I was looking for an elderberry syrup that could not only boost the immune system, but would also help with controlling mucus and cough. This is what I came up with.
Ingredients
• 3½ cups water
• 2/3 cup dried black elderberries (dried, or 1 1/3 cups fresh or frozen)
• 1/4 cup dried echinacea root or 1 tsp echinacea tincture
• 2 TBSP marshmallow root
• 2 TBSP slippery elm bark
• 2 TBSP licorice root
• 1 TBSP ginger (grated)
• Orange zest from 1 orange, or 2 tsp dried orange zest
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1 cup raw honey
Instructions
1. Pour the water into a medium saucepan and add the elderberries, echinacea, marshmallow root, ginger, orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves.
2. Bring to a boil and then cover and reduce to a simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour until the liquid has reduced by almost half.
3. Remove from heat and let cool until it is cool enough to be handled.
4. Mash the berries carefully using a flat utensil.
5. Pour through a strainer into a glass jar or bowl.
6. Discard the elderberries and let the liquid cool to lukewarm.
7. When it is no longer hot, add the honey and stir well.
8. When the honey is well mixed into the elderberry mixture, pour the syrup into a mason jar or 16-ounce glass bottle of some kind.
Notes:
Instant Pot option: Put all ingredients except honey in pot, seal lid, and set manually for 9 minutes on high pressure. Vent pressure and strain. When cooled to room temperature, stir in the honey.
Dosage:
Store in the fridge and take daily for its immune boosting properties. Some sources recommend taking only during the week and not on the weekends to boost immunity.
Standard dose is ½ - 1 teaspoon for kids and ½ - 1 tablespoon for adults. If sickness does strike, take the normal dose every 2-3 hours instead of once a day until symptoms disappear.
