Under Attack...

Well, The Cottage has been hit with strep throat!  {OK - only one of us, but still!} 

With a household our size, if an illness takes over, it can keep us out of commission for weeks.  In 2010, we spent 5 weeks not going anywhere because one child after another got sick!

Not this year!  This year I have a tool in my belt that will, hopefully, prevent the rest of us from getting strep - or at least speed up the recovery process.

"What is this incredible tool," you ask?

From HerbWisdom.com:                                                          Elderberries have been a folk remedy for centuries in North America, Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, hence the medicinal benefits of elderberries are being investigated and rediscovered. Elderberry is used for its antioxidant activity, to lower cholesterol, to improve vision, to boost the immune system, to improve heart health and for coughs, colds, flu, bacterial and viral infections and tonsillitis. Bioflavonoids and other proteins in the juice destroy the ability of cold and flu viruses to infect a cell. People with the flu who took elderberry juice reported less severe symptoms and felt better much faster than those who did not. Elderberry juice was used to treat a flu epidemic in Panama in 1995.

Elder Berries!

Well, Elder Berry Syrup to be precise! 

I actually had a dear friend introduce me to Elder Berry Syrup a couple of years ago, and our family has used it with great success.  You can purchase this product premade at a local natural food store. But - it can be VERY expensive for a family our size to take a daily dose.  So, I researched how to make my own!

  

Here is my recipe - hopefully you will find the same success our family has! 

  

Elder Berry Syrup

1/2 Cup Dried Elderberries
3 Cups Water
1Cup Honey

Optional
{Adds more flavor, but causes mix to only last 2 weeks!}
1 Clove
1Cinnamon Stick
1 Tsp. Ginger

Heat berries, water and optional ingredients to boil, simmer 30-40 minutes.
Mash berries, and strain into bowl.
Add one cup of honey.
Transfer to storage container.
Refrigerate!
{Our family takes 1 Tbs. per day/ 2Tbs. per day when sick. You should do your own research for what will work for your family!}

Thanks for stopping by! Be Refreshed {and well}!