Fight Cold and Flu with Homemade Elderberry Syrup

Have you heard of Elderberry Syrup? Read on to find out how you can use this amazing little berry to fight viruses.

Elderberries have been used for centuries to treat many illnesses including cold and flu. Recent studies have show they have anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. Elderberry syrup is also rumored to help sinus pain, nerve pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, hay fever and constipation. So, does it work? Some people swear by it and I do too.

You can purchase elderberry syrup online or at supermarkets/pharmacies, but it will cost about $12-$40 for 4 ounces!! Plus, you never really know what exactly is in products you don't make yourself. Why don't you make it yourself? It is so easy! The following recipe makes about 20 ounces for under $6.00.

Ingredients:

3 cups distilled or spring water

1/2 cup dried elderberries (find at health food store or amazon.com)

2 echinacea tea bags

1 teaspoon ginger powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon powder

1/2 teaspoon clove power

1 cup honey (use local raw honey for extra immunity-boost)

Directions:

1. In a medium pot, mix water, elderberries, ginger, cinnamon and cloves on medium-high heat. Let tea bags hang over the side.

2. Bring to boil. Let boil for 10 minutes. Take out tea bags. Cover pot. Turn heat down to a medium simmer for 45 minutes.

3. Remove pot from heat and let it cool down for about 20 minutes.

4. Pour this mixture through a strainer to sort out the berries from the liquid. Smash the berries with a strainer and a spoon to release any remaining juice. Add that juice to the liquid mixture. Throw away crushed elderberries.

5. When the liquid is warm or room temperature (not hot) add in the honey to the liquid mixture and stir until dissolved.

6. Pour the elderberry syrup mixture into a container with lid and store in refrigerator for up to a month.

Since there is no preservative in this natural recipe, it will start to mold after a few weeks. If you see mold, throw it away and make a new batch!

Dose for daily cold/flu prevention:

Adults take 1/2-1 Tablespoon everyday

Children take 1/2 teaspoon every day (children over 1 year only - do not give to children under 1 year of age!)

If the cold/flu has already hit, you can take the dose every 2-3 hours.

Add this syrup to tea for a sweet and delicious immunity-boost.

Side effects: May cause upset stomach, especially after the first few doses. If you have a bad reaction, please discontinue use.

Warnings: Uncooked elderberries are poisonous. Boil the berries for at least 10-30 minutes and strain the juice. Discard strained berries.

Do not give honey or this recipe to children under the age of 1 years old.

Note: I am not a doctor or medical professional. I do not have any medical expertise. You should always consult your doctor before starting any new health care regimen or if you have any health problems or concerns.