Vitality Oil Infused DIY Elderberry Syrup
Making your own elderberry syrup is a great way to save money on this amazing immune supporting tonic. It's great for kids and adults during cold and flu season. We like to start taking it in August as a preventative.
I noticed years ago that the ingredient lists on most commercial elderberry syrups don't contain much elderberry. Now we make our own so we know it's the real deal 🙌🏼
Studies have shown that elderberry syrup helps support your body when the cold or flu virus hits. It also supports our bodies when we have sinus issues, nerve pain, inflammation, chromic fatigue, allergies, constipation and more.
The added support of our vitality oils is a great immune and well-being booster. They are an easy substitute for the traditional spices used in recipes with added benefits!
Some of my favorite vitality oils to add are:
Thieves Vitality - all the immune power
Nutmeg Vitality - digestive support, inflammation tamer, joint + heart health
Clove Vitality - a mega immune booster
Cinnamon Vitality - immune support
Frankincense Vitality - calming, grounding and immune support
Copaiba Vitality - a magnifier of the oils it is used with, inflammation tamer
Orange Vitality - supports cellular wellness
Others to add: Lemon Vitality, Cardamom Vitality, Ginger Vitality
How to Use Elderberry Syrup
To use elderberry syrup as a preventative: give a tablespoon per day to adults or a teaspoon per day to children.
At the first sign of illness: give adults a tablespoon full every 2-3 hours. For children, give a teaspoonful every 2-3 hours.
Standard dose: Adults – 1 tablespoon, Children – 1/2 – 1 teaspoon
*Caution: Do not give to infants less than one year old if you are using honey 🍯
HOW TO MAKE
Ingredients:
1 cup of dried elderberries
4 cups of water
1 lemon zested + juice
1 cup of *raw honey or maple syrup
3 drops Nutmeg Vitality
3 drops Cinnamon Vitality
3 drops Copaiba Vitality
3 drops Orange Vitality
Directions:
1. Add water, elderberries + zest to a saucepan. *Do not add the raw honey/maple syrup or vitality oils yet!
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for about 45 minutes until the liquid is reduced by half. Cool.
3. Mash the berries using a spoon or another utensil (I use a potato masher).
4. Strain using a fine mesh strainer or cheese cloth over a big bowl.
5. Add the raw honey or maple syrup and the vitality oils of choice. Mix together.
6. Add to jar(s) of choice. This recipe typically makes 2 pint jars for us.
7. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
