Elderberry Cough Syrup

Elderberry Cough Syrup
Recipe taken from Crystal Miller’s Family Homestead

Make Your Own Elderberry Syrup for the Cold Season
1 cup dried elderberries (you can purchase dried elderberries from Mountain Rose Herbs ). If you have a source of fresh elderberries you can also use about 3 cups fresh to equal the 1 cup dried
3 cups water
1 ½ cups honey
Optional, but not necessary is a tablespoon of brandy(I used vodka, because I have some on hand for my vanilla). This helps preserve the syrup.

In a large pot combine the elderberries and water. Bring this to a boil and reduce heat. Let simmer for about 1 hour, uncovered. Strain out the elderberries. You can use an old clean dishcloth to strain your berries (but it will get stained so make sure it is an old one). Add the honey and optional brandy and stir till dissolved. Store this syrup in the refrigerator in a glass canning jar or if you did not add the brandy then store in smaller bottles in the freezer. This way you can take a small bottle out as needed. When you or someone in your family shows the first symptoms of a cold or the flu begin taking spoonful two to three times daily. An adult spoonful would equal about a tablespoon and a child’s spoonful would be a teaspoon or so. 

I have a batch in my refrigerator right now anytime a cough or runny nose comes along. It is a great preventative too. 🙂

My Cup Runneth Over…
Chas