This herbal syrup is quite easy to prepare and wonderful to have on hand throughout the Autumn and Winter months. I'm happy to share it with you and hope this syrup brings you as much healing and comfort as it has to myself and many others over the years.
Elder Berry & Reishi Mushroom Syrup
Yield: Approximately 96 oz of syrup (recipe can be halved)
Supplies & Ingredients Needed
16 cups filtered water
2 ¾ cups raw honey
1 ¾ cup raw apple cider vinegar
6 oz (1 ½ cups) elderberries, dried or fresh
3 - 6 slices reishi mushroom, dried
4 inch piece fresh ginger root, peeled & chopped
6 quart stock pot
Sweeten, Spike & Bottle
glass measuring cup
fine mesh strainer
large spoon
cheesecloth
large bowl or container, preferably w/pour spout
1 gallon growler OR 1 - 64 oz growler + 1 – 32 oz glass bottle
Add the elderberries, reishi mushroom, ginger root and filtered water to a 6 quart stock pot. Over medium-high heat bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to medium low and bring down to a simmer. Stir occasionally and simmer uncovered about 2 hours or until the liquid has been reduced by half. Remove from the heat and allow to cool about 30 - 40 min. Line a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth and rest it inside a large bowl, preferably with a spout. Carefully pour the reduced liquid through the lined strainer. Gather the corners of the cheesecloth to form a sachet, squeeze with your hands or the back of a spoon to extract has much liquid as possible. Add the honey and apple cider vinegar to the strained liquid, stir very well until the honey is fully dissolved. Give it a taste and add more honey or vinegar to your liking. Pour the fresh syrup into growlers or glass bottles, label and keep them in the refrigerator or root cellar. When stored properly, the syrup will keep up to one year.
Tips & Suggestions
To support immune function and the natural process of detoxification: enjoy ½ – 1 oz of syrup 3x daily at the first sign of illness or response to stress.
This syrup is great for children and most love its sweet, tangy flavor. There are very little to no drug interactions with this syrup. If you have questions regarding potential interactions, please conduct your own research.
Because vinegar is acidic and can corrode metal, plastic lids and bottle caps are recommended for storage. If using metal lids or caps, be sure they are lined with rubber. To reduce corrosion, place a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap between the bottle top and cap before sealing.