Simple Elderberry Syrup Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup dried elderberries

4 cups water

1 cup honey (raw and unfiltered for added benefits, but you can adjust to taste)

1 cinnamon stick

1 teaspoon ginger (fresh, grated)

1 teaspoon cloves (whole or ground)

Instructions:

Prepare the Elderberries: Rinse the elderberries under cold water. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the elderberries, water, cinnamon stick, ginger, and cloves.

Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the liquid has reduced by almost half.

Strain the Mixture: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes. Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the liquid into a bowl, separating the elderberry juice from the solids.

Add Honey: Once the liquid has cooled to a warm temperature (to preserve the beneficial properties of raw honey), add the honey and stir until well combined.

Store the Syrup: Pour the elderberry syrup into a clean, airtight glass jar or bottle. Store the syrup in the refrigerator. It can last for several weeks to a few months, depending on the freshness of your ingredients.

Dosage:

Adults: 1 tablespoon daily as a preventive measure. If sick, take 1 tablespoon 3-4 times per day.

Children: 1 teaspoon daily as a preventive measure. If sick, take 1 teaspoon 3-4 times per day. Please note that elderberries should be cooked before consumption, as raw elderberries can be mildly toxic.

**Additionally, if you have any pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating elderberry syrup into your routine.