How to make:

2 cups dried elderberries

4 cups cold water 2-3 dried ginger root 1 cinnamon stick 1 cup honey 1 cup vodka or brandy

1.Combine berries and herbs with cold water in pot to boil

2.Reduce heat and allow to simmer.

3.Remove and allow to sit for one hour.

4. Strain berries with cheese cloth.

5.One liquid has cooled, stir in honey.

6.Add vodka or brandy if wanting to increase shelf life.

7.Bottle in a sterilized jar.

Many parts of the elder (flower, bark, and berry) are used globally to help maintain healthy immune systems. Especially with the cold season upon us, this is an daily habit to help boost in times where immune may be low. There are many ways to take a daily dose of elderberry, but my favorite is through syrup (I often mix it with fire cider in the morning to balance out one another). The syrup can be taken by the spoonful, on pancakes or oatmeal, or diluted in water.