I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday with friends and family! I had family from my side AND my husbands side in town for all the fun Christmas festivities! It was madness… Fifteen of us got snowed in at my mother-in-laws cabin sooo we played games, went sledding and ate like nobody’s business until we crashed. Although it was a lot of fun, I’m thankful to be getting back into the routine of every day life. Unfortunately, every day life currently consists of my little one having a nasty cold due to this December weather. Out of a moment of desperation, I asked {more like begged } all of my Facebook friends for a remedy to rid Lyla’s {my daughters} cough. My cousin Cindy giving me a fantastic recipe for Elderberry Syrup which is safe for adults and children! I have heard of Elderberry Syrup before but didn’t know much about it so I decided to research it out. Here’s the info aaand the recipe!

You can purchase pre-made Elderberry Syrup at the store for approx. $10 for a small tube. I decided to make it instead and winded up only spending approx $14 to buy ALL ingredients and filled 1 3/4 mason jars with this recipe which will last forever practically!

{Listed at the bottom of this post you will find benefits for each ingredient listed.}

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup black elderberries

• 3.5 cups of water

• 2 Tablespoons fresh or dried ginger root

• 1 tsp cinnamon powder

• 1/2 tsp cloves or clove powder

• 1 cup raw honey

Recipe:

• Pour water into saucepan and add elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. {Do NOT add the honey yet.}

• Bring to a boil.
• Once to a boil, reduce to a simmer for about 45 mins and remove from heat.
• Pour liquid through a strainer and discard/compost the elderberries.

• Once the liquid is cooled, add in the raw honey and stir.
• Transfer to a 16 oz canning jar and place in refrigerator until needed.

This smells delicious and I have to say I love the way it tastes as well! Added benefit!

Q’s & A’s:

How often can I take Elderberry Syrup? -Adults and children {above the age of 1} can take this daily to boost the immune system. Standard dose is 1 tsp for kids and 1 Tbsp for adults. If the flu does strike, take the normal dose every 2-3 hours instead of once a day until symptoms disappear. **If pregnant, consult doctor first!**

Why elderberries? -Elderberries contain potassium and large amounts of vitamin C, and have been proven in quite a few  studies to shorten the duration of cold and flu symptoms, as well as strengthen the immune system. Elderberries are also a good source of anthocyanins {powerful antioxidants}.

Why ginger? -It’s prevention of nausea and vomiting is the most well-documented use for ginger root. It is particularly helpful in cases of chemotherapy, motion sickness and morning sickness. Ginger root may also fight inflammation and is useful in treating conditions such as arthritis or ulcerative colitis.

Why cinnamon? -Cinnamon inhibits bacterial growth and can help fight illness.

Why cloves? -The active principles in the clove are known to have antioxidant, anti-septic, local anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, rubefacient (warming and soothing), carminative and anti-flatulent properties.

Why raw honey? -Honey contains far more anti-oxidants than some fruits and vegetables and every vitamin and mineral including water we need to sustain life. Honey has all the enzymes which help to ensure our foods are digested properly keeping our immune systems working properly plus it is really helpful for irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis and even when trying to lose weight. Your skin will benefit from raw honey too, this is perhaps one of the most understated acne cures and is wonderful for healing and tightening the skin because it heals, protects and moisturizes.

I know all of you will enjoy all of the excellent benefits of this Elderberry Syrup as much as I am! Good luck

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