Several years ago, I was introduced to elderberry syrup to help build our immune systems during a really rough season of constant sickness. Although, I am not fully educated on all the health benefits of the elderberry, I have many friends who attest to its use during the cold and flu season. I do believe in the benefits of raw honey, ginger, and cinnamon, so this has been something I've been making with different kits and recipes. Since that time, I now have my own recipe that pulls together a spicier alternative similar to what Berry Well™ used to make and has sadly discontinued. Quite honestly, I don't care for the taste or the smell or super sweetness, so I needed this a little spiced up and the echinacea tea with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves helps a lot. It's still not my favorite, but better than the flu.
The flu bug hit us hard again this year and I'm so glad that I had the ingredients on hand to pull this together and get us all started on it. Even better that I am taking the time to type it out and get it saved so I can toss the little scrap piece of paper that I took notes on as I tried to flavor this better.
The flu bug hit us hard again this year and I'm so glad that I had the ingredients on hand to pull this together and get us all started on it. Even better that I am taking the time to type it out and get it saved so I can toss the little scrap piece of paper that I took notes on as I tried to flavor this better.
Elderberry Syrup
Ingredients:
½ cup dried elderberries1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground ginger (or 1-2 T freshly grated ginger)
1 tsp ground cloves (or ½ tsp whole cloves)
3 Echinacea tea bags
3 ½ cups distilled water
1 cup raw honey
Directions:
Boil 3½ cups water, and remove from heat and steep the 3 tea bag for at least 15 minutes. Remove tea bags. Add in cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and dried elderberries and return to a rolling boil, reduce heat and simmer for 40 minutes. Sometimes, I'll toss in a cinnamon stick, too! Remove from heat and let sit for another 20 minutes. Strain into a container with a mesh strainer and add in 1 cup raw honey, discarding the berries, grated ginger, and cinnamon stick. Stir well and pour into prepared bottles or jars.
Refrigerate for up 3 weeks or freeze in smaller portions for later use.
Suggested usage: Flu season prevention, ½ tsp for children over the age of 1, and 1 tsp.+ for adults per day. If using while battling the flu, take every 2-3 hours until improved.
I just made this and it filled 2 - 8oz. bottles with a little extra to spare.
8 oz. bottles link
Updated: 2/2019
NOTE: I am not a medical professional or offering medical advice.
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