Elder-sha Syrup

A slight twist on the Classic version of Elderberry Syrup. This one has a much stronger "bite" thanks to the increased levels of Cinnamon and Osha. Also, I've added three other new herbs to the mix. I'm not usually one to add more than three herbs to a formula, but in the case of colds and flu for the masses, I'll make an exception. Too difficult to customize the formula to one person, and the payoff wouldn't be that great. This is a "one size fits all" remedy.

Elder-sha Syrup

Ingredients:

• Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) berries, dried - 8 oz.
  
• Osha (Ligusticum porteri) root, dried - 3.5 oz.
  
• Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) root, dried - 2 oz.
  
• Oregon Grape (Mahonia repens) root, dried - 2 oz.
  
• Red Root (Ceanothus spp.) root, fresh - 2 oz.
  
• Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root, dried - 1 oz.
  
• Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) bark, dried - 3 tsp.
  
  
  
• Honey (unpasturized) - 2 cups
  
• Distilled water - 8 cups
  
• Grand Marnier liquor - 1/4 cup
  

Weigh the proper quantity of each herb and combine with the water in a stainless steel pan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 - 40 minutes.

Strain the mixture into another pan using a cheese cloth and strainer (a press if you have one.) Once the liquid is separated, add the honey and brandy at a low heat setting, stirring with a wooden spoon.

Pour the syrup into dark glass bottles. Green wine bottles work nicely and can be stored in the refrigerator. I keep a 2 oz brown, blue or green bottle out and handy during the winter months.

Posted by Evo Terra at November 15, 2003 11:41 AM | TrackBack (0)