LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The holidays are typically full of joy and excitement. But they can also be stressful, especially when you or a family member becomes ill.
The Passionate Homemaker Autumn Wolfenbarger is sharing tips to keep our bodies sharp for the holidays.
Autumn's tips include:
- Be mindful of what you are eating and drinking
- Make time for physical activity
- Elderberry syrup and vitamins
Here is Autumn's Elderberry Syrup recipe to help fight off illnesses and keep you healthy during the season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried elderberries
- 4 cups of water
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 2 Tbsp fresh ginger
- 1 cup raw honey, local if possible
Instructions
- Add the elderberries, water, cinnamon, and ginger to the Instant Pot.
- Cook on Manual, High Pressure for 7 minutes.
- Perform a Quick Release.
- Strain the liquid into a bowl using a fine-mesh strainer, pressing the berries with a spoon or measuring cup to squeeze out as much of the valuable juice as possible.
- Allow to cool for 15 minutes.
- Stir the honey into the warm (but not hot) liquid.
- Transfer to a glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid. I like to use the wide mouth mason jars, either a quart jar or two-pint jars.
- Store in the refrigerator. Your homemade elderberry syrup will keep for at least a couple of months if you followed the recipe.
Dosing – Adults
I’ve read various “dosing” instructions, and here’s how I do it:
Prevention/Maintenance: 1 tablespoon daily
Treatment: 1 tablespoon every 4 hours while awake
Dosing – Children Over One-Year-Old
Prevention/Maintenance: 1 teaspoon daily
Treatment: 1 teaspoon every 4 hours while awake
*NEVER GIVE HONEY TO A CHILD UNDER THE AGE OF ONE YEAR OLD.