Elderberry Syrup

"I love my vitamins mommy" repeat.

Yeah, that is what Charlotte Rose says on the daily and I have to fend her off before she goes in for seconds.

We have been making our own elderberry syrup over here and well, we can't get enough of it. With our homemade maple syrup and a number of seasonal health benefits from essential oils, how could we not!? I love adding this to our winter regimen with these trying times of sniffles and all that extra sugar.

You too?

Oh, and what better way to take it down than in your skivvies. Always.

The cold days are coming and there is nothing better than feeling fully equipped to fend off any of the nonsense that could threaten your health and wellness. So I am not one to fear the flu season but when cold weather hits and the holidays take over (again...all of that extra sugggarrr), I find it essential to keep to a healthy routine that will support our body’s natural defense system.

I have a number of natural immune-boosting protocols that have become routine like eating a whole foods diet, practicing yoga, stepping outdoors, and utilizing essential oils. Using elderberry syrup has quickly become my household’s winter staple. It is a new part of our regimen but we are thankful to have implemented it since sniffles and coughs have shown up in our toddler at this time of year. We are loving the seasonal flavor that holds our homemade maple syrup and even the flavor from the blend of oils thrown in there with all their extra strength benefits.

Elderberry Syrup

Ingredients-

Dried Elderberries 3.5 oz

Ginger root 1 tablespoon

Cloves 1 large teaspoon

Cinnamon Stick 1 stick

Or you can cheat and buy a kit that has every ingredient prepped for you and ready to simmer.

Elderberry Syrup Kit

Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan and add 2.5 cups of water.

Simmer on low until 12-13 oz or until the contents have reduced about one third. Plan for about 1-2 hours but the time may vary. Slow is the idea to avoid the syrup from evaporating too quickly or even burning!

Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool. I prefer to leave the pot cooling overnight for an extra potent batch.

Strain the contents into a mason jar and extract the berries as much as possible to get every last drop out of them you possibly can. Cheesecloth can be great for this.

Add essential oils and feel free to vary which ones you choose.

My favorite combination is two drops each of…

On Guard

Copaiba

Cassia

Clove

Ginger

Wild Orange

Add 1 cup of raw local honey or maple syrup. Stir until completely dissolved.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

I am by no means your doctor but think 1-3 tablespoons for us adults is plenty. Less is more with the littles so think 1-3 teaspoons for your children. My toddler demands her dose daily!

Benefits-

Boosts the immune system

Promotes bone strength and the development of new bone tissues

Alleviates respiratory symptoms like a cold and cough

Reduce wrinkles and age spots

Prevents constipation

Helps in weight loss

Helps reduce blood pressure

This recipe has only the simplest ingredients. Use organic whenever possible. It is so easy to make. Keep it in mind for gift giving! Enjoy and spread the love of good ol’ elderberry syrup and all of amazing benefits.