Elderberry syrup makes taking medicine a pleasure. It is not only an extremely effective medicinal, but delicious as well. You can use the flowers and the berries. The flowers are anti-microbial and the berries are diaphoretic (fever reducing). Take this medicine everyday for prevention of colds and flus. If you do get sick it will shorten the duration of the symptoms and break up a fever. It is also quite soothing to a sore throat. Most health-food stores carry a few brands of elderberry syrups, but it is easy to make your own! You’ll want to make a large jar to keep you and your family healthy for the whole cold and flu season. You can also use these directions to make other types of herbal syrups.
You will need:
elderberries
elderflowers
brandy (1 T per cup of infusion to preserve)
honey (1/4 cup per cup of infusion)
cheesecloth
optional: cinnamon stick (helps direct herbs to the periphery of the body), cloves, ginger slices, sumac berries (helps bring iron to the red blood cells and adds nice color), fennel, echinacea, astragalus
1. Begin by making a Tea/ Infusion:
- 1-2 T dried plant (elderberries and/or flowers)
- 1 c. boiling water
-Or-
- 3T fresh plant
- 1 c. boiling water
2. Cover and let steep for 6-12 hours (covering holds in the volatile oils).
3. Decoct the infusion by bringing it back to a boil and then simmer the liquid until it is reduced by half. Stir often while simmering, add any embellishments at this point (i.e cinnamon stick, ginger, etc…).
4. Strain the herbs from the liquid through a cheesecloth.
5. For every cup of infusion left, add 1/4 cup of honey (you may use less if you want less sweet) and 1 tablespoon of brandy.
6. Pour into clean bottles and label with the date and ingredients.
7. Refrigerate: the syrup should keep potency for at least a year in the fridge. It can be left out for up to ten days (keep a small bottle out for taking daily doses at room temperature). It will be apparent by smell if the batch has turned.
Reishi Roberson, Llc. 