ELDERBERRY-SCHISANDRA SYRUP

Elderberry-Schisandra Immune-Strength Syrup

 

Take at the first signs of a cold or flu –
Adults: 1-2 Tablespoons hourly.

3 cups cold pure water
3/4 cup Elderberries

1/4 cup Schisandra berries

1/4 cup Eleuthero root

1/4 cup Echinacea root

1 Cinnamon stick

3/4 to 1 cup raw local Honey – option/ use sugar if making recipe for infants under 1 year old

1.5 oz brandy (optional)

Combine herbs with cold water in a stainless pot and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to low and allow herbs to simmer for 45 to 60 minutes.  Remove from heat and mash the berries while in the liquid mixture. Strain the herbs through a cheesecloth and squeeze out the juice. Boil the strained-out berries again in 2 cups of water, and repeat process.  Measure the liquid and add an equal amount of honey. Gently heat the honey and juice for a few minutes until they are well combined. Do not boil!  Bottle in sterilized glass containers. Label and keep refrigerated for up to 6 months.

Optional: Before bottling, add 1-part brandy to 3-parts syrup to extend the shelf-life.  Do not use brandy for babies and children.

Dosage: Adults:  1 tablespoon/day to prevent illness, or 1 Tablespoon per hour if you are already experiencing cough and sore throat symptoms. Children under 12 years of age:  Take half the adult dose (1 - 1 1/2 teaspoons). Toddlers:  1/4 of the adult dose (a little less than a teaspoon).  Infants under 1 years old should not take honey or honey products.

 

 

Elderberries have been shown to help with brain development, immune coordination, digestion, and blood flow. They’re also rich with Anthocyanins. These cytokines have been shown to boost the production of immune cytokines, which allow the body to defend against disease and illness. More than that, though, elderberry contains a potent antiviral agent called antivirin. Antivirin not only helps to prevent viruses from invading the cells, but also prevents the virus from replicating, therefore shortening the time one will suffer from symptoms of the flu.  Elderberries contains trace minerals and has more Vitamin C than oranges. 

Schisandra berry is an adaptogen herb that helps the immune system and the body in general to strengthen and balance.  It naturally raises the body’s resistance to environmental stress, anxiety, toxin exposure, emotional trauma, mental fatigue and mental illnesses. Because schisandra helps nurture the adrenal glands and turns down an overproduction of “stress hormones” like cortisol, it’s linked with better mental capabilities, physical endurance and metabolic health.