Elderberries are known to help in the prevention and the recovery of those who get a cold or flu as well as bring relief to some to the unpleasant side effects. This homemade elderberry syrup is a great way to effectively use elderberries and with only a few ingredients, it is easy to make as well.
Elderberries
Elderberries have been found to block the cold and flu virus from entering our cells, the place where the would normally replicate themselves. Even if taken after a virus has infected the cells, elderberries still help in stopping the spread of the virus, which can help in decreasing the time of recovery. Elderberries are a good way to stimulate your immune system which is used to help your body fight off the cold and flu virus. They can also help relieve inflammation and ease sore throats and joint pain.
Though some people can consume small amounts of elderberries raw, some people are more sensitive to them and it can cause nausea and vomiting. It is best to consume the elderberries cooked for more than 30 minutes to deactivate the toxins that can cause these ill effects.
Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry syrup is a great way to get the benefits of elderberries in a tasty and delicious way. To make it you will need:
- Dried elderberries
- water
- raw honey
- ground cinnamon
- ground ginger
- ground cloves
- a thin metal or mesh strainer or cheesecloth
To make this syrup, place the elderberries, water, ginger, cinnamon and cloves in a large pot. Bring to a boil reduce to low/simmer for 45 minutes OR until mixture has reduced by half.
Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Once mixture has cooled, using a mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain berries by pressing all the juice out of them that you can by pressing berried with a spatula or spoon.
Once all the juice has been squeeze out, discard the elderberries. Next, add 1 cup of honey to the mixture and stir until well combined.
Elderberry syrup must be kept in the fridge.
Preventative: Children: take 1 tsp per day. Adults: Take one tablespoon per day.
When ill: take recommended dose 2-3x per day.
A small amount of this elderberry syrup can also be added to a variety of different foods such as:
- bliss balls
- for use as a cordial
- added to hot water for a lovely hot drink
- flavour yoghurt
- a topping for pancakes or ice cream
- mixed with fruit juice or pureed fruits and made into ice blocks
These two places on Amazon are great if you need to purchase elderberries:
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How to Make Elderberry Syrup
Equipment
- a thin metal or mesh strainer or cheesecloth
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup dried elderberries
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup raw honey
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cloves
Instructions
- Place elderberries, water, ginger, cinnamon and cloves in a large pot.
- Bring to a boil reduce to low/simmer for 45 minutes OR until mixture has reduced by half.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Once mixture has cooled, using a mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain berries by pressing all the juice out of them that you can by pressing berried with a spatula or spoon.
- Once all the juice has been squeeze out, discard the elderberries.
- Next, add 1 cup of honey to the mixture and stir until well combined. Must be refrigerated.
- Preventative: Children: take 1 tsp per day. Adults: Take one tablespoon per day.When ill: take recommended dose 2-3x per day.
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