Making And Using Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry syrup has recently gained a lot of attention and become quite popular. Many people feel that it helps boost their immune system and ward off the common cold. Some even believe that taking the syrup helps them recover faster when they are already ill. While you can purchase bottles of pre-made elderberry syrup at many health food stores, making your own elderberry syrup is also a fun and rewarding experience. You can either buy all of the necessary ingredients yourself, or you can find a kit that contains all the basics. Here are instructions for making and using elderberry syrup, complete with an ingredients list that will come in handy if you don't have a kit.
Making Elderberry Syrup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried elderberries
- 2 cups filtered or bottled water
- 1 teaspoon dried ginger, or a 1-inch nub of ginger, peeled and diced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup plain vodka
Directions:
Place the dried elderberries and the water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, and then simmer for about a half-hour, stirring occasionally. Add the ginger and the cinnamon stick, and simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Pour the syrup through a strainer or sieve to remove the ginger, elderberries, and cinnamon stick. Discard these items, and pour the syrup into a large glass jar.
Add the honey and vodka to the jar. Stir or shake until the mixture is uniform. Store your elderberry syrup at room temperature; the alcohol will keep it from spoiling.
Using Elderberry Syrup
The best way to use elderberry syrup is simply to pour yourself a tablespoon full of the mixture and eat it. The syrup will taste somewhat like alcohol, but the flavor is pleasant. If you prefer, you can instead stir your tablespoon of syrup into about 4 ounces of warm water to make a warm, enjoyable beverage. The steam from the elderberry drink can be really relaxing when you are ill.
You should take elderberry syrup twice a day when you are feeling sick. If there is a bug going around that you do not want to catch, take a tablespoon of syrup once or twice per day.
Elderberry syrup is a popular and beneficial health remedy. When you make your own, it is also affordable to keep on hand. Buy an elderberry syrup kit, like the kit from Clearwater Valley Farms, or a bag of ingredients, and get started.