This special preparation can be taken in frequent doses when you are coming down with a cold or flu or are already sick. Take 1-2 tablespoons every 30 minutes. If you are taking this as a preventative, take 1 teaspoon daily.
Because the syrup is a food-like herb, you can take it in higher dosages. The ginger, cloves and cinnamon not only contribute to the flavor, but also add warming, invigorating, stimulating and diaphoretic properties to the syrup.
1 cup fresh Elderberries (1/2 c. dried)
2 cups filtered water
1/8 tsp. powdered cloves or a few whole cloves
¼ tsp cinnamon or ½ cinnamon stick
1 star anise
1 inch fresh chopped ginger root
Mash berries with water and spices. Simmer until reduced to desired concentrations. Remember, the longer the syrup is simmered, the more thick and concentrated it will be. Strain. Return liquid to the cooking pot. Stir in 1 cup raw honey. The honey is added at the end so the enzymes are not destroyed. For children under 1 year of age, maple syrup can be substituted for the honey.
Add optional Brandy or Vodka if desired. Alcohol is optional but will greatly increase the shelf life of your syrup. For this recipe use 1 cup of alcohol. Bottle and refrigerate. Shake well before use.
The syrup will last weeks or even months in the refrigerator.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.