Make your own ELDERBERRY SYRUP
Elderberry Syrup a lovely addition to support you through the cold and shifting weathers.
Elderberries have immune boosting compounds that help not only reduce the number of seasonal cold and flues, but also decreases the amount of time you may have to endure the symptoms of a cold or flu.
“Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu, of Hadassah-Hebrew University in Israel found that elderberry disarms the enzyme viruses use to penetrate healthy cells in the lining of the nose and throat. Taken before infection, it prevents infection. Taken after infection, it prevents spread of the virus through the respiratory tract.”
And the added bonus is that elderberry syrup taste great. I end up taking a spoonful most days with my warm breakfast bowl, and on days where I am feeling like a cold might be starting I take it a few times a day. If you or your loved ones spend your days in classrooms, workplaces, or the close confines of public transit systems, why not give your winter immunity a boost during the times when many people are being affected by the season.
Make your own ELDERBERRY SYRUP
You can purchase dried elderberries from a health food store:
Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups cold water (spring water or distilled water)
- 1 cup dried elderberries
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon cloves
- 1 cup raw honey
Instructions:
- Add water, elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves in a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a boil then cover and reduce to a simmer 45 minutes to an hour, or until the liquid has reduced to almost half. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Mash the berries then pour syrup through a strainer into a large bowl.
- When the syrup is completely cooled, add the honey and stir well.
- Pour into a sealable jar and store in the fridge for up to three weeks.
- A spoonful a day or when experiencing a cold or flu have 3 a day.
By Sonja Den Elzen Acupuncture, Shiastu