Preventative Medicine

It’s that time of the year again. The weather has a chill to it, pushing many of us to spend more and more time indoors. We forget about the importance of hydration without the summer heat to remind us, and the stress of holidays and dreary days may start to get to us. These are actually some of the factors that lead to lowered immunity in the winter season, making us more susceptible to colds and flus.

So what can you do to keep yourself healthy?

make sure you’re drinking lots of water
bundle up and spend some time outdoors
stay on top of your fruit and vegetable intake
work with a Naturopathic Doctor to build your body’s resilience

This elderberry syrup recipe is a great way to boost and strengthen your immunity, as well as shorten the duration and severity of colds and flus if you do get sick. Well-known in herbal medicine, Elderberries are a potent yet safe herb to help prevent colds and flus. Filled with flavonoids, antioxidants, and vitamin C, this ancient remedy is anti-viral and supportive for your immune system.

Elderberry Syrup Recipe

1 cup dried elderberries
1L filtered water
2 cinnamon sticks
2” piece of fresh ginger cut into slices
4 cloves
2 cups raw honey

Bring everything except the honey to a boil in a pot and then simmer for 45 minutes, letting the liquid reduce. Strain and let cool until room temperature before stirring in the honey. Put into 4oz mason jars or bottle of your choice. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. Makes about 8 jars.

Take 1 tsp a day to prevent colds and flus, or 1 tbsp twice per day when sick. Take away from food. Keep refrigerated.

*Though generally safe for everyone over the age of 1, check with your Naturopathic Doctor or healthcare practitioner before starting any new supplement or herbal medicine.