DIY RECIPE OF THE MONTH SEPTEMBER 2021

ELDERBERRY IMMUNE SUPPORT TINCTURE

Download Recipe Card in PDF Format -  Elderberry Immune Support Tincture

Whether ingesting in a syrup, gummy, or tincture, elderberry is a go-to herbal remedy for the cold season. Many folks rely on this natural immune booster as a supplement to keep themselves and their families healthy. Around this time of year, I always try to whip up this elderberry tincture to have on hand.

Elderberry grows wild here in Southern Oregon and we are lucky to have plenty of open BLM land from which we can sustainably harvest. Elderberries should be dark purply-black in color and have a waxy coat to them making them appear blue. While it is a mighty antioxidant, uncooked berries and parts of the plant can make you sick. If you are concerned, you can boil your berries before using them and make a syrup, although I have never had an issue myself and prefer to make a tincture. If you do not have access to fresh berries, dried berries work just fine, although you will need a bit more of them.

This recipe is as simple as most of our tincturing recipes. I have added a few anti-viral herbs to this batch to kick things up a notch. There are plenty of great anti-viral herbs to choose from including oregano, echinacea, garlic, or basil. For this recipe I used fresh rosemary and sage I had on hand, since my elderberries were fresh too. They add an herbal freshness to the traditional elderberry flavor, and although on its own the tincture is very alcoholic, it's delicious mixed with honey and lemon or added to tea.

If you are looking for more herbal ideas, one blog to follow is Mountain Rose who happens to be featuring a great elderberry syrup recipe

THIS MONTHS RECIPE: LIGHT SUMMERTIME FRAGRANCE SPRAY

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• • • 16-ounce glass Mason Jar
    • Approx. 6 ounce Organic Alcohol
      

      I used cane

    • 6 ounce Distilled Water
    • 4 ounce fresh washed Elderberries
                     or 6 oz dried
    • 1 sprig of fresh Rosemary
    • ½ ounce Sage Leaves

WHAT YOU'LL DO

1. 1. 1. Mix Organic Alcohol and Distilled Water and stir well
      2. Fill a Mason Jar with Elderberries and herbs (Rosemary & Sage Leaves)
      3. Pour Organic Alcohol & Distilled Water dilution and fill to the top of the Mason Jar
      4. Put a lid on your Mason Jar and give it a good shake
      5. Place in a cool, dark spot for at least 4 weeks
      6. Once extracted, strain solids out of the mixture
      7. Pour the finished tincture into a dark-colored dropper bottle
         
         

The finished tincture will store in a cool place out of direct sunlight for at least 1 year. The average dose will vary, but I take about ½ teaspoon a day during the cold season. As with all herbal remedies, use with caution.