Spring Tonic Syrup

Elderberry (Sambucus) is known as an immune boosting flu remedy but did you know it purifies the blood and circulatory system? Making it a a great (and tasty) spring tonic, but is often overlooked as one. This little berry can do wonders helping us transition from one season to the next.

Here's a syrup I just made the other day for my family to use as a spring tonic. You can put this on pancakes, ice cream or just take a couple of tsp everyday. My kids like to mix it in with their water to make tea in a roundabout way. Hey, whatever works, right?!

~Spring Tonic Syrup~

1c. dried elderberries 
1/2 c. dried rose hips
1/8 c. dried licorice
1/8 c. dried ginger
1 cinnamon stick

2 c. honey

4 cups water

Combine all ingredients in a soup pot. Bring to an almost a boil and reduce to low heat and simmer for 20 minutes or so. Strain into a clean glass jar or bottle, using a mesh strainer. Add in honey and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 months.

Next time I make this I am going to play around with the recipe more and maybe add some dandelion, nettles and violets to this for the next batch.  (We'll have all three in abundance by the time we run out of our current supply!)