Elderberry Syrup for Colds and Flu

Elderberries are known to be a wonderful preventative and remedy for colds and flu. I have enjoyed experimenting by concocting this homemade elderberry syrup for our family's use. It is tasty taken alone by the spoonful, but I have also been drizzling a bit into our smoothies or occasionally into hot tea as a sweetener. Once we served the syrup over pancakes. "Medicine" can be delicious!

Below is the basic recipe I followed. If you don't happen to have your very own elderberry bush nearby, you can purchase the dried elderberries in bulk at places such as MoreThanAlive.com:

Elderberry Syrup:

1/2 c. dried elderberries

1/3 c. honey, unheated is best

1 T. fresh ginger, optional

1 cinnamon stick, optional

4 cloves, optional

2 cups water

Bring elderberries, water, and spices to a boil; lower heat and simmer 20-30 min, reducing by about half. Mash berries, then strain liquid. Stir in honey until dissolved. Store in refrigerator for 2-4 weeks. Take by the tablespoonful for prevention of illness, or more often with onset of symptoms.