So I snagged this recipe from my mom because we call her a Girl Scout and she has all the good home remedies! Yes, there are many great quality elderberry syrups you can purchase but there is nothing like homemade. You can control the quality of ingredients, ensure the honey is local & it’s way cheaper! I can make 5 servings of this from one bag that is the same price as purchasing one small bottle. AND it’s sooooo easy!

Here’s a quick run down of the benefits:
- enhances immune function
-helps relieve nasal congestion
-anti-inflammatory
-anti-cancer
-anti-viral
-treats respiratory illness such as cold and flu
-high in vitamin A, B, C, and potassium
-natural support for Arthritis

*source: GrowREALFood

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 45 minutes

Total time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

3 cups filtered water
3/4 cup dried elderberries (I like the Frontier Co-op brand)
1 cinnamon stick OR 1 tsp. dried cinnamon
4 whole cloves OR 1 tsp. dried clove
1 tbsp. fresh ginger (grated) OR 1 tsp. dried ginger
1 cup raw, local honey

Instructions⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

In a pot, add water, elderberries, cinnamon, clove, ginger. Stir and bring to a boil
Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 45 minutes. About half of the liquid should have reduced
Pour over a fine strainer into desired container or pitcher (you can also use cheese cloth here)
To really get all the good juices out, use the back of a wooden spoon and press it all out. OR if you’re not afraid of having purple hands, twist off the cheese cloth and squeeze (let it cook for a bit before using your hands)
Then add in raw honey and mix well until all honey is dissolved
Store in a glass jar with an airtight lid for up to 2 months

Dosage: for prevention, take 1 tbsp. a day. During sickness, take 2-3 tbsp. a day

I hope this helps keep you, your family and friends healthy as we head into the colder months! Happy syrup making :)

Peace & Clean Eats,

Kaylee