Elderberry Elixir

Elderberry Elixir

This recipe and information were given to me by a woman from this area. I used dried ingredients (except for the Osha, I could only find liquid) that I purchased from a local food co-op. Also, use LOCAL TO YOU honey! 

I strongly recommend that you research each of these ingredients so that you understand how they work and exactly what they add and what you are consuming. For instance, elderberry is extremely high in vitamin c, which is contraindicted for people with certain medical conditions. I have previously made this with honey brandy and rum. This year, after processing cherries for canning, I am soaking the fleshy cherry pits in a quart jar of vodka for about a week; I"ve done this in the past to add some cherry flavor to the elixir. I will strain the vodka to remove the pits and then compost the pits. 

Some people make an elderberry elixir using just the berries and vodka. 

Finally: tea. When I strained the liquid from the mash, I saved the mash in small portions in bags in the freezer, and used that to make tea or to add to other teas. I wouldn't recommend that as a tonic for someone who is actually sick, but it works well for a night-time immune booster.

I also mixed all of the dry ingredients in a quart jar to have on hand for tea. I asked a group of wise women if the tea would have the same curative powers as the elixir (especially good if someone cannot take alcohol!), and the answer was yes. I got this one extra bit of tea advice: "Yes, you will get the same immune boost from the tea. But with hard herbs like elderberry, orange peel, and rosehips (for example) you will need to simmer the infusion for about 15-20 minutes (that's called a decoction). Then you can add other floral or leafy herbs (say elderflowers or mint) and cover and steep for another 10-15 minutes." 

Kiva’s Ultimate Elder Mother Elixir

Measurements are approximate* 

1 cup Elderberries (dried)*
1/2 cup Elderflowers (dried)*
1/4 cup Rose hips (If dried use about 2 TB)*
3 TB fresh Ginger or Wild Ginger*
1 TB Orange peel (fresh grated or dried chunks)*
pinch of Oshá (optional, dried or fresh)*
small handful Wild Licorice (optional, dried or fresh, the licorice of commerce can be substituted)*
Raw honey*
Brandy (a dark rum, good whiskey, or vodka can also work)*
1 quart jar

Mix all herbs together and place in quart jar. Cover herbs with honey until fully saturated, then fill jar with brandy. Macerate for 4-6 weeks. Strain and use by the dropperful. For best results, 1/2 - 1 dropperful every few hours should be used until cold/flu symptoms recede or disappear completely. Be sure to rest extra as well, the Elderberry has a much harder time with your immune system if you’re really worn down. A little extra sleep will increase its benefits tenfold.