INGREDIENTS

1 cup dried black elderberries

4 cups water

3 tbsp fresh or dried ginger root

1 cinnamon stick

6 cloves

1 cup raw honey

(Optional herbal additions: 1-2 tbsp of dried echinacea;

lemongrass; tulsi basil; and/or rose hips)

Combine all ingredients except for the honey in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover with a loose lid and reduce to a simmer for 45 -60 minutes (or until the liquid has reduced by almost half). Remove from heat and let cool to lukewarm temperature (80 degrees or less). Add the raw honey and stir well to dissolve completely. Pour your decoction through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl. If you don’t have a fine mesh strainer use a colander lined with cheesecloth. Press out every last drop! Discard the spent herbs. Transfer to jars or bottles and store in the refrigerator.

Take 1 tablespoon daily to boost immunity; 2-3 times a day if you have cold or flu symptoms. Best consumed within 1-2 years.