Emma Newlyn Yoga

For cold and flu season, and for when you’re in need of a serious immune boost. This tonic contains high levels of antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and the bioflavonoids in elderberries are a powerful way to strengthen the immune system.

Elderberries have anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, they can also soothe inflammation, and work as an expectorant, helping relieve a chesty cough. Instead of gulping down a list of chemicals and unknown names, this tonic is a great way of getting a concentrated dose of natural medicine.

One important point – cooking the elderberries is a must. Raw elderberries contain a mildly poisonous alkaloid, and they basically won’t make you feel well if you consume them. Once you’ve cooked them however, they’re the prefect ingredient for this incredibly effective tonic.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup dried elderberries
• 3 cups water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 tbsp whole cloves
• zest and juice of ½ a lemon
• ½ inch piece of ginger sliced thinly
• ¼ – ½ cup raw honey

METHOD

Place elderberries, water, cinnamon, cloves, lemon and ginger into a pan

Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for about 45 minutes until the liquid has reduced by half

Remove from the heat and leave to cool until the berries are cool enough to handle

Squish the berries and other ingredients you just heated to get as much juice from them as you can

Pour through a strainer into a glass jar

When the liquid is no longer hot, add the honey, put the lid on the jar and store in the fridge

Dosage: To be taken once daily, unless you have a cold or flu, in which case take it three times per day until symptoms subside.

Children – 1 tsp

Adults – 1 tbsp

Safety Note: Not suitable for children under 3. If pregnant, nursing or with any medical conditions, please consult your healthcare practitioner before taking this remedy.