DIY: Elderberry Elixir
This is my favorite elixir for immune stability, a sore throat or while in the thick of it.
In a glass pyrex pot with a lid or other non-reactive cookware, add the following:
1 c dried blue or black elderberries
1 c dried or fresh mullein leaf
1/8 c dried or fresh yarrow leaf
1/4 c dried marshmallow leaf
1/4 c dried slippery elm bark
1/8 c dried licorice root
1/2 c dried lemon balm
1/8 c dried echinacea root
1/8 c dried ginger root
8 cups water
Heat the herbs and water, covered, over low heat and simmer for about 30 minutes. Leave the lid on and let cool. Smash the berries and herbs with a potato masher or back of a spoon. Strain off plant material with a fine strainer or coffee filter (especially if using fresh mullein) and, if you have them, feed to the chickens. You should have about 3 cups of liquid left.
Add 2 C honey. I had some elecampane honey and a little oregano-infused honey that I used for this but any raw honey will do. You can learn how to make your own infused honeys here. Stir until honey is dissolved.
Add 1 C dark cherry, aronia berry or pomegranate juice
Add 1 C of your favorite cordial. I used goji berry and ginger this time. Or use brandy or rum. Or add raw apple cider vinegar if avoiding alcohol.
Pour into dark bottles and store in the refrigerator. I find this elixir almost impossible to resist and my daughter loves it too. Take it daily to keep the viruses away or use as a cough syrup.
In a glass pyrex pot with a lid or other non-reactive cookware, add the following:
1 c dried blue or black elderberries
1 c dried or fresh mullein leaf
1/8 c dried or fresh yarrow leaf
1/4 c dried marshmallow leaf
1/4 c dried slippery elm bark
1/8 c dried licorice root
1/2 c dried lemon balm
1/8 c dried echinacea root
1/8 c dried ginger root
8 cups water
Heat the herbs and water, covered, over low heat and simmer for about 30 minutes. Leave the lid on and let cool. Smash the berries and herbs with a potato masher or back of a spoon. Strain off plant material with a fine strainer or coffee filter (especially if using fresh mullein) and, if you have them, feed to the chickens. You should have about 3 cups of liquid left.
Add 2 C honey. I had some elecampane honey and a little oregano-infused honey that I used for this but any raw honey will do. You can learn how to make your own infused honeys here. Stir until honey is dissolved.
Add 1 C dark cherry, aronia berry or pomegranate juice
Add 1 C of your favorite cordial. I used goji berry and ginger this time. Or use brandy or rum. Or add raw apple cider vinegar if avoiding alcohol.
Pour into dark bottles and store in the refrigerator. I find this elixir almost impossible to resist and my daughter loves it too. Take it daily to keep the viruses away or use as a cough syrup.