Elderberry Herbal Syrup

This is a wonderful year round herbal preparation to prevent colds and flu's.  Elderberry syrup is anti-viral, warming and loaded with flavanoids and anti-oxidants.  Try to use organic for all ingredients when possible.

Recipe

. 1/2 cup of dried elderberries (if you use fresh or frozen make it a cup)

. 1 cinnamon stick

. 5 cloves

. 1 TBSP fresh grated ginger

. 2 cups water

. 1 cup wild honey  (I like organic manuka honey)

Put all ingredients into a pot except the honey then cover and bring to a boil

Reduce to a simmer and leave covered until liquid reduces to half (approximately 20-30 minutes)

Strain liquid into a bowl and tamp it down well to get out all the juice.

Add the 1 cup of honey and stir

You can compost the remains if you like.

Store your Elderberry Syrup in a closed jar in the fridge for 2-3 weeks.  Take a teaspoon to a tablespoon a day as a preventative.  If you do catch a cold take it every few hours.

Tea Time! A Tea To Help You Spring Into Spring

So now here is a great tea to start sipping to improve circulation and help with the morning mucus that starts to accumulate in the end of winter, beginning of spring.

Cardamon, Ginger, Fennel Tea
I make a batch just as I do with the CCF tea (Cumin, Coriander, Fennel)

Mix equal amounts of cardamon seeds and fennel seeds and slice up strips of fresh ginger (recommend appx. a 1/4 inch strip for each 1/4 teaspoon of your mixture of cardamon and fennel). Place all ingredients in a coffee grinder (that is only used for spices not for coffee) or use a pestle and mortar. 

Place a 1/2 teaspoon to 3/4 teaspoon (depends on taste) and steep in a cup of hot water for 5 minutes.  Enjoy!  Wonderful way to start your morning after your cup or two of hot water of course.  Maybe sip as you go through your morning rituals.