Elderberry Rob
An autumnal warming syrup, for immunity support for coughs and cold. recipe quantity To fill 1 x 150ml glass bottle.
Ingredients:
1 heaped tablespoon of Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) soaked in 250ml cold water overnight or for a few hours.
150g fresh Elderberries (half the amount if using dried berries)
Half teaspoon dried thyme or 2 teaspoons fresh chopped thyme..
Small amount of fresh ginger grated.
Fresh Lemon juice.
100g raw cane sugar.
Method:
- Strain the marshmallow and reserve the infusion by pressing out all the liquid then pour it in a saucepan along with the berries, thyme and ginger. Add more water if required.
- Simmer gently, covered for approx 20 mins then strain and discard the spent marc for compost.
- Measure the liquid before adding it back into the pan and add a tablespoon of lemon juice.
- To 200ml liquid add 100g sugar and heat gently to boiling point then simmer for 10mins to a syrup consistency.
- Cool a bit and then bottle the syrup. Remember to label your elixir!
- The rob will keep in the fridge for 6 months at least and you can also freeze it to keep longer.
Take a teaspoon every few hours for coughs, colds, and flu. Use as a cordial and dilute with boiling water to drink. Add a teaspoon to yoghurt or porridge breakfast.
A bit about the ingredients:
Elderberries – these berries are nutritive but aren’t edible raw. They contain vitamin C, tannins, iron, sugars, and fruit acids & anthrocyanic pigments (flavonoids which give the deep colour and act as antioxidants, reducing free radicals and thereby potentially protecting against disease and cell damage). The berries have similar properties and uses to the Elderflowers and are helpful in treatment of colds and flu, being diaphoretic, ie. increasing sweating which is a method of our bodies to naturally reduce fever and release toxins via the skin pores.
Thyme – From the Greek word Thymos meaning strong. This warming and drying herb is an antiseptic (containing the chemical Thymol) and a decongestant. It acts as a relaxant and is a valuable convalescent herb, used as a strengthening tonic for mental and physical tiredness. A traditional remedy for coughs and colds.
Ginger – Warming and stimulating ginger is a synthesiser of herbal compounds and aids circulation. Traditionally included in prescriptions to ensure absorption through the stomach to all parts of the body, Ginger is expectorant (ie: improve conditions of respiratory trouble by promoting expulsion of mucus) and anti-inflammatory.
Marshmallow – A soothing demulcent herb with alterative properties (returning the body to homeostasis – natural balance). Containing mucilage which aids in tissue repair internally. Marshmallow also containing nutrients.
Lemon – containing citrus acid which is anti-bacterial and capable of destroying some viruses and bacteria. Lemon and honey are the remedy we are all familiar with as a hot infusion to relief congestion and cold symptoms. Lemon is a natural preservative and anti-infective containing Vitamin C and familiar lemony smell of the essential oil.
Please note that all recipes and the described herbal properties are for information only and do not constitute nutritional or medicinal advice.