‘Tis the season!

Cold and flu season is almost here. I have seen a lot of Mama’s post on Facebook and instagram, they are already battling the back to school sniffles.

A couple years ago I discovered Elderberry, and let me tell you, it’s helped us stay healthy and if we do get sick the duration and severity is cut in half. I have already made up two batches already and shared with friends. The best thing about Elderberry, is it taste amazing! My kids call it “Christmas Juice” and I never have a problem getting them to take it.

I have had a lot of friends and family ask me for my recipe. After making it several times, I have finally tweaked it to make it taste amazing but so GOOD for you. I will also include how to make it with essential oils for all my oily mamas.

I buy my elderberries off of Amazon and the rest of the ingredients come from my local grocery store. I use Young Living Essential oils. I only advise if your using oils to make sure they are quality oils.

Ingredients

• 3½ cups water
• 2/3 cup black elderberries
• 2 TBSP ginger (grated) or EO 4 drops
• 1 tsp cinnamon or EO 4 drops
• ½ tsp ground cloves or EO 4 drops
• 1/2 cup raw honey
• 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric **optional
• EO- Thieves 4 to 5 drops *optional
• EO- Frankincenses 3 drops *optional
• You can use EO or combination or fresh ingredients

Instructions

• Pour the water into a large pot and add the elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves or essential oils if you choose to use those.
• Bring to a boil and then cover and reduce to a simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour until the liquid has reduced by almost half. **keep a close eye because you don’t want to burn it.
• Remove from heat and let cool until it is cool enough to be handled.
• Mash the berries carefully using a spoon or other flat utensil. I have even laid a bowl inside the strainer to mash the elderberries really good.
• Pour through a strainer into a glass jar or bowl.
• Discard the elderberries and let the liquid cool to lukewarm.
• Add the honey when syrup is no longer hot and stir well
• When the honey is well mixed into the elderberry mixture, pour the syrup into a mason jars or any jar you like.
• You just made homemade elderberry syrup! Store in the fridge and take daily for its immune boosting properties. I recommend taking only during the week and not on the weekends to boost immunity.
• Kids dosage- ½ – 1 teaspoon
• Adults dosage ½ – 1 tablespoon.
• If the flu does strike, take the normal dose every 2-3 hours instead of once a day until symptoms disappear.
• I have also made a yummy tea by adding hot water in my favorite mug and the recommended dosage and add extra honey. It’s so soothing especially if you have a sore throat! I hope you enjoy and prayers for a healthy season.