DIY Elderberry Syrup

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. 

Ingredients:
-3/4 cup - 1 1/2 cups* organic dried elderberries
-1 cinnamon stick
-2 inches fresh ginger, sliced. 
-1 tablespoon schisandra berries 
-1/4 cup organic dried orange peel
-2-3 slices of dried reishi mushroom
-2 star anise pods
-4 cups water
-1 cup raw, local honey​

*The more elderberries, the thicker and stronger the syrup will be.

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.

Dosing:
Prevention and immune health
Adults: 1 Tablespoon 1x day
Kids 2-7: 1/4 Tablespoon 1x day
Kids 8-12: 1/2 Tablespoon 1x day

If you are sick:
​Adults: 1 Tablespoon 3x day
Kids 2-7: 1/4 Tablespoon 3x day
Kids 8-12: 1/2 Tablespoon 3x day

Dosing recommendations from
​Dr. Aviva Romm, herbalist and MD via Erin Holt Health.