📖 Instructions

1. Gather your ingredients: Ensure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand: dried elderberries, dried echinacea root, water, raw honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option), and optional spices like ginger or cinnamon. Fresh ingredients can also be used, but adjust quantities accordingly.
2. Combine elderberries, echinacea, and water: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the dried elderberries and echinacea root with the water. A ratio of about 4 cups of water to 1/2 cup of dried elderberries and 1/4 cup of dried echinacea is generally a good starting point. Adjust ratios based on personal preference and potency desired.
3. Simmer the mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for at least 45 minutes to an hour. The longer it simmers, the more potent the elixir will be. Keep an eye on the liquid level; add more water if it reduces too quickly.
4. Strain the liquid: After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly. Once it’s cool enough to handle, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean bowl or jar. Discard the spent elderberries and echinacea root.
5. Add honey (or maple syrup): Once the strained liquid has cooled down, stir in the raw honey (or maple syrup) to taste. Start with about 1/2 cup and adjust to your liking. Raw honey not only sweetens the elixir but also adds its own antibacterial properties.
6. Incorporate optional spices (if using): If you’re using optional spices like ginger or cinnamon, you can add them either during the simmering process or after straining. Adding them during simmering will infuse the elixir with their flavors, while adding them after straining allows you to control the intensity of the spice flavor.
7. Mix well and store: Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure the honey (or maple syrup) and any added spices are evenly distributed. Transfer the finished elixir to a clean, airtight glass jar or bottle. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to label the jar with the date.
8. Dosage: For adults, a typical dose is 1-2 tablespoons of the elixir, taken 2-3 times per day when feeling under the weather. For children, reduce the dosage to 1-2 teaspoons, taken 2-3 times per day. It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.