Flu season is crazy right now.  All over Facebook, I see posts about people whose families are being ravaged by this multi day yuck that is circling.  Having just begun a new business 6 months ago, my husband and I cannot afford to be sick and miss out on work…and my son leaves for a mission trip in 2 1/2 weeks, so we are no holds barred on the immunity boosting.  All my crunchy mama friends have been downing elderberry syrup, so I thought I’d jump on the bandwagon.  The last week or so we’ve been mixing a couple teaspoons into a small shot of juice and I’m hoping this superfood will keep the sickies at bay.

Elderberries are helpful due to their crazy vitamin content.  They are high in Vitamin A and Vitamin C, contain the antioxidant quercitin, are anti inflammatory and possess antiviral properties.  Whew!  Worth a try, huh?  I buy elderberries through Frontier Co-op.  I can buy wholesale through them because I’m in a group that orders together.  I love buying my spices, cocoa powder and teas there.  I would imagine you can find them at health food stores, though.  It goes without saying that you should make sure you buy them from a reputable source so that you know they are safe to ingest.  Don’t go picking random tiny berries in the woods and making this with them!

There’s a ton of variations on elderberry syrup online, but I’ve tasted two before this one and it’s hands down the favorite for my family.  I based it on this recipe.

Mix water, elderberries, cinnamon, ginger and cloves and bring to a boil.

Turn down the heat and simmer for 45 minutes.  Mash with a potato masher to get the berries good and smooshed.

Drain through a metal strainer, pushing berries with spoon against sides to get all the juice out.

Let cool until room temperature and then add the raw honey.  If it’s too hot, the honey won’t be raw anymore!

Mix well and store in the refrigerator.

Use 1-2 teaspoons daily – adults can use as much as 1T.  I use about 2t. daily for both my kids and I.  If we do get sick, I will bump up the dosage, but for now I feel like it will help our bodies ward off the germs!

*As with any vitamin/supplement/herb, you should consult with your physician to make sure that it doesn’t interact with any medications you’re taking, or worsen any conditions you currently have.

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