Hello friends,
As parents we try our best to keep our kids healthy, but common illnesses are an expected, though not welcome, part of growing up. I sometimes think back on my own childhood and remember how my mom had to care for my sister and I when we were sick. My mom was, of course, our in-house doctor, treating us at home first and if those remedies didn’t work, then she’d take us to the actual doctor. I was especially plagued with sinus infections (not fun). Well, history seems to be repeating itself in my family life, because I have followed in my mom’s footsteps. I’m the first “doctor” my kids see before we call their pediatrician. We love the care our boys’ receive from their doctor, but thankfully, and because I’ve been learning how to prepare my own tried, tested and proven home remedies, they mostly see their doctor for well visits!
Now on to the fun stuff! I’m going to show you how I make one of my faves, Elderberry Syrup. This is so simple to make! With the exception of the dried elderberries, everything you need is already in your pantry!
Grab a pot. Who’s ready to make some delicious Elderberry Syrup?
Ingredients (this makes approx. 2 cups of syrup)
- 4oz. dried elderberries (buy it here)
- 2 cups water
- 1 Tbs. ginger (grated fresh) I used a couple pieces of dried ginger in this recipe, see pics
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 5 cloves
- 1 cup honey (preferably raw)
You will also need a medium saucepan, strainer and mason jar.
Place the first 5 ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for approximately 20-30 minutes or until it’s reduced to somewhat of a syrup-like consistency. Remove from heat, let cool slightly, strain, then stir-in honey (too much heat will destroy some of the healing properties of the honey). Pour into your favorite jars, keep refrigerated for about 3 months.
Step By Step in Pictures
How To Use
When my kids are about to get sick with a cold I give them a teaspoon up to 3 times a day for a few days. Me and my hubby usually do a tablespoon every hour or so for a few times a day when we’re in the acute phase. You can also take the elderberry syrup daily to help prevent the flu, cold etc.
What’s Elderberry Good For?
- Great immune booster
- Good for bronchitis, colds, coughing and especially the flu
- Contains carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamin A and B and a large amount of vitamin C and other compounds that inhibit the flu from penetrating cell membranes and invading respiratory tract cells.
Elderberry syrup is easy to make and very beneficial for your health, my only precaution…you may want to drink more than you need because it’s so yummy!
If you’re still not up to making your own, and have never used Elderberry Syrup, you can buy it here or your local health food, Whole foods or similar store.
What was your family’s go-to home remedy as a child?
Disclaimer: It should go without saying but since I must, let me clarify that this information is not meant to treat, cure, diagnose or prevent any illness or encourage you to pursue any particular course of treatment. This is simply the recipe I use for my family. I strongly urge anyone, as I do myself, to do their own research on any herbs and supplements before taking or giving it to your family. It’s almost always best to do so under the care and supervision of a medical or other licensed practitioner. There, I said it. 🙂
The gorgeous syrup is great in a glass of sparkling water over ice, dripped some over plain yogurt, atop a bowl of vanilla ice cream, or use it to make an lively kir. And hello pancakes and waffles! You can also use the berries to make Elderberry jelly .