How to Make Elderberry Tincture and Elderberry Cough Syrup

With the increase in mortality and morbidity of H1N1 in the last few weeks, I thought I would repost some information on elderberry tincture and elderberry cough syrup. Both elderberry tincture and elderberry syrup work by decreasing the viral load of the influenza virus. It is thought that elderberry and star anise inhibit the replication of the virus.

Elderberry Cough Syrup

The standard treatment for influenza is Tamiflu. The active ingredient in Tamiflu is star anise. The elderberry cough syrup has star anise as an ingredient. (And the advantage of the herbal remedy is that you don’t need to go to the doctors and get a prescription. And the herbal remedy is a lot cheaper. Note: Tamiflu is only effective if taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.)

Recipe: Elderberry Cough Syrup Ingredients:

  • ½ cup elderberries (sambucus nigra)
  • 12 star anise
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 8 cloves
  • 2 cup water
  • 1 cup honey

Add water, elderberries, star anise, cinnamon sticks and cloves to pot. Bring to a boil. Then simmer for 45 minutes. Strain out the plant material. Wait until liquid cools. Then add honey. Stir well. Place in glass jar and refrigerate.
Dosage: For adults, use one tablespoon every hour until cough subsides. For children, use one half to one teaspoon every 2-3 hours as needed for cough.

Note: Some people like to include licorice root and/or ginger. Licorice root helps boost the immune system. Ginger helps with cough and nausea. I have never tried these myself. But next time I make cough syrup I will add the licorice root.

Elderberry Tincture

Elderberry tincture has the advantage in that it doesn’t have to be refrigerated and it lasts forever. However, it does contain alcohol. If that’s an issue for you, use the cough syrup.

Recipe: Elderberry Tincture Ingredients:

  • 1 cup elderberries
  • 100 proof vodka

Place elderberries in quart jar and fill jar with vodka. Shake every day for two weeks. Then strain plant material. Viola. You have elderberry tincture.
Dosage: I put one tablespoon of tincture in my tea every morning, along with honey and lemon juice. It is essential to stay hydrated when you have the flu. I would push a cup of tea every hour, along with plenty of water and other clear fluids.

Dried elderberries can be ordered from Amazon.com or Mountain Rose Herbs. I order from Amazon, as they have free shipping.

 

Start now to make sure you are staying prepared.

 

Via: thesurvivalistblog


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