Immune Boosting Elderberry Syrup Recipe

I was raised on natural remedies.

When I was thirteen, my mother started teaching me about herbal remedies. The first things I learned were about herbs to help with diabetes, and how they could negatively react with some medicines. Mama also taught me that it wasn't just tinctures, salves, and teas that could aid in people's health, but the ingredients we use in the food, too.

And I have not stopped learning about herbal and homeopathic remedies since.

I am very passionate about having a healthy lifestyle. Taking natural supplements for my health and eating a healthy diet lead most of my decisions when it comes to the plants in my garden or the food that I cook. That passion has helped me in my lifelong battle against genetic conditions that carry terminal curses such as diabetes, cancers, heart diseases, obesity, and strokes. And the knowledge is sacred, things I hope to pass down to my children.

This information is valuable, and I want as many people as possible to know it.

We live in uncertain times, and one day, making your own immune-boosting vitamins may be more affordable or convenient than purchasing them again.

So I'm going to teach you one of my secrets: Immune Boosting Elderberry Syrup.

Elderberries are a teeny tiny dark purple berry that is packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and dietary fiber. Most people know it to lessen the time it takes to get over the flu or a cold when you take elderberry when you come down sick. If you take it daily, it's said you get less sick than you would have if you hadn't been.

Taking Elderberry at the very first symptoms can reduce your illness time by a day or two. That may not seem like a long time, but when you are sick, every day feels like an eternity.

Most studies on this are backed by generations of lived experience of people in certain regions in North America, as Big Pharma usually finds a way to disrupt, defund, or bury the science behind herbal remedies.

But elderberries aren't just good for the immune system - they have a few other power plays in the medicinal arena.

Those with chronic inflammation know that it's not 'just swelling.' Your skin and joints become stiff and tender when your body swells. It can also cause fatigue. Inflammation isn't just external, as in your face, hands, legs, or feet. It can be internal if you have a thyroid condition, diabetes, heart problems, anemia, or gastrointestinal issues.

The anti-inflammation can also be considered anti-cancerous due to the antioxidants found within the cooked elderberry juice. [Cooked] Elderberry juice can also help lower fasting blood sugar, boost metabolism, and improve the body's ability to burn fat. On top of that, studies show that elderberry can promote good heart health, improve circulation, and reduce cholesterol.

And it's a probiotic.

I usually make a batch when it gets to be flu and cold season, and one in the spring. Now you can make your own elderberry syrup too.

A word of warning about elderberries: DO NOT EVER EAT THEM RAW! They are quite poisonous if they are eaten raw. Elderberries must be cooked at least 20 minutes before they are safe for consumption.

Ingredients Required to Make Immune-Boosting Elderberry Syrup

1 32 oz Mason Jar with Lid

1 Cup of Washed Elderberries - Remember: Do not eat them raw!

1 cup of raw honey - Local is better, but it can be hard to find. The brand I have linked is great.

1 Tablespoon of whole cloves - I use a lot of cloves for various remedies, so I buy them in bulk.

1 or 2 sticks of cinnamon (or 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon)

1 Lemon or 1/2 cup of lemon peels *optional*

1 orange or 1/2 cup of orange peels *optional*

Fresh ginger root- about 1/4th cup, sliced (afraid ground cinnamon just doesn't cut it)

Directions

Always sanitize the jars and lids that you're going to put your finished project in. Do this by simply boiling them for a few minutes in a large jar, then, using oven mitts and tongs because, hot glass is hot, take them out of the boiling water. Set them upside down to dry while you prepare your elderberry syrup.

Rinse your elderberries off in cool water first. Let them drain for a few minutes in the collinder, while you pour about 3 cups of filtered and distilled water into a pot. Turn the heat on to medium, and when it starts to simmer pour your cup of elderberries into the water, and let it boil for ten minutes. While it's boiling, peel and slice a good chunk of ginger. Wash your orange and lemon if you're adding them. ALWAYS WASH THEM PEOPLE. And do NOT peel them, as the peel is where most of the vitamins are. Just slice them into slices.

After the elderberries have boiled for ten minutes, turn the heat down to low, and add in all of the other ingredients. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or under the liquid has reduced to less than half. Once it's reached that point, turn off the heat to the mixture, and let it start to cool.

Now time for the honey! Little notes.

Local raw unfiltered honey is the absolute best to use, as it will help your body adapt to the pollens and allergens in your area the best. However, it can be hard to find. If you can't find it, regular local honey is your next best option. If you are in the middle of a huge city though, you can order your honey online, and you will still get great health benefits from it. Also important note: do not EVER give an infant honey!

Get a glass or metal bowl, and prepare to strain your liquid.

I use a fine strainer or a cheesecloth to straight my elderberry juice into the bowl. I add the honey into the liquid while it's still steaming hot, or I add the honey to the bowl first, to make sure the honey dissolves into the juice complete. Stir the honey and elderberry juice together very well, until all the honey is complete dissolved into the hot liquid.

Pour the dark syrup into your sanitized mason jar and keep it in your fridge. It will last for several weeks if your using it every day. If you seal it, and put it in the fridge, it will keep for several months.

Take it daily in the winter to help your body fight off colds and the flu easier. I hope you enjoy this natural medicine.

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