Elderberry/Echinacea Syrup Recipe

I'm here to tell you that there is an alternative, and that it's preventative, immune boosting and only comes with positive side effects. Let me introduce you to one of my favorite medicinal plants: Elderberry

---

The traditional cold medicine just doesn't cut it. Here are some details about NyQuil:

Possible side effects of NyQuil liquid:All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; excitability; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness or anxiety; trouble sleeping; upset stomach; vomiting; weakness.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); difficulty urinating or inability to urinate; fast or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; seizures; severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or headache; stomach pain; tremor; trouble sleeping; vision changes; yellowing of skin or eyes.

The Ingredients:

• Acetaminophen (650 mg/30 mL) (pain reliever/fever reducer)
• Dextromethorphan (30 mg/30 mL) (cough suppressant)
• Doxylamine succinate (12.5 mg/30 mL) (antihistamine/hypnotic)

Not only is this plant gorgeous, with a white flowering umbel that turns into berries in the fall, it is well known for it's anti-viral properties. It has even been said that elderberry works better than flu vaccinations due to it's ability to fight any strain. An Elderberry Syrup is a must have in the household, especially one with children. Instead of breaking out that NyQuil, make up your very own batch of this and have your whole family take it throughout the cold/flu season. 

---

1 cup dried Elderberries 
(Though I recommend fresh berries in the fall!)
6 Tablespoons dried Echinacea Root
2 Tablespoons Fresh Ginger Root
2 Tablespoons Fresh Tumeric
1 Tablespoon Cinnamon
(or 2 cinnamon sticks if you don't have the ability to strain it well)
1 1/2 Cups Local Raw Honey
6 cups Water

Ingredients

---

---

Take all your ingredients, except the honey, and simmer them in water for 45 mins or until it reduces to half the amount of liquid. Strain the mixture, I use a french press for this. Allow it to cool a little bit before pouring it over the honey so that the raw qualities of the honey aren't compromised. Mix it up and store for a month in the refrigerator. You can also make a half batch if you are just using it for yourself. 

:Instructions:

Elderberries are anti-viral and anti-microbial, Echinacea is also anti-viral and anti-microbial, Ginger is a digestive aid as well as anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory, Tumeric is also an amazing anti-inflammatory, Cinnamon promotes sweating, is a digestive aid and antiseptic, Local Honey preserves the syrup and has it's own antimicrobial, antioxidant and immune building properties.

Dosage: You can take a tablespoon a day during cold season for preventative measure and approximately 1-2 tablespoons every 2 to 4 hours at first sign of cold or flu. For children cut the dose in half. 

---