Elderberry Syrup Recipe

I have been hearing the buzz about the benefits of Elderberry syrup! I started doing some research and there is evidence that elderberries fight the flu, boosts your immune system and can even reduce cancer cells in your body. They contain trace minerals and have more vitamin C than oranges.

They syrup also contains cloves, cinnamon, raw honey which have medicinal qualities, and you can also add ginger. ( I did not this time because I wasn't sure my kids would drink it.)

RECIPE:
1/2 c. organic elderberries
1 cinnamon stick
1 T. fresh chopped ginger (optional)
5 whole cloves
2 c. water
1 c. raw local honey

Add berries, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and water together in a pot. Bring to a boil and then cover and reduce to simmer. Simmer until liquid reduces by one half, usually 30-45 minutes. Strain the berries in a fine mesh strainer over a glass bowl. Smash the berries down to extract all the extra juice. Let cool slightly, add the honey, stir to mix. Store in a glass container with lid. Keep refrigerated.

The syrup is much thinner than I expected which makes it easier to consume and has a very pleasant taste! It's been easy getting my kids ( and husband) to take it. I've read some different dose opinions, but it sounds like the standard dose is ½ tsp to 1 tsp for kids and ½ Tbsp to 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. Obviously, I am not a doctor so please do the research for yourself! 

Here is a link to where I purchased my elderberries. I have made three batches and probably have enough elderberries to make at least 6 more, so this will last you awhile! I stored my extra berries in a glass jar in the refrigerator.

http://www.amazon.com/Elder-Berries-Whole-Organic-Frontier/dp/B000UVUHXY/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1440896680&sr=1-1&keywords=frontier+elderberries
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