DIY Elderberry Syrup

There is nothing worse than being a momma to a sick child. Watching them struggle as they work through there sickness and you, being Super-Mom of course, race to their every need in hopes to quicken the time, reduce the pain, and ease all their discomfort. 

Last winter my daughter, Lydia, had a chronic ear infection that lasted five months. We had her to the doctor where she was put on several antibiotics and steroids. We also used homeopathic remedies as well. My best friend/ sister-at-heart who is a naturopathic doctor recommended Elderberry Syrup. I purchased some from her health food store and even though we struggled with the ear infection the entire winter, I really felt that the elderberry syrup helped reduce the severity of Lydia's ear infections. 

For this upcoming winter I decided to make it myself! 

DIY Elderberry Syrup

photo; compliments of iStock; elfgradost

Elderberries ripen July through September and can be found growing in the wild all over North America, usually along wood lines and in marshy areas. If you do not have a place to pick them yourself try your local Farmer's Market when elderberries are in season. 

This is very simple to make and you probably have all the tools in your kitchen. I found this recipe from The The Bulk Herb Store so be sure to check them out because they have many great products as well as recipes!


Before we move ahead I want my readers to be fully aware of the affiliates associated with my blog. To read more information about this please read our Disclaimer.

photo; compliments of iStock; Maren Winter

RECIPE: DIY Elderberry Syrup

INGREDIENTS:

4   cups      Fresh elderberries

4   cups      Filtered water

3   cups      Vegetable glycerine
2   cups      Double-E Immune Booster Tea (currently no affiliate. purchase at The Bulk Herb Store )
1   cup       Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 cup      Raw honey

DIRECTIONS:

Combine first four ingredients in a large crock-pot and cook on low for 8 hours.

After 8 hours, allow berries to cool until they are comfortable to handle.

Place a strainer over a large glass or stainless steel bowl and line strainer with a cheese cloth.

Pour berry mixture from crock-pot into cheese cloth.

Allow berries to strain until no more liquid is coming out the bottom of the strainer. (May need to
squeeze cheese cloth a few times to get all juice extracted into bowl.)

While berries are straining, in a small sauce pan combine ACV and raw honey and heat on low to medium heat until honey is incorporated, DO NOT BOIL! Once combined remove from heat.

Combine strained liquid and ACV/honey mixture together and stir well.

Store in glass jars with tight lids and keep in cool dark place. Syrup will keep up to 6 months.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE:

Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor so please seek the advice of your medical physician before following the directions below.

Adults:

Take 1 tablespoon once a week during cold and flu season

At first signs of cold or flu take 1 tablespoon 5-6 times per day.

School-age children:

Take 1/2 tsp. every 30 minutes 1st day of sickness and then next day take 5-6 1/2 tsp-doses.

For more information please check out our YouTube video here.

CREDITS:

Weaver M.H., Rachel. Backyard Pharmacy.Reinholds:Share-A-Care Publications, 2013.Print. 

Thayer, Samuel. Nature's Garden.Birchwood:Forager's Harvest, 2010.Print. 

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