Elderberry Syrup
With March comes the promise of spring and a roller coaster of emotions. Hopes run high when the sky is blue and the sun warms our skin, only to be disappointed by yet another snowy night. These ups and downs can confuse our immune systems as well, especially if we under-dress during this delicate time. So, for the sake of our immune systems, weary after a long cold winter, I would like to share my recipe for elderberry syrup!
Elderberry syrup is one of those traditional home remedies that never goes out of style. It is delicious, so everyone in the family will love it, and it packs a serious punch when it comes to boosting your immune system. You can take 1 tsp-Tbs per day as an immune tonic through the colder months to prevent colds and flu, or the same dose every few hours to help your immune system fight off a cold or flu.
It is great by itself, mixed with water, tea, or juice, and even poured on pancakes and ice cream! Kids love elderberry syrup, you can even mix it with seltzer water to make an Italian style soda! I like to use it as a sweet moistening medium for taking tinctures in the winter, as the alcohol can be quite drying. The possibilities are vast, as are the benefits.
How to:
- Put 1/4 cup of dried elderberries or 1/2 cup of
fresh berries in a saucepan with 4 cups of water.
- Simmer for 45 minutes to an hour until about half of
the liquid evaporates
- Allow to cool enough to be handled or even
overnight.
- Strain and squeeze the berries, composting the pulp.
- Add 1 cup local honey, and allow to cool completely.
Put in a jar or bottle and store in the refrigerator. This will last for a few months.
- Put 1/4 cup of dried elderberries or 1/2 cup of
fresh berries in a saucepan with 4 cups of water.
- Simmer for 45 minutes to an hour until about half of
the liquid evaporates
- Allow to cool enough to be handled or even
overnight.
- Strain and squeeze the berries, composting the pulp.
- Add 1 cup local honey, and allow to cool completely.
Put in a jar or bottle and store in the refrigerator. This will last for a few months.
Sometimes I add a few ounces of echinacea tincture to increase both the immune boosting properties and the shelf life of the syrup. If you do not want to include alcohol in this recipe, you can simmer some echinacea root with the dried elderberries: this will make the syrup even more delicious, though this will not increase the shelf life. However, I doubt you’ll want to leave this delicious syrup in the bottle for long! Enjoy!!
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