Elderberry Syrup

Elderberry Syrup, one of nature's greatest gifts when it comes to cold and flu season!

I love this stuff, it really is wonderful for enhancing overall immunity and fighting off some of those icky viruses that haunt us this time of year. When it comes to Syrups, people LOVE them, they taste fantastic because they are a mix of tasty herbs, honey and even a little brandy if you choose to make yours with it! Being so tasty, they are easy to get someone to take often, which is pretty important when this season rolls around. Although there are recipes out there for acute circumstances, I am providing a recipe for overall immune enhancement, so this syrup is one that can be taken as a tonic throughout the entirety of cold and flu season.

Here is a quick rundown of the herbs we will be using and how they are used to help keep your health in balance all season long:

1. Elderberries: rich in vitamin C and antiviral proteins, it strengthens cell membranes and prevents virus penetration

2. Red Reishi Mushroom: adaptogenic, immunoregulator, anti-viral activity, liver protector, increased immune response with allergies

3. Astragalus Root: adaptogenic, antibacterial, antioxidant, immuno-stimulant

4. Rose Hips: strong source of vitamin C and an array of other vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants

5. Cinnamon Bark: circulatory stimulant, antibacterial, antiviral

6. Ginger Root: circulatory stimulant, anti-inflammatory, good for cold/damp lung conditions

7. Clove Buds: vitamin and mineral rich, antibacterial, immune boosting

8. Orange Peel: digestive stimulant, antiseptic

9. Licorice Root: adaptogenic, strengthens endocrine function (especially adrenals), immune amphoteric, antiviral, moistening

10. Black Pepper: enhances uptake of other herbs in formula

Elderberry Syrup

Here is what you'll need
1/3 cup of dried Elderberries
4 slices of Reishi Mushroom
4 slices of Astragalus Root
2 tbsp Rose Hips
1 tbsp Cinnamon Bark (chips or sticks)
1 tbsp Ginger Root (cut & sifted)
1 tsp Clove Buds
1 tsp Orange Peel
1/2 tsp Licorice Root
1/2 tsp Black Pepper Corns
1/2 cup of raw local honey (antibacterial, counters pollen allergies, antioxidant rich, reduces mucous secretions and cough)
1/4 cup of brandy for each cup of syrup (this is a preservative)
        ***I had about 6 cups of my herbal decoction so I used 1.5 cups of brandy***
2 quarts of water

Here is what you'll do

1. Place all plant parts in a large pot, pour water over them. Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn the heat down and allow it to slowly and gently simmer for at least 30 minutes or as long as 2 hours (the longer the steep the more potent and concentrated the syrup will be). Steeping the herbs on a simmer for this long is called an herbal decoction.

2. Strain the herbal decoction into a new pot or bowl, off of any heat.

3. Add the honey and brandy, stir well.

4. Your syrup is now ready to be poured into bottles and labeled. Be sure to label with a name and the date, although this should keep for quite some time if you used the appropriate amount of brandy and keep it refrigerated.

This syrup can be taken daily during cold and flu season by adults and children alike. Adults can take anywhere from 2-3 teaspoons twice daily and children can take 1 tsp twice daily. 

I hope this tasty syrup gets you through all the crazy going on out there!

Sending BIG Love,
Joey