Homemade Elderberry Syrup

Store-bought elderberry syrup is very pricey but it often contains sugar, artificial sweeteners, preservatives and emulsifiers. Making your own syrup is very easy and affordable. I buy one pound of dry elderberries on Amazon for about the same price of a 4 ounce bottle of commercial elderberry syrup and it makes me about four to five 4 ounce bottles of homemade elderberry syrup.

I drink this syrup on a regular basis, especially during the fall and winter months, to boost my immune system. Elderberries are rich in vitamin C and also contain vitamins A and B, flavonoids, amino acids and carotenoids, they are helpful in treating colds, coughs, flu, asthma, upper respiratory infections, and tonsillitis. They are also used for its antioxidant activity, to improve heart health, lower cholesterol, and improve vision.

Other ingredients that make this syrup therapeutic are:
Raw Honey, an alkaline-forming food, antioxidant, antibacterial, and immune builder.
Cinnamon, a natural cough suppressant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory.
Cloves, a powerful germicidal, antiseptic, general stress reliever, blood purifier, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial.

Dosage:
For prevention take 1 tbsp per day (kids 1 tsp per day, because of the honey it is not recommended for infants).
When taking to treat cold or flu symptoms take the standard dosage 3 times a day for 2-3 days

For other natural remedies check my cold and flu soothing tea or benefits and uses of coconut oil

Ingredients:
2 cups of water
½ cup of dry elderberries
½ cup of raw honey
1 cinnamon stick (optional)
8 cloves (optional)
In addition to these ingredients, feel free to add ginger, Echinacea and/or golden seal

Preparation:

• In a small saucepan combine the elderberries, cloves, cinnamon, and water and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to med/low and simmer for about 45 minutes or until the fluids are reduced by half.
• Allow the mixture to cool and strain, making sure you squeeze as much juice our of the berries, you can also blend this and run it through a nut milk bag.
• Mix in the raw honey and whisk until fully dissolved.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Homemade Elderberry Syrup

Recipe Type: Home Remedies

Author: Edible Harmony

Prep time: 5 mins

Cook time: 45 mins

Total time: 50 mins

Ingredients

• 2 cups of water
• ½ cup of dry elderberries
• ½ cup of raw honey
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
• 8 cloves (optional)
• In addition to this ingredients, feel free to add ginger, Echinacea and/or golden seal

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan combine the elderberries, cloves, cinnamon, and water and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to med/low and simmer for about 45 minutes or until the fluids are reduced by half.
3. Allow the mixture to cool and strain, making sure you squeeze as much juice our of the berries, you can also ben this and run it through a nut milk bag.
4. Mix in the raw honey and whisk until fully dissolved.
5. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

3.1.09

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, please consult with your health practitioner before taking this homemade elderberry syrup or any other supplements.

References:
http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-elderberry.html
http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/raw-honey.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/031538_cinnamon_coughs.html
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/benefits-of/clove

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