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Beat the Flu




I have been making and using Elderberry Syrup every winter for a few years now and I think it really helps both in preventing the colds and flu and/or shortening the duration of them.  Obviously it's not the only factor but I surely have noticed that it helps!  You know there have even been studies done that back me up.  But I still think my favorite study is the one done on myself.  I don't remember the last time I had the flu and if my kids have gotten sick it has been so mild and didn't last more than a couple of days.  That's for 3 or 4 winters my friends I think that's a pretty good study but that's just me! ;)

I have made the syrups with honey and tried different herbal combinations added to it.  But I find my favorite is the syrup with some of my other favorite Flu Busting herbs added and vegetable glycerine instead of honey.  I can make more at once because it seems to keep better and longer in the fridge.  And that saves me time!  I hope you enjoy my favorite version of Elderberry Syrup.  Oh by the way I have tried both homemade and store bought and not only is homemade MUCH cheaper I feel like it works much better.  Again maybe it's just me but thought I would share.




*Part of the Common Sense Preparedness Link Up*


Elderberries ready to simmer with spices

Straining everything out of the decoction

Adding the Vegetable Glycerine

Pouring into a quart jar to store in the fridge

Beat the Flu - Elderberry Syrup
3/4 cup dried Elder Berries (1 1/2 cups fresh if you have them)
3 cups water
1 Cinnamon Stick
4-5 whole Cloves
2-3 thin slices of fresh ginger
3 Tablespoons dried Peppermint Leaf
1 Tablespoon dried Yarrow Leaf and Flower
1 Tablespoon dried Elder Flower (optional)
2 1/2 cups Vegetable Glycerine

Place Elderberries, cinnamon stick, cloves and ginger in a saucepan with water.  Cover and let simmer for about 10 minutes.  Add the other herbs and simmer until it has cooked down to about half its volume.  (About 10-20 more minutes.  You have basically made an herbal decoction)  Strain the mixture, mix the glycerine with the strained liquid.  Pour into a quart jar.  Keeps in the fridge at least 2 months.  I pour some into a 4 ounce dropper bottle 2 droppers full is about 1 teaspoon.  I have us take about a teaspoon a day in the winter more if there is a lot of sickness around us or we seem a bit under the weather. 



4 comments:

Queen Mommy said...

I will definitely have to try this after I get the herbs and elderberries for it. We use it during respiratory illnesses during the winter months, especially for my asthma girls.

shaunita said...

For the yarrow leaf and flower, do you buy the powder?

Samantha said...

I use elderberry syrup but I have been buying it at the store. I have elderberries and after reading your post, I am ready to try making my own. Thank you for your amazing posts and for sharing all this information.

Tammie said...

shaunita: You could use either but I get the cut herb. It is easier to strain out then powders.