You ordered the easy-to-use DIY elderberry syrup kit from Twice The Light. Now what? How do you turn this pouch of ingredients into the super food, immunity boosting syrup you’ve been hearing so much about? It’s really simple, the recipe is very forgiving and you can add optional ingredients you may already have on hand to adjust the flavors too if you choose. Read on to learn how to make your own elderberry syrup at home.
First let's start with the basic starter instructions and then we’ll go over some optional ingredients you can add. The starter instructions will include everything you purchased in your pouch except spring water and organic raw honey, which you will want to gather before you begin.
Gather your ingredients:
2 cups spring water (not included)
3/4 cup of dried elderberries
½-3/4 cup raw organic honey (not included)
contents of essential oil vial (lemon, cinnamon, clove, ginger and Thieves)
2 cinnamon sticks
Directions:
1. Add berries to the enclosed cloth tea bag and tie closed.
2. Add water and berries to a large, pot. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce temp to low and simmer for 60 minutes.
4. Allow to cool completely then squeeze the berries to release all their liquid.
5. Strain liquid through a fine-mesh strainer or squeeze through cheesecloth, removing any loose berries, and cinnamon sticks. (wear gloves, it can get messy and elderberries stain)
6. Add your organic honey and essential oils. Stir until honey is dissolved.
7. Ladle into jars, label and put on a tight-fitting lid.
Store in the refrigerator up to 6 weeks.
Suggested Use:
During cold and flu season take daily to help boost immune system. Adults take 1-2 Tablespoons. Children 2 and up take 1/2-1 teaspoons. Double the dosage if you start to feel cold symptoms. Want to learn more about what makes elderberry so wonderful? Follow me over here...
That’s it, easy peasy. Everything you need is included in the pouch, all you need to add is the water and honey.
Optional:
If you’d like to have some fun with the flavor there are several ingredients you can add. Choose one, or all of them:
- Add a knob of peeled ginger to the pot while simmering. Ginger has many health benefits including powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can be highly effective in alleviating many forms of nausea. It also adds a lovely warm depth of flavor the syrup
- Wash and slice an orange in half and add to the pot while simmering. We know oranges pack in the vitamin C but did you know they are also an antioxidant and supply potassium and folate? The added orange will also add a nice bright citrus to the syrup.
- Add a teaspoon of pure vanilla paste for a sweet creamy added flavor
It is important to note that although the name says syrup the consistency of homemade elderberry syrup is more like that of a juice.
Try your best to obtain pure raw organic honey for your syrup. It not only will sweeten the syrup (elderberries are not the sweetest of berries) but it is also a powerhouse superfood with anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. It adds not only sweetness but a slew of medicinal benefits to your syrup.
** Honey is not recommended for children less than one year old. If making for children under 1 year you may substitute the honey for a safer sweetener such as maple syrup.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications. For educational purposes only.
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