Boost Your Immune System with Elderberry Syrup
Winter for our family means Elderberry Syrup!
Elderberries are packed full of Vitamins A and C plus antioxidants. This syrup can be taken daily to strengthen the immune system and prevent colds and flu. It can also help to soothe a dry and sore throat or ease a persistent cough. When taken during a cold or the flu, it may help to decrease the duration of the illness.
Try this simple recipe and make your own syrup, it is really yummy too.
INGREDIENTS:
3 1/2 Cups of Water1 Cup of Black Dried Elderberries
2 Tablespoons of freshly grated OR dried Ginger
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon (or use a few cinnamon sticks)
3 - 4 Cloves
1 Cup of Raw Honey (make sure you are using raw honey, even better see if you can source it locally)
DIRECTIONS:
Place all ingredients (except the honey) in a small saucepan with the lid on and bring to the boil. Reduce to a simmer for approximately 30 - 45 minutes, until the liquid had reduced by half.
Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.
Gently mash the entire mixture using a potato masher.
Pour the mixture through a strainer into a glass jug to remove the spices and elderberries.
Allow to cool to room temperature, once cooled add the honey. This will give you the full medicinal properties of the honey.
Bottle in sterilised jars and place in the fridge. It will last between 2 - 4 weeks.
RECOMMENDED DOSE: Preventative dose is 1 tablespoon once a day for adults & 1 teaspoon once a day for children. When you are unwell you can increase to 3 - 4 times of either dose, each day. Please be aware that honey is not recommended for babies under 12 months.
Recipe adapted from Harriet Herbery + Wellness Mama
