Make your own homemade immune-boosting elder berry syrup!

It SO MUCH cheaper to make yourself v.s purchasing it at the store and is a tasty way to defend against the cold and flu for kids and adults.

Elderberry syrup is packed with antioxidants, minerals and vitamins A and C. This botanical remedy has historically been used to prevent or shorten symptoms of the common cold and flu. 

Instructions:
Stovetop:
Combine elderberries, cinnamon stick, ginger, orange peel,  schisandra berries, reishi, anise pods and water. DO NOT ADD THE HONEY. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about an hour.

Instant Pot:
Combine elderberries, cinnamon stick, ginger, orange peel,  schisandra berries, reishi, anise pods and water. DO NOT ADD THE HONEY. Cover and lock. Set to Manual High Pressure for 20 minutes. Allow to depressurize naturally.

Using a mesh strainer, strain the liquid into a glass jar. Use the back of a spoon to mash the berries and extract even more liquid. Compost the berries.

Allow liquid to cool to room temp, then add honey, close the lid to the jar and shake vigorously until it is completely dissolved. You can use a blender if you'd like. 

​Store in the fridge.

Ingredients
4-inch piece of ginger
2-inch piece of turmeric 
3 tbsp water (add more as needed to blend thoroughly)
3 Tbs lemon juice

Directions
Makes 2-3 servings

1. Wash ginger and turmeric thoroughly. (I use a vegetable brush. You can also peel them if you desire.)
2. Place ginger, turmeric and water in a high-speed blender and blend until ginger and turmeric  is completely pulverized.
3. Strain liquid into a jar and add lemon juice*
4. Pour 1-2 oz into a cup and take a shot! I also enjoy mixing this with hot water, bubbly water or regular water. Apple cider vinegar and honey are also nice additions to the beverage version of this!
5. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week. *The lemon juice helps this mixture stay better for longer.