Elderberry

Elderberries are one of nature's gift to us as they become ripe just before cold and flu season begins. Elderberry syrup is often taken daily as a preventative during cold and flu season. Elderberries are packed with antioxidants and have been shown to reduce the severity and length of the flu.

It is also used for sinus pain, back and leg pain (sciatica), nerve pain (neuralgia), and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) .

The Black Elderberry is the species best known for its culinary and medicinal uses. Elderberry grows throughout the world and is known by those who use it by many different names. Common names for the Black Elderberry include Elder, Common Elder, American Elder and Sambucus, to name a few.

The roots, seeds, branches, leaves, and twigs of all elderberry species can be fatal. Use only the right berries and cook them properly.

Elderberry Syrup

Water: 4 cups

Elderberries: 1 cup

Ground Ginger: 1 teaspoon

Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon

Ground Cloves: 1/4 teaspoon

Bring all to a boil and simmer for 45 minutes. - (Elderberry can be deadly if eaten uncooked)

Strain and let it cool, I usually get around 2-3 cups of juice. Depending on how high the heat when simmering.

Add as much Honey as the amount of elderberry syrup, if you have 2 cups of syrup add 2 cups of Raw Honey. (local honey is always best.) Jar and refrigerate it. Take one spoonful daily as a preventative for cold and flu season. Elderberry syrup can be taken every couple of hours for relief and to shorten the life of the cold or flu. We like to add a spoonful to a glass of ginger ale for a delicious afternoon drink.