Immune boosting Elderberry syrup

Elderberry syrup is a natural daily supplement in our household as soon as cold and flu season starts.

Despite being tiny in size, elderberries pack a big, healthy punch. Elderberries are considered an anti-viral natural remedy which is why elderberry products (such as Sambucol) are consumed so readily during cold and flu season.

Elderberries are rich in:

Vitamin C

Vitamin A

Iron

Potassium

Beta-carotene

Calcium

Phosphorus

Bioflavonoids

Antioxidants

In addition the syrup is made with ginger, cinnamon and cloves - all of which have immune boosting properties and flu fighting agents.

Recipe:

·  2/3 cup dried black elderberries

·  3 1/2 cups of water

·  2 Tablespoons freshly grated ginger root

·  1 teaspoon cinnamon powder

·  1/2 teaspoon cloves or clove powder

·  1/2 cup honey

How to:

1.      In a medium pot, add water, elderberries, ginger, cinnamon and clove powder (not honey)

2.      Bring to a boil and simmer for around 30 - 45 min. I usually squash the elderberries with a potato masher as they are cooking to make sure I get all the goodness out of them.

3.      Strain, squeeze all the juice from the elderberries. Discard the used elderberries

4.      Cool the liquid down to room temperature and then add the 1/2 cup of honey. Mix well.

5.      Transfer into a jar and store in a fridge.

Use:

At 1st sign of illness or if already ill

·  Kids: 1/2 tsp, every 2-3 hours

·  Adults: 1/2 to 1Tbsp every 2-3 hours

or as a daily immune booster

·  Kids: 1 tsp once a day

·  Adults: 1Tbsp once a day