This is not a ‘how to’ post. I’ll leave that to the professionals! But, as it is nearing cold and flu season, I wanted to encourage everyone to try either an elderberry syrup or gummies! Yes- you can purchase them already made. However, they are not hard to make yourself (especially the syrup).

I have made these gummies for two years now. For my kids, they took a bit of getting used as the gummies are sour! My kiddos don’t get tons of candy, so this was a sort of shock when they ate one. However, the sourness dies down and they really like them now. We began by using the syrup, but, to be honest, it was too sweet!

Why Use Them?

That is a good question. Actually, elderberry is not a new thing. It’s an old thing! In this modern world, we are just sort of getting back on track with it after a century or so. Elderberry is an amazing immune system boost. Believe it or not, it is also an anti-viral. And, among other things, it is an antioxidant. These three alone are good enough to see why this is an excellent way to boost our systems this time of year. Plus, it is natural. It comes from a bush (actual berries!) and the other ingredients in the syrup are also foods! Don’t you love the idea of healing our bodies with foods?

I am not a professional. I am giving you this information to do with what you will. But, I have already asked several of my personal family members with kiddos if they use this because I truly think it has helped my family to 1) stay healthier during cold and flu season but also 2) we tend to get over sicknesses much quicker! That is huge with so many family holiday gatherings and parties with friends.

Where Do I Start?

The recipe I first used for elderberry syrup made about 2 cups. After we had used most of it… I dropped it and broke the jar. Talk about crying over spilt milk. But, I made more! We get our organic elderberries from a local Amish health foods store, but many places carry them. We also use local honey (know your honey, friends!). Lastly is the acid- I have seen both fresh lemon juice and apple cider vinegar used. Some people like to add cinnamon, not only for taste, but it adds a warming feature for our throats. Truly, this ‘goodness’ is lovely.

We have now switched to the gummies (I took a vote this year) but, I am not against having syrup on hand also. Because it uses honey, it could also be a great throat soother for coughs.

Again, I am no expert and would never claim to be, but we all love sharing things with others that have worked well for us in the past! This is not just for kids- my husband and I eat these gummies daily. Here is my testimony for you!

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