Elderberry Berries/whole
Immune Boosting Elderberry
When you're looking to strengthen your system or fight off a cold and flu, try the do-it-yourself immune boosting elderberry with all natural warming ingredients.
“Israeli researchers have developed five formulas based on elderberry fruit that have been clinically proven to prevent and ameliorate all kinds of influenza. The complex sugars of the berries are the immune-active fraction.”
Sambucus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Adoxaceae. The various species are commonly called elder or elderberry. The genus was formerly placed in the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae, but was reclassified as Adoxaceae due to genetic and morphological comparisons to plants in the genus Adoxa.
For acute flu symptoms, this homemade version works well and is much less expensive in my experience. “Standard dose is 1/2 tsp to 1 tsp for kids and 1/2 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.”
Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Ingredients
- 3½ cups water
- 2/3 cup dried elderberries (or 1 1/3 cups fresh or frozen)
- 2 TBSP ginger (grated)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- 1 cup raw honey
Instructions
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Pour the water into a medium saucepan and add the elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
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Bring to a boil and then cover and reduce to a simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour until the liquid has reduced by almost half.
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Remove from heat and let cool until it is cool enough to be handled.
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Mash the berries carefully using a spoon or other flat utensil.
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Pour through a strainer into a glass jar or bowl.
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Discard the elderberries and let the liquid cool to lukewarm.
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When it is no longer hot, add the honey and stir well.
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When the honey is well mixed into the elderberry mixture, pour the syrup into a mason jar or 16 ounce glass bottle of some kind.
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Ta-da! You just made homemade elderberry syrup! Store in the fridge and take daily for its immune boosting properties. Some sources recommend taking only during the week and not on the weekends to boost immunity.
2oz.