I thought it was a good time to create a post about how to make Elderberry Tonic.

Ingredients:

250 Ml (1 cup) of dried Elderberries

250 Ml (1 cup) of dried Rosehips

125 Ml (1/2 cup) of honey

800 Ml (4 cups) of distilled water

15 Ml (1 TBSP) of Brandy (Optional)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Add all the botanicals (berries & rosehips) and water to a stainless steel or glass cooking pot (I use a double boiler)
2. Simmer the botanicals over low heat for approx. 1 hour, concentrating the liquid down to half of the original amount, while pulping the fruits with a potato masher to help draw out the juices.
3. Remove the pot from the heat & let the mixture cool.
4. When the mixture is cool, strain the botanicals (berries & rosehips) through a strainer into a large measuring cup (approx. 4 cup measuring cup). DO NOT LET ANY OF THE BOTANICALS REMAIN IN THE LIQUID OTHERWISE THE LIQUID MIGHT START TO FERMENT & SPOIL YOUR SYRUP.
5. When the mixture is very clear & no pieces of the botanicals (berries & rosehips) are in the syrup, pour the mixture back into a clean pot. (You may have to strain the mixture more than once to ensure there are no botanicals in the syrup).
6. Simmer the mixture over a low heat & add the honey,  allowing the mixture to blend well with the honey.
7. Remove the mixture from the heat until cooled, and add the brandy (optional).
8. Pour the syrup into sterilized bottles, label & write the date it was prepared on the bottle or lid, and refrigerate.

It is recommended that you contact your Health care professional to discuss the usage and the recommended dosage of this Elderberry Syrup.