The other day a friend asked me how I combat the sniffles and help boost my kids immune systems. (A question I get quite often.) My answer was elderberry syrup.
Elderberrry syrup has some powerhouse ingredients: elderberries, raw honey, ginger, lemon, cinnamon, and cloves. Elderberries are rich in antioxidants, full of vitamin C, and help reduce inflammation. Raw honey is also rich in antioxidants, boosts immunity, helps soothe coughs and aids in digestion. Raw honey is also antimicrobial so, it helps fight bad bacteria and microorganisms. Plus all the health benefits of ginger, lemon, cinnamon, and cloves.
And since elderberry syrup is so tasty, I never have any difficulty getting my kids to take it.
Elderberry Syrup
- 1 1/2 cups dried elderberries
- 2 inch chunk of fresh ginger, roughly chopped
- zest of half an organic lemon
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 cloves
- 6 cups of filtered water
- 16 oz. raw honey (raw, local honey is best)
Directions:
- Put everything except the honey into a 4-quart saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
- Once the liquid reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Strain the liquid and combine the elderberry liquid with the honey.
- Store in a glass jar in the fridge for 2-3 months.
- Take elderberry syrup by the spoonful, or, mix it with sparkling water or kombucha for a yummy elderberry soda.
Makes 1 1/2 quarts. You can half the recipe if you like.
Elderberry syrup can be taken daily as an immune booster. It can also be taken as needed for a cold/flu remedy.
Adults: 1/2 tsp- 1 Tbsp daily for an immune booster. The same dosage can be taken 3-4 times a day to fight cold/flu.
Children 1-3 years of age: 1/2 tsp each day for an immune booster. The same dosage can be taken two times a day to fight cold/flu.
Children 4 years and older: 1 tsp each day for an immune booster. The same dosage two times a day to fight cold/flu.
*Elderberry syrup should not be given to infants that are less than a 1 year old because of the raw honey.