Elderberry Syrup Recipe
The Elder tree has many blessings to offer us with its beautiful lacy flowers in early spring and then its deep reddish-purple berries that appear in late summer.
In old herbal folklore, the Elder tree was usually planted at the borders of gardens as protection. In herbal folklore, the Elder tree was associated with the fairies of the hedgerows and forests. There are many fascinating stories in lore surrounding this beautiful, mysterious, and graceful tree.
These trees/bushes can be found in meadows, hedgerows, forests, and gardens.
Elderberries are a member of the honeysuckle family. They have traditionally been used for their medicinal benefits for many years. These little berries are packed with antioxidants and flavonoids. Elderberries are also high in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, potassium, and fiber. They also have anti-inflammatory, anti- viral, and anti-cancer properties.
Elderberry Syrups has been used for many years for colds and flus, sinus congestion aid, gas and upset stomach relief, arthritic pain, and conjunctivitis. Research has shown that taking Elderberry tinctures or syrups can shorten flu duration by 2-3 days.
This recipe gives you a chance to make your own potent syrup. It is easy and is much cheaper than purchasing it from a health food store. I also add Echinacea to and Bee Propolis to my recipe for an even more powerful blend. Echinacea is a wonderful herb for immune system health, cleansing to the blood and skin, and has anti-cancer and anti-infective properties. You may also use the fresh or dried Echinacea root in this recipe instead of using the tincture, which is what I do. I use about 1/3 cup (dry) or 1/2 cup (fresh) in the recipe below
Bee Propolis is the resinous tar that the bees use to protect their hives with to ensure invaders, such as bacteria, fungus, and viruses cannot enter. Bee Propolis is a powerful aid in immune health and it is a product I highly recommend for flu care and prevention!
You do not need to add the Echinacea and Bee Propolis to this Elderberry syrup to make it effective, but adding 1 or both is an extra punch when you are under the weather or have been exposed to someone who is already sick.
Below, I give resources where you can purchase good quality products to make an immune boosting tonic for the winter months.
RECIPE
1 cup Organic dried Elderberries or 3 cups fresh elderberries (or about 400 grams)-if using fresh elderberries, try to trim and remove as much of the green stems as possible, because they are slightly toxic
(optional but very good) 1 ounce Organic Echinacea Tincture or Bee Propolis Tincture or both!
Echinacea Tincture
1 oz Bee Propolis
8 cups filtered water
1/2-1 cup grated or finely chopped organic fresh ginger root-washed, no need to peel (I add a large amount of fresh ginger, you can add as little or as much as you'd like)
5 TBSP grated fresh turmeric root or 2 tsp dried turmeric root powder
12-15 Peppercorns or 1 tsp black pepper
1 TBSP cloves or 2 tsp clove powder
1 organic large orange or organic large lemon (cut the fruit into wedges=peel and all- and place in elderberry simmering liquid)-these peels are super high in quercetin, antioxidants, and Vitamin C
8-10 cardamom pods (crushed) or 1 TBSP cardamom powder
3/4 cup Raw Honey
INSTRUCTIONS
In a large saucepan heat the water and add the elderberries, ginger root, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, cloves, orange or lemon. Bring to a boil and cover, reduce to a simmer after boiling starts, and simmer for 40 minutes or until liquid has reduced by about half.
Remove from heat and let cool. Mash berries into pot before straining through a fine mesh colander. Discard the solids and add in honey, Echinacea tincture, and Bee Propolis (if using). Stir well (raw honey is very thick, so you may want to add the honey in when the syrup is a little warmer than room temperature to melt it). Do not heat the honey or Echinacea or Bee Propolis, doing this will reduce the medicinal benefits of both.
When honey is completely mixed, pour into glass jars and store in refrigerator. This will last for about 6-8 weeks in the refrigerator. You may freeze what you do not use within the period.
Recommended dosages:
Children 12 and under – 1 tsp. daily
Adults- 1 TBSP. daily
May take on weekdays daily during cold and flu season- rest on the weekend unless ill
Adults- If you do get the flu, take 1 TBSP. every 3 hours (only waking hours) for 1-2 days–do not exceed 4 dosages in a 24 hour period
Children would take the 1 tsp. dosage
Update:Flu Prevention and Flu Care
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