Elderberry Syrup

Several years ago, my MIL introduced me to Elderberry Syrup. Black Elderberries are packed with flavonoids. powerful antioxidants that protect the body's cell from potential damage caused by free radicals.  

Certain flavonoids "Anthocyanins", found primarily in the pigments of dark blue and deep purple fruits, have the remarkable ability to stimulate the body's immune system. 

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the highest concentration of Anthocyanins are found in black elderberries (nearly double the amount found in any other fruit).  Elderberries have twice the natural antioxidant capacity of blueberries.

You will need:
- 4 cups Cold Water
- 1 cup Dried Elderberries (I get mine from Mountain Rose Herbs)
- 1/4 cup Echinacea (or 8 bags of Echinacea Tea)
- 2 inches Ginger, cut in five pieces
- 3-4 Cloves or 1/2 teaspoon ground
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks or 1 teaspoon ground
- 4 T Liquid Vitamin C (I used Dynamic Health, I love there is 1000mg in one tablespoon and it has
   Rosehips in it too!)
- 1 cup Raw Organic Honey
- 16 oz glass jar

How to prepare your syrup:

1. How to prepare your syrup:
2. Pour water into a medium saucepan, add elderberries, echinacea, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves..
3. Bring to a boil, cover & reduce heat to low simmer for 45 mins, until liquid has reduced by half.
4. Remove from heat & let cool until it can be safely handled.
5. Carefully smash the berries to release juices & pour through a strainer into a bowl.
6. Let cool until lukewarm, then add Honey & Vit C to the elderberry juice.
7. When all is combined, pour into your glass jar.
8. Store in a jar in the fridge for a few weeks. For longer storage, freeze into ice cube trays to defrost for later use.

Here are some guidelines that have been traditionally followed for dosing: To support immune function throughout cold and flu season children are usually given ½ – 1 teaspoon per day, while adults usually take about 1½ teaspoons – 1 tablespoon. During illness, the frequency of administration increases to every 2-3 hours until the symptoms resolve.