Homemade Elderberry Syrup

Elderberry syrup is a great immune booster, it is high in vitamin A, B, and C which stimulate the immune system and it is also used to help prevent and speed up recovery of the flu.  Elderberry syrup can be kind of expensive at the store, so this is something that is great to make at home to save a bit of money.  I found this recipe here.

Here is what you are going to need:

- 2/3 cup dried elderberries (I bought mine on amazon)

- 3 1/2 cups filtered water

- 2 tablespoons of ginger root (chopped or grated)

- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder

- 1/2 teaspoon cloves

- 1 cup of raw honey

- Sauce pan 

- strainer

- funnel

- glass bowl or jar

1. Put water into a medium sauce pan. Add elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, cloves (do not add the honey yet!) Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a simmer.

2. Simmer for 45 minutes to an hour until it has reduced a bit. 

3. Let cool then put through a strainer into a glass bowl or jar.  Discard or compost the elderberries.

4. When it has cooled completely add the raw honey.  (my jar of honey was about gone, so instead of getting another measuring cup dirty I just poured it in right from the container, I kind of guessed on the amount of honey this time around)

5. Put on the lid and store in the fridge. 

The standard dose for children is 1/2 to 1 teaspoon daily 

For adults 1 Tablespoon daily  

If you are sick take dosage every 2-3 hours until symptoms disappear.