Quick and Simple Elderberry Cold Syrup

This Quick and Simple Elderberry Cold Syrup is a great immune-stimulating herbal remedy that can be used frequently as soon as a cold strikes. Elderberry is the star of this preparation as it has many beneficial uses for the onset of colds and the flu. This syrup tastes great and can be used for adults and children alike (please use maple syrup instead of honey for children under 1 year of age).

Ingredients

1 cup dried elder (Sambucus nigra or S. canadensis) berry

1 tbsp ginger (Zingiber officinale) root, grated

Handful of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) flower buds

6 cups water

1½ cups raw honey

Directions

• Bring herbs and water to a boil and simmer gently for 45-60 minutes, or until 2-3 cups of liquid remains. Keep a close eye on this decoction while it simmers lest it evaporate entirely!

  
  

• Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

  
  

• Strain herbs through a fine mesh filter or several layers of cheesecloth over a bowl or wide-mouth jar. Press the plant material (marc) to squeeze out every last drop of decoction. Compost herbs and reserve liquid in a sterilized, quart- sized glass jar.

  
  

• Stir 1½ cups of raw honey into liquid. Mix well.

  
  

• Label, refrigerate, and use within 4-6 weeks.

  
  

• To use, take 2 teaspoons every 3 hours at the first sign of a viral infection.