We’ve been building our arsenal of natural remedies to combat the flu as it continues run to rampant across the country.  Besides taking Vitamin D3 to help boost our immune systems during the Winter, we’ve been thrilled with the healthy boost that our elderberry syrup has offered us and our kids.

Here is Joanie’s simple recipe.  Trust me, it’ll be worth the time and effort to fend off those germs!

Ingredients

2/3 cup dried organic black elderberries
3 1/2 cups water
2 Tablespoons of fresh ginger (peeled and sliced)
1 1/2 Tablespoons cinnamon powder
1 teaspoon of clove powder
1 cup of raw, local honey

Directions

1. Add first 5 ingredients (everything except honey) to a medium size saucepan
2. Bring to a boil, reduce heat
3. Let simmer for 3- 4 hours to reduce by nearly half, stirring occasionally
4. Remove from heat and strain liquid to remove elderberries and ginger, discard or compost
5. Once completely cooled, add honey and mix well
6. Store in air tight container and keep refrigerated (the syrup lasts about a month when refrigerated)

Usage

The standard dosage is 1/2 to 1 teaspoon for kids daily and 1/2 to 1 tablespoon for adults daily for prevention of cold and flu during the toughest part of the season.  If the flu strikes, take the normal dosage every 2 to 3 hours until symptoms disappear.

Believe me, the kids won’t fight you on this one because it’s delicious!  And you won’t have to worry about risky food dyes either.

What’s in your natural arsenal?

P.S.  Fighting a cough that just won’t go away?  You’ve got to try EcoKaren’s Asian Pear and Honey Cough remedy!