Elderberry Elixir
This is definitely the time of year to use elder berries. They are abundant, affordable, delicious, easy to work with, adaptable to many recipes and effective for immune support, especially the viral-based colds and flu.
Like vegetable soup recipes, there are endless versions for elderberry teas, extracts, syrups, elixirs and oxymels. This is my current favorite which includes the addition of clove. This well known spice adds a pleasant flavor and a warming, blood moving quality to this recipe.
To make, use a canning jar of any size. 8 or 16 oz sizes work well. Fill the jar half full of dried elderberries.
Next add a pinch or two of clove powder. Clove has a strong and distinctive flavor along with a chemistry profile that makes this formula both better tasting and more therapeutic.
Fill a separate canning jar 3/4 full of vodka and the remaining 1/4 with honey. Example: 6 oz of vodka and 2 oz of honey.
Let the honey and vodka mix well by either gently heating the open container in a hot water bath on the stove top or leaving the closed, clear glass jar in the sun for a few hours. The greenhouse effect should warm it enough to dissolve the honey.
Pour the honey-vodka mixture over the Elderberries and Cloves until the jar is full. Shake well to thoroughly mix and wet all the ingredients. Let this elixir sit in a dark cupboard for 2 -4 weeks, then strain. The menstruum (liquid) is now a delicious and beneficial Elder-Clove blend. The herbs can be composted.
Research has shown the berries of the elder bush to be especially effective against the influenza virus. The bioflavonoids of the berries inhibit the virus from reproducing. Details on the research and elderberries in general can be found here.
This is a rich and concentrated elixir. Although it contains sugar and alcohol, neither of these should be an issue if used properly. The tonic dose (used to promote health rather than cure a disease) is somewhere between one teaspoon and one tablespoon twice a day. When using this preparation during an acute stage of the cold or flu, more frequent and smaller amounts are called for. I use one dropperful several times a day. When using any herb, remember to include a healthy diet, restful sleep and reduced stress.
While many people may balk at the thought of making 8 or 16 oz of this elixir, it has a distinct and very pleasant flavor which makes it quite popular. It also makes a wonderful home-made gift.