Elderberry Syrup

Ingredients:

Directions:

1. Pour water into medium saucepan and add elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves; do not add honey.
2. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer (uncovered) for 45-60 min., until the liquid has reduced by almost half.
3. Remove from heat and let cool to lukewarm. Pour through a strainer into a glass jar or bowl, gently pressing to release remaining juices.
4. Discard elderberries (or compost them). Whisk in honey.
5. Pour syrup into a pint sized mason jar or 16 ounce glass bottle.
6. Store in the fridge and take daily for its immune boosting properties. Some sources recommend taking only during the week and not on the weekends to boost immunity.
Standard dose is 1/2-1 t. for kids and 1/2-1 T. for adults. If illness does strike, take the normal dose every 2-3 hours instead of once a day, until symptoms disappear.

Note: I like to make 1.5-2 batches at a time during the winter.

Option:
Add 1 cup fresh red or black raspberries, lightly mashed (or bottled juice) and simmer. Or try adding raspberry juice concentrate when adding honey. This helps it taste a bit more like the bottled version available in the store.

Simple Life Mom adds juice from ½ lemon with the honey.
To Use: Take 1 t. daily to boost immune system/help prevent colds. If sick, take up to 1 t. per hour (1/2 t. for small children).
You can also eat it over pancakes, in teas, etc.
Keeps 2 months or so in the refrigerator (the lemon helps to elongate its shelf life).

Elderberries (sambucus) have been used traditionally to fight off cold and flu symptoms by boosting your immune system. They have high levels of Vitamins A, B, and C.

The Journal of International Medical Research posted a study in 2004 comparing the use of Elderberry syrup by people with the flu to those who took a placebo (60 people total). “Symptoms were relieved on average 4 days earlier and use of rescue medication was significantly less in those receiving elderberry extract compared with placebo.” (1)

We’ve heard of the powerful effects of different types of flavonoids found in blueberries, chocolate, tea and many vegetables. These flavonoids have been shown to boost immune systems and have antiviral activity. Black Elderberries are full of flavonoids, which is why they seem to do such a great job. Combine them with other ingredients that boost your system like cloves, cinnamon, and lemon, and you have yourself a powerhouse of a concoction.

Sources:
http://simplelifemom.com/2015/01/19/natural-cold-remedy-homemade-elderberry-syrup-recipe/#Tb8wQTPk5rA6fRKQ.99/
http://wellnessmama.com/1888/elderberry-syrup/
http://livesimply.me/2013/12/05/immune-boosting-elderberry-syrup/