Elderberry Calendula Cold and Flu Elixir

Disclaimer: I am NOT a medical professional; I am sharing the below recipe in case it is something you would like to try as well. If so, use it using your own wisdom. 

Elderberry Calendula Cold and Flu Elixir Recipe

Recipe from the Herbal Academy HERE

I made this recipe up this morning.  I don't have dried elderflowers so omitted that from my mix.

(I will have to try and find some this spring to harvest and dry)

Ingredients

2/3 cup dried calendula flowers

2/3 cup dried elderberries

1/3 cup dried rose hips

1/8 cup dried orange peel

1 teaspoon dried ginger

1 largish piece of candied ginger, sliced thin

Brandy to cover an inch or two above dry ingredients (jar about 3/4 full)

Add raw honey, leaving 1 inch headspace.

Directions:

Fill a clean, sterilized quart jar (4 cup capacity) with herbs.

Add brandy, pouring until herbs covered by 1-2 inches of brandy and jar is approximately 3/4 full.

Add honey, leaving 1 inch of space at the top of the jar.

Poke chopstick into jar to release any trapped air bubbles and ensure brandy and honey are coating herbs.

Put cap on and label jar with ingredients and date.

Let steep for 4-6 weeks in a cool, dark place, shaking daily.

Filter elixir by pouring through a fine mesh filter or several layers of cheesecloth over a bowl or wide-mouth jar. Press the marc (plant material) to squeeze out every last drop of elixir.

I use parchment paper between my elixir and the canning lid just to prevent any corrosion.

Using the Cold and Flu Elixir

At the first symptoms of a cold or flu coming on, take 2-3 teaspoons of elixir two to three times per day.

Information from HERE

~a little bird