Elderberries

These tiny pungent flavored berries are loaded with vitamin Cand have long been used as an immune system ally.

This herb is an immune stimulant , very useful in treating upper respiratory infections, asthma, bronchitis, influenza and sinusitis.

Elderberries will differ considerably in form and taste. They grow on bushy shrubs a few feet high. Elder trees Elder trees can reach 50ft. Their clusters of aromatic, star-shaped white flowers vary from flat-topped bunches to globular arrays, which mature to berrylike fruits ranging in color from white and red to black. You can pick the whole spray. Separate the berries from their lacey stems by holding the stem in one hand and gently pulling the tiny berries off by the handful. Be prepared for purple stains on your hands! This makes good work for small hands. My 8 year old daughter is much faster and more efficient at this than I am.

What to do with all these yummy berries you've gathered?

Put some up in a tincture because you'll want to have some on hand this winter.

Dry some for later use or for tea blends.

The berries are extremely rich in Vitamin C and can also be made into a decoction for use throughout the cold & flu season.

Make Some Elderberry Syrup!

Use 2 ounces of elderberries to 1 quart of water. If you like, you can also add some rosehips for extra vitamin C.

Heat mixture and let simmer down to a pint.

Strain herbs and return liquid to pot.

To each pint of liquid, add 1 cup organic honey. This sweetens the syrup and acts as a preservative. Gently heat the honey and elderberries together in the pan.

Remove from heat and bottle.

Brandy can be added as a cough relaxant to adult syrups.

For flavoring, try adding a pinch of cinnamon and a few drops of vanilla!

The syrup will last weeks or even months in the refrigerator.

Take a spoonful daily or every other day to prevent colds and flu. It can also be taken for symptoms during illness.

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