Elderberry Immune Tonic

Support your immune system this winter with this hedgerow tonic

• Elderberries

• Fresh Ginger, grated: 1 Tablespoon per cup of berries (or 1 teaspoon if you are using dried ginger)

• Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon per cup of berries

• Ground Cloves:  1/4 teaspoon per cup of berries

• Raw Honey, preferably local: 1/2 cup per cup of berries

Method:

Gather the elderberries (look for clusters of black berries on red stems to ensure that they are fully ripe)

2.  Use a fork to pull the berries from their stems, collecting them in a bowl.  Pull out as many small bits of stem as you can and then give them a little rinse.

3.  Add water 1:1 cups water-to berry ratio for fresh, and 2:1 for dried.

4.  Add ginger, ground cinnamon and cloves.

5.  Bring to a boil on the hob, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes, then allow to cool.

6.  Strain the liquid from the berries using a sieve or fine muslin cloth (it may stain), pressing on with a wooden spoon to get all of the juice out.

7.  Add raw honey– local, if possible for the best health benefits– to the elderberry liquid.  Stir until well mixed, and decant into jars or bottles

Store in the refrigerator and take a teaspoon daily through the cold/flu season (no longer than 8 weeks).