the sales woman

at Claudia's.

She said anything with elderberry is expensive.

By making it myself I saved...

big!

You can too!

Press down with a spoon or spatula

to get all those great juices from

the elderberries.

Mmmm...

already smelling yummy.

Add 1 Cup of Honey.

Wild or local honey is best

for added benefits...

but I used the lowly grocery store brand.

Whisk it all together.

Pour into prepared container.

Store in the frig right next to your

echinacea and goldenseal.

(What?! doesn't everyone have this on hand?)

Will keep for...

they say 2 weeks on the video clip

but in the comments

they report keeping it through the winter

or until gone.

Take 1 Tablespoon a day to prevent illness.

Take 1 Tablespoon an hour if you are symptomatic.

The best part...

it tastes GREAT!

The spices are warming and the honey

will soothe a sore throat

and calm that

annoying cough.

If you have a minute

I encourage you to check out the site.

That's Mountain Rose Herbs.

(you'll find a link on my sidebar)

Stay Well.