Wednesday, October 26, 2011

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.

2 comments:

  1. Thank you again for making it for me. It really did help with the cough and nicely coated my throat. You're such a sweet sister. xo

    ReplyDelete
  2. You are so very welcome. Stay healthy...we have some fun to catch up on! xo

    ReplyDelete