A Spoonful of Sugar…

It’s the time of year when everyone is a little wary of pesty seasonal afflictions such as, the common cold, flu, and other sundry viruses, that in their pursuit of existence, inflict extreme discomfort and misery on us humans. We are certainly not doctors and are only sharing our personal experience; we highly recommend an integrated wellness that includes Western Medicine, but we’ve also experienced the supportive benefits herbs and natural remedies can provide. It’s very important to do your own research into these things, and be sure your personal health situation allows for their safe use; always consult your doctor. Nothing said here is for use as a treatment or diagnosis and is purely informational. 

With all that beings said, nature has provided us with a plethora of beneficial and healing products, one we are particularly familiar with is honey. By itself, honey makes for a great antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial product. It has been used for centuries for wound healing, sore throats, insomnia, and digestive issues, but add it to other nutrient packed ingredients like thyme, apple cider vinegar, elderberry, cherry bark, etc. and you’ve got yourself a powerful natural health aide. 

Almost every time someone purchases honey from us, they mention something about using it for allergies or during sickness and how much it has helped them. We personally use honey for these same reasons and for myself, as I struggle with sleep issues, it has been a great addition to my Nighttime tea routine. I rarely go a night without a small dosing of honey to sweetly lull me to sleep.

Another daily dose we use during the winter is Elderberry Syrup. For years now, Tim and I have enjoyed a tasty shot of elderberry at the first sign of anything being off, and I truly believe we have averted or at least lessen symptoms on many occasions by bolstering our immune systems with this exceptional fruit. Recently we started making our own Elderberry Syrup and it’s so delicious!!! Every time I use my giant, old, silver spoon to take a dose, I feel like Mary Poppins and I want to have more than just a spoonful, but I resist. 

Here’s the recipe we’ve concocted. Feel free to use this one or do some of your own digging as there are many free recipes just a google search away.

Elderberry Syrup

1 cup of dried elderberries

3 cups of filtered water (we use a Berkey but other filters or bottled water will do)

2 cinnamon sticks

5 cloves

1 Tablespoon of grated ginger (if organic leave on the skin)

2 Tablespoons Raw Apple Cider vinegar

1/2 cup of Raw local honey (crystalized works too!)

Optional: citrus peel, cardamom, 1/2 cup aronia berries, astragalus root, echinacea root,  1/2 cup of rose hips

In a large sauce pan, add your berries, water, and spices or any other optional add-ins. 

Bring to a boil then simmer uncovered (important as berries release cyanide producing sugars which breakdown as they cook making them safe to consume, but you want to allow them to breathe during the process. NEVER eat uncooked berries!!!!!!)

Simmer for 20- 30 minutes then use a potato masher, slotted spoon, or spatula to mash the berries and release more goodness. 

Strain the mixture and press out as much liquid as possible.

Allow it to cool til a finger can stand the temperature then add your raw honey and apple cider vinegar.

Stir, decant, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

Suggested use by most herbalists is a Tablespoon taken preventatively once a day and a Tablespoon taken once hourly or every two hours when fighting symptoms and until they subside. 

You can also purchase a pre-made kit for Elderberry Syrup from Farmhouse Teas, and if making Elderberry Syrup isn’t your thing, we highly recommend Siren Essentials’ products as well as Mountain Rose Herbs.

Elderberry Syrup is just one of many home remedies that use honey and even something as simple as a jar filled with sliced lemons covered in honey (refrigerated up to 3 days) makes for an excellent throat soother and cough syrup or just a great addition to your cup of tea. Let us know in the comments if you’d like more recipes and suggestions for using honey for healing.

Upcycled mini jam jars are the perfect size for pre-measured doses.

Bee Well, friends!