For Better or For Worse

The children are back at school. The temperatures are slowly getting cooler. The days are getting shorter.

Are you prepared for sniffles, coughs, and fevers?

After speaking to a couple of parents who had children come home early from school due to coughs and vomiting, it was time to do some brewing ELDERBERRY SYRUP. All I needed was a witches hat! I pulled out my bag of dried elderberries and my recipe from HappyHealthyMama.com. (click on link for instructions on how to make the syrup)

Elderberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and has antiviral/antioxidant properties.

You can purchase elderberry syrup from the store. Keep in mind, there will be added preservatives for it to be shelf stable at room temperature. Making your own syrup is EASY. The kids love the taste although it is strong and spicy.

The last time I made the syrup it was too small of a batch for a family of four. Each of us took one dose, three times a day and it lasted only for three days. I do not remember if anyone was sneaking an extra dose! This batch I tripled the recipe so it can last a couple of months in the refrigerator or I can share with friends in immediate need.

We do not take the syrup every day. If one of the kids start to cough consistently or someone is feeling rundown, I start them on syrup and continue for three days or until the symptoms go away. I have an entire regimen that has worked well for us during the cooler months. If you want to know more, please connect!

I'm off to find a use for the leftover elderberry (discards) skins. I'm thinking of muffins, tea, or gummies. Better yet...I'm going to take a nap!