How to make Elderberry Syrup

I thought I would post this tutorial on how to make elderberry syrup. I've had several people ask me what i give my kids during cold and flu season since I don't reach for the traditional Robitussin or Triaminic. Elderberries are a wonderful herb used in natural cold and flu remedies. Tea can also be made from dry elderberries as well. This recipe is by Mountain Rose Herbs. You can watch a full tutorial here for more details. In this recipe I use dry berries, but frozen or fresh can be used too. It's a very simple recipe. Here's what you'll need:

1/2 cup of dried elderberries (fresh or frozen can be used, just increase to 1 cup)
1 cinnamon stick
5 cloves
1tbsp fresh grated ginger
2 cups water
1 cup of honey

Step one: Combine elderberries, cinnamon stick, ginger, cloves and water in a saucepan .

Bring to a boil

Once boiled, simmer covered until liquid is reduced by 1/2 (approximately 20-30 minutes)

Next, pour through a sieve into a bowl or large measuring cup.

Use a spoon to push excess liquid out of berries into the bowl

Add 1 cup of honey, stir and let cool.

Store in a closed jar in the refrigerator for up to one month.

This syrup can be taken 1 tbsp every couple of hours while sick, or as a preventative during cold and flu season, take on 1 tbsp a day. It tastes yummy. The kids love it. This syrup contains honey. Avoid giving this to any child under one year of age. Pure maple syrup can be substituted for those under one year of age.