Homemade Elderberry Syrup

Elderberries have been know to be the cure for many ailments, boost the immune system, reduce mucous, improve heart health and fight coughs, colds, flu, bacterial and viral infections. Ginger, Cloves, Cinnamon and Honey also have long lists of health benefits, both for preventing and treating various illnesses.  Elderberries syrup can be expensive, here’s how to make some at home.

Ingredients:

• 50 grams of dried or 2 cups of frozen elderberries

• 5 cups of water

• 1 sliced medium sized ginger root

• 4 cinnamon sticks or 2 Tsp cinnamon powder

• 1 Tbsp cloves

• 1 cup of raw honey

Directions:

• Pour the water into a saucepan and bring to a boil.

• Add the elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.  DO NOT ADD THE HONEY.

• Cover and let the mixture simmer for at least a couple of hours.

• Remove from heat and let cool

• Pour the mixture through a strainer into a bowl.

• Discard the elderberries, cloves, ginger and cinnamon sticks.

• Add the honey and stir well.  The mixture must NOT be hot when the honey is added.

• Pour the syrup into a glass jar and store in the fridge.

Suggested Doses: 1 Tsp for kids (1 year and older) and 1 Tbsp for adults, but it is best not to take it everyday so your body doesn't rely on it. Our family normally takes it only on weekdays, during the cold and flu season. If someone does get sick, they should take the normal dose every 3-4 hours until symptoms disappear.

My older boys like to have their elderberry syrup in their granola and yogurt, this glass soap dispenser from IKEA and makes it easier for them to get their own. 2 squirts equal 1 Tsp.