Elderberry Syrup: A Household Staple
Are you wondering why everyone around you seems to be talking about elderberries these days? With this years’ flu outbreaks and recurrent upper respiratory infections, we cannot get enough of these dark blue berries. They’re rich in Vitamin C and are powerful allies in combating colds and flu and can be used in preparation for or during an infection. It’s all a matter of dose.
Elderberry Syrup Recipe
⅓ C dried elderberries
2 T rosehips
1.5 T fresh or dried ginger
1 t cinnamon bark
½ t cloves
2.5 C water
1 C local honey
Place herbs and water in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a light simmer and allow to cook until water has been reduced to roughly half the starting amount. Once reduced, remove pot from heat and allow to cool. Strain through a mesh strainer, press out the herbs with a spoon and compost. Mix in your honey and allow to fully cool before storing in jars.
All of these herbs may be found easily at your local herb shop or food co-op.
For kids ½-1 teaspoon is plenty and that may be taken every 2-3 hours if they are currently sick. If not, once a day is a great way to support their immune systems!
Adults may take 1-2 Tablespoons every 2-3 hours during illness.