Elderberries

Elderberry fruit has long been considered a virtual cure-all with the ability to treat a wide variety of ailments and conditions. Hippocrates, the “Father of Medicine,” called the tree his “medicine chest.” Among its many attributes, elderberry is commonly used as a gentle, effective remedy to help prevent and fight viral and bacterial infections, especially cold and flu symptoms, such as fevers, coughs, headache, muscle aches, congestion, nausea, irritability, and wheezing. 1

NOTE: DO NOT EAT raw elderberries

Elderberry Syrup

1 cup of fresh elderberries
2 cups cold filtered water
1/4 cup sweetener of choice (raw, local honey, maple syrup, raw agave nectar for an infant-friendly recipe)
optional ingredients : fresh or ground ginger, cloves, ground cinnamon

Directions

Remove berries from stem and place in a bowl.

Rinse berries and remove any stems or debris.

Combine berries and herbs (if using) with cold water in a pot and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and allow herbs to simmer 40-45 minutes or until liquid has reduced by half.

Strain berries and herbs through a fine strainer, discarding berries and herbs.

Cool slightly before adding sweetener of choice. Stir to combine.

Place ice cube trays on a baking sheet and pour in cooled elderberry syrup.

Freeze overnight then remove the cubes and place them in a an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Thaw and use as needed for an immune boost.

(Use 1 tablespoon of elderberry syrup every 2 hours at the first sign of a cold. Reduce the serving size to 1 teaspoon for children under 12. Children under 2 can be given 1/2 teaspoon safely. )

NOTE: you can also use dried elderberries – use 1/2 cup to 2 cups of water and follow recipe above.

OTHER USES: You can add it to tea, drizzle over pancakes, swirled into oatmeal or yogurt, add into smoothies or drizzle on ice cream!!

Elderberry Gummies

1/2 cup elderberry syrup
2 tbsp. sweetener of your choice – you can add more to taste

1 tbsp. agar powder

Directions

In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the elderberry syrup, sweetener and agar powder.
Whisk continuously for about 5 minutes, or until mixture begins to noticeably thicken. Turn off the heat.
Using a dropper or spoon, gently fill silicone molds of your choice.
Place the molds in the refrigerator to chill and set.

Keep stored in a cool, dry place, like the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.