Wintertime Immunity Concoctions

Mmmm, winter, for many means spending more time indoors, indulging in sugary holiday treats, and the natural inclination to hunker down, resulting in less physical activity for most.

This all leads to dropped natural immunity, and as a result, cold and flu season.

A couple staple immunity boosting anecdotes in our home that we utilize regularly, and love to share with others, are the following home made Elderberry Syrup and Fire Cider. These, along with being intentional about getting our bodies outside and moving, yes in the chilly winter days ahead, is so good for your body, mood and spirit ... just remember to keep your feet and top of your head warm!

Much love & gratitude this HOLY-day time of year, whatever you observe this time of year, do so with an open heart and gratitude abound. I share the following with you as a gift from my family to yours, enjoy these recipes yourself, and of course they make great gifts too!

Elderberry Syrup

~we wild harvest RIPE elderberries during summer & autumn - when unripe, along with most every other part of the plant can be poisonous if not prepared properly

~the medicinal properties are most potent when working with fresh, however we are now out of season while I am writing this and there is nothing wrong with freeze dried, dried or frozen - you can purchase frozen locally or dried from Mountain Rose Herbs - CLICK HERE

2 cups Ripe Elderberries

1 tsp Cinnamon or 2 cinnamon sticks

1 tsp Cloves

1 tsp Fresh Ginger - We love ginger, we put more like 1-2 Tbsp in

5 cups Filtered Water

Raw Honey {see instructions for quantity}

Place ingredients, EXCEPT the honey, into a sauce pan, bring to boil.

Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer for 30 minutes, NO lid, stirring occasionally.

Strain the mixture through cheesecloth into 1 quart glass mason jar.

Mash berries and herbs together to express all remaining liquid.

Once cooled to room temperature, measure amount of liquid and add same amount of honey.

Put a lid on and shake the heck out of it to mix.

Store in cool, dark, dry place OR in the fridge up to 12 weeks.

Ready to use once room temperature.

Dosage: for prevention, take 1 Tbsp daily to boost immune system; when sick, 2 Tbsp every 2-3 hours daily as needed.

Never prepare your Elderberry Syrup in an InstaPot pressure cooker, should always be cooked without a lid.

Fire Cider

Anecdotally a very potent tonic that can even assist in fighting fevers, used as an antiseptic, antibacterial properties, antibiotic, diuretic, expectorant, treats the flu, colds, whooping cough and UTI's.

It will boost your immune system and assist in clearing your body of any and all toxins.

1/2 cup Elderberries

1/2 cup Fresh Horseradish Root

1 Garlic Clove

1 Onion

1 Lemon peeled, quartered

1 Orange peeled, quartered

1/4 Tbsp Cayenne Pepper

1/4 Tbsp Tumeric - fresh or ground

1 Tbsp Black Peppercorns

1 tsp Fresh Ginger

3 tsp Rosemary - fresh or dried

1 Jalapeno or Habanero finely chopped

1-2 quarts Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

Honey to Taste

Corse chop horseradish, garlic, onion, lemon, orange & place in jar - 1 quart or larger.

Mix in cayenne, turmeric, black peppercorns, ginger (chop or grate), rosemary, jalapeno/habanero.

Cover completely with apple cider vinegar.

Place parchment paper over mouth of jar, firmly secure with canning ring lid and shake.

Store in fridge for 4 weeks - SHAKING ONCE DAILY.

When 4 weeks complete, strain through cheesecloth into fresh jar and add honey to taste.

Store in fridge.

Dosage: for prevention, take 1 Tbsp daily to boost immune system; when sick, take 2 Tbsp, three times a day as needed.

Chelan Valley local - IGA & Bear Foods tend to have exactly what you need for both of these in most cases this time of year!

**these recipes are shared anecdotally, never to replace recommendations by your heath care professional