Potpourri of Health

 

 

Update March 14, 2020: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I was asked to provide my recipe for the gummy bears which are appropriate for both children over 2 and adults. Although these gummy bears are easy to consume, it is advisable that you, as the parent, monitor your young children as they take these yummy treats. 

 

 

 

 

Recipe 1: Laura’s recipe for Elderberry Honey Syrup (for those over 2 years of age)

Ingredients:

• 1 c fresh (1/2 c dried) organic elderberries.
• 3 cups of filtered water
• 1 organic cinnamon stick (3-4″ in length) OR 1 tsp cinnamon powder. I prefer the cinnamon stick 🙂
• 3 organic cloves
• 1 c raw local honey
• 1 Tbsp. dried rose hip powder (optional, although I use it for the additional benefits it provides)
• NOTE: Some recipe’s use 2 Tbsp. organic ginger root. I don’t, only because my husband and I are not fond of the flavor, but if this is your preference, then that is a excellent choice)

Let’s get started:

1. In a saucepan, place your water, berries, cinnamon and cloves in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Now that the berries have had a chance to soften, releasing all their nutrient benefits, smash the berries to release the remaining juice.
4. Strain the mixture, then mix in your rose hip powder.
5. Allow to cool, then add in your honey, and mix well.
6. Pour into prepared, sterile jars, and refrigerate.

Should last 2-3 months in the refrigerator. For my husband and I, this recipe lasted us about 6 weeks.

Please NOTE: To boost your immunity, without the symptoms of a virus (cold, flu, etc.) take at least 2-3 times a week. We take it once a day in the morning, but add a second dose if we have been exposed to sneezy, breezy germ spreading individuals who are out and about, or when we feel a sore throat coming on.
Adult dosage is 1 Tbsp., and a child’s dosage is 1 tsp.
When experiencing cold and flu symptoms, one can take more frequently, such as every 2-3 hours as needed.

Recipe 2: Laura’s recipe for Elderberry Vodka Tincture (Adults ONLY!!)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 full pint jar of fresh (1/4 full of dried) organic elderberries.
• 1 organic cinnamon stick (3-4″ in length)
• 1 organic clove
• 1 tsp. dried rose hip powder (optional)
• If using dried elderberries, cover elderberries with filtered water.(should be to the 1/2 point of your jar)
• Vodka, enough to fill jar within 1″ of the top of your jar

Directions

1. Fill a jar 1/2 full with your fresh elderberries (or 1/4 full with dried elderberries).
2. Add remaining dry ingredients
3. Pour vodka over ingredients to within 1″ of the top of the jar.
4. Put a lid on the jar and place in a dark cabinet for 8 to 12 weeks.
5. Shake the jar every few days.
6. When the infusion process is done, pour into a bowl to crush the berries.
7. Strain the berries and herbs from the vodka.
8. Pour strained tincture into a clean jar with tight lid. I prefer tincture bottles with a dropper which I find great for storage as well as for travel.
9. Store in a dark area, away from the sun.

Great to use when a cold, flu, cancer sores, or other viral infection rears its nasty head.
Use 1 tsp, no more than 3 times a day.
Please NOTE: This recipe is not sweet!! But, for those who cannot have honey or glycerine, it is a alternate option.

Some people might experience a burning sensation due to the alcohol, if that is the case, simply mix your 1 tsp. in water to tone that down.

Tinctures have a longer shelf life, due to the alcohol, providing a nice back-up for various viral conditions during the non-cold and flu season, as well as for those who need to have something that can be easily transportable.

Recipe 3: Laura’s recipe for Elderberry Glycerin Syrup (for those under 2 years of age)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 c fresh (1/4 c dried) organic elderberries.
• 1 c filtered water
• 1 organic cinnamon stick (3-4″ in length)
• 1 organic clove
• 1/2 c food grade glycerin
• 1 tsp. dried rose hip powder (optional)

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, place your water, berries, cinnamon and clove in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Now that the berries have had a chance to soften, releasing all their nutrient benefits, smash the berries to release the remaining juice.
4. Strain the mixture, then mix in your rose hip powder.
5. Allow to cool, then add in your food grade glycerin, and mix well.
6. Pour into prepared, sterile jars, and refrigerate.

1 tsp. for immune support once a day. Every few hours when experiencing symptoms of the cold and flu.

 

How to make Elderberry Gummy Bear supplements during the cold/flu season 

Although I am not personally one to enjoy anything in nature to the texture of gummy bears, sometimes this is what is easiest to get our wee ones to take in a healthy bit of yumminess. These gummy bears are made with a base of the elderberry syrup recipe above, to help boost one’s immune system. Last year I made this for my husband and he loved them.

Prep Time: 10 minutes  Total Time: 2 hours10 minutes Servings: approx. 60 gummies

Ingredients

• glass container or silicon molds
• 1 TBSP  coconut oil
• 1 cup elderberry syrup
• 1/4 cup gelatin powder (you can find these in the jello section of your grocery market)
• ½ cup hot but not boiling water

Instructions

• Using your coconut oil, grease your molds or glass pan to prevent sticking.
• In a 2 c. glass measuring cup, poor in ¼ c. of cooled elderberry syrup, add the 1/4 c gelatin powder,  and quickly whisk together.
• Add the ½ cup of hot water and stir quickly together until smooth.
• Add the rest of the elderberry syrup and stir or whisk until completely smooth.
• Pour into molds and refirgerate for 2 hours or until completely firm. If using a glass container, you can cut these into pieces.
• Pop out of molds and store in airtight container with parchment paper between layers.

Notes

Take daily or as needed to avoid the cold/flu or if you experience the symptoms, take every few hours flu to help alleviate your symptoms.

These will last a few weeks in the refrigerator in an airtight container.