Beat the Flu

I have been making and using Elderberry Syrup every winter for a few years now and I think it really helps both in preventing the colds and flu and/or shortening the duration of them.  Obviously it's not the only factor but I surely have noticed that it helps!  You know there have even been studies done that back me up.  But I still think my favorite study is the one done on myself.  I don't remember the last time I had the flu and if my kids have gotten sick it has been so mild and didn't last more than a couple of days.  That's for 3 or 4 winters my friends I think that's a pretty good study but that's just me! ;)

I have made the syrups with honey and tried different herbal combinations added to it.  But I find my favorite is the syrup with some of my other favorite Flu Busting herbs added and vegetable glycerine instead of honey.  I can make more at once because it seems to keep better and longer in the fridge.  And that saves me time!  I hope you enjoy my favorite version of Elderberry Syrup.  Oh by the way I have tried both homemade and store bought and not only is homemade MUCH cheaper I feel like it works much better.  Again maybe it's just me but thought I would share.

*Part of the Common Sense Preparedness Link Up*

Elderberries ready to simmer with spices

Straining everything out of the decoction

Adding the Vegetable Glycerine

Pouring into a quart jar to store in the fridge

Beat the Flu - Elderberry Syrup

3/4 cup dried Elder Berries (1 1/2 cups fresh if you have them)
3 cups water
1 Cinnamon Stick
4-5 whole Cloves
2-3 thin slices of fresh ginger
3 Tablespoons dried Peppermint Leaf
1 Tablespoon dried Yarrow Leaf and Flower
1 Tablespoon dried Elder Flower (optional)
2 1/2 cups Vegetable Glycerine

Place Elderberries, cinnamon stick, cloves and ginger in a saucepan with water.  Cover and let simmer for about 10 minutes.  Add the other herbs and simmer until it has cooked down to about half its volume.  (About 10-20 more minutes.  You have basically made an herbal decoction)  Strain the mixture, mix the glycerine with the strained liquid.  Pour into a quart jar.  Keeps in the fridge at least 2 months.  I pour some into a 4 ounce dropper bottle 2 droppers full is about 1 teaspoon.  I have us take about a teaspoon a day in the winter more if there is a lot of sickness around us or we seem a bit under the weather.