Elderberry Syrup

Our family learned about elderberry syrup when we learned of our daughters food sensitivities.  The doctor recommended it as an immune system booster in some of our conversation.  Always interested in homeopathic/homemade/non-prescription stuff we looked into it.

Turns out elderberries are very high in potassium and vitamin C...makes sense that they are good for keeping your body well!!  They strengthen the immune system and work pretty good at knocking out anything that does sneak in.

Elderberry syrup can be found in most local drug stores - under the name "Sambucol" - but it's super pricey!  $12-$15 only gets you about 4 ounces.

It didn't take long for my mom - always on the hunt for a way to make stuff at home - to find a recipe and the supplies.

Elderberry Syrup
I was able to fill up one pint size jar and almost an entire 1/2 pint jar with this recipe


Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dried elderberries (check out Mountain Rose Herbs)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 5 whole cloves
• 1 Tbs freshly grated ginger
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup honey (wild, local is best if you can get it)

Instructions:

• Add dried berries, cinnamon stick, ginger, cloves and water to a pot.  Bring to a boil.  Cover and reduce to a simmer.  Simmer until reduced about 1/2 (20-30 minutes).
• Dump syrup into strainer and press through into a bowl (using a spoon to press down).  Let mixture cool slightly then add honey and stir to mix well.
• Store in fridge.

Directions for use:

Adults take 1 Tablespoon a day and children take 1 teaspoon a day when well.  Increase to 4 times a day if sick.