A fellow beekeeper sent this to me and I am giving it a try as an immune booster. I used elderberries I had picked and frozen last August. The recipe calls for dried elderberries. I have seen elderberries dried at food co-ops and health food stores.
Elderberry Syrup: A Cold and Flu Prevention and Remedy
2/3 c. elderberries
2 T. fresh or dried ginger root
1 T. whole cloves
3 1/2 c. water
1 T. cinnamon powder
1 c. raw honey
Pour water into a medium saucepan. Add elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Don't add the honey yet.
Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce temperature. Simmer until the liquid is reduced to almost half. About 45-60 minutes.
Remove from heat and allow to cool enough to handle. Strain through a strainer into another dish that is large enough to add the honey.
When the liquid is lukewarm, stir in the honey. Stir until fully incorporated.
Pour into glass jars and store in the refrigerator.
Dosage: Children 1/2-1 tsp. daily; Adults 1/2-1 tablespoon daily
(Some sources recommend taking the dosage daily through the week and abstaining on the weekends to boost immunity.)
If a cold or flu does strike, take the recommended dosage every 2-3 hours, instead of once daily, until symptoms disappear.
