Elderberry Tonic
Elderberry Tonic
I’ve always liked Elderberry as an immune booster but it can be difficult to find a product that isn’t loaded with sugar.
For years, I took this one by Gaia herbs because they have transparent sourcing and high quality ingredients, but it’s so sickeningly sweet, I finally decided to make my own.
Video here.
I call this a tonic because it is thicker than water, but not the viscosity of a syrup.
It’s aromatic and you can lightly sweeten it with local, seasonal honey if you have allergies.
When I build my homestead, elderberries are one of the first plants I plan on growing. I also intend to grow a climbing vine, Gynostemma Pentaphyllum/Jiaogulan (Poor Man’s Ginseng) which is a longevity, adaptogen super herb.
Until then, I have to buy my superfoods from someone else.
I tried a few brands of organic elderberries and this one by Frontier Co-Op was the best. Strong FRESH aroma upon opening, very few twigs and/or dud berries.
You can read all about the amazing benefits of elderberries on the internet. In my opinion, a plant that Hippocrates [460 – 370 BC] called ‘The Medicine Chest,’ is one I want to know about.
ELDERBERRY TONIC (makes ~6 C)
2 C dried organic elderberries
8 C filtered water
3 cinnamon sticks
2 TSP ground ginger
2 TSP ground cloves
Zest of 1/2 organic orange
1/3 – 1/2 C raw local honey
Bring all ingredients, except honey, to a boil.
Cover and simmer for 90 min, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Strain, cool and once cool, blend in honey.
Bottle and store in refrigerator.
Shelf life ~2 months
DOSAGE
1-3 TBSP adult for maintenance
3-5 TBSP adult for healing
MORE IMMUNE BOOSTING IDEAS here and here and here.
Namaste,
Catherine & Satya
P.S. The next batch I make, I’m going to experiment with pureeing some/all of the fruit, straining it again, and then adding it to the mixture. I think there are nutrients being tossed when I throw away the spent fruit.
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Catherine Tingey
Entrepreneur, yogini, designer, award-winning filmmaker, personal trainer and former marathon runner. She left a career in finance to start her own business and along the way, became a yoga teacher. She has been practicing yoga for 31 years and teaching privately for 11 years.
About the Author
Catherine Tingey+ Entrepreneur, yogini, designer, award-winning filmmaker, personal trainer and former marathon runner. She left a career in finance to start her own business and along the way, became a yoga teacher. She has been practicing yoga for 31 years and teaching privately for 11 years.
