Immune-Boosting Elderberry Cordial

Makes about 11/2 cups

Elderberry has strong immune-boosting properties, rose hips add plenty of antioxidants and vitamin C, and probiotics gently support immunity. Take 2 tsp. twice a day for adults.

A variation of this formula is especially effective as an immunity booster and cough syrup for kids: skip the ginseng and astragalus, increase the honey to 4 Tbs., and give 2 tsp. up to four times a day.

1/4 cup dried elderberries
2 Tbs. dried rose hips
2 Tbs. dried astragalus root,
or 2 tsp. astragalus tincture
2 tsp. liquid ginseng extract
2 probiotics capsules
3 Tbs. raw, unfiltered honey

1. Bring 2 cups water to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, and add elderberries, rose hips, and astragalus root (if using liquid tincture, add after cooking, when you add the ginseng). Cover and simmer very gently, 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and let cool slightly.
2. Strain mixture into pint-sized glass jar. Add ginseng, probiotics, and honey, and stir well to mix. Let cool completely, then cover and chill before using. To use, take 2-4 Tbs. twice a day. Store for up to 1 week in refrigerator.

View all elixir recipes: Do-It-Yourself Healing Elixirs