Elderberry Syrup for Pennies

With an immuno-suppressed child, our family is constantly aware of the fragility of the human immune system. It doesn't take much to shut it down - stress, sugar, poor sleep, poor diet - and we strive to keep it going. 

If you're taking care of yourself properly, these herbal remedies will help give your immune system a kick in the butt when you most need it!

Elderberry Syrup

For the price of one bottle of elderberry syrup at the store, you could make ten to fifteen times that amount at home! This is super easy, and anyone can make it.

Start with good, organic elderberries. We can usually find a good organic brand at Amazon, but would rather pay more to get them from somewhere else if Amazon doesn't have the organic brand available.

• ½ cup of dried elderberries
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cups of water
• glass jar

1. Put all of the ingredients into a pot and bring the water to a boil. 
2. Reduce heat to a very low simmer, and reduce liquid by about ½ (usually takes about 20-30 minutes). 
3. Strain out the herbs and add 1 cup of raw honey (optional - use this if you have picky kids).
4. Store your syrup in a closed jar in the refrigerator.  (Should keep up to 6 months.)

Want more information on boosting your immunity? 

• Pick up Simple Kitchen Fixes: Using Everyday Herbs, which is designed to introduce the beginner to herbs and their uses, for both cooking and remedies.

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The bundle includes twenty-four tutorials with background information for anyone who is interested in homemaking and homesteading. Topics are broken down into:

• In the Kitchen – Fall & Winter
• In the Kitchen – Spring & Summer
• Around the Homestead – Inside
• Around the Homestead – Outside

For more great homesteading fun, check out the Homesteading Course at SchoolhouseTeachers!

This homeschool homesteading course is designed for anyone who has a desire to live more independently and prepare much of what is needed each day using their own hands. In this elective course, the student can learn how to work for what they want by making it themselves, instead of participating in an “on demand” society. Homeschool students of all ages learn patience, along with the skills needed to make their own cleaners for the home, sunscreen, homemade ketchup and dry mixes, as well as how to choose animals and prepare for emergencies, and much more. Learning the patience and usefulness of “doing it yourself” can be immensely helpful not only in the sense of living a healthier life, but also for the budget!