those lovely roots

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Elderberry tea

While I write this post, we’re neck-deep in January.

January is synonymous with flu season in my mind, especially with a kid in elementary school.

This year, after Christmas break was over and once school started up again, this time I didn’t just dread another inevitable sickness, I actively anticipated it. So just 1.5 weeks back into school and my little guy was already coming down with a cold. As I write this my eyes are watering and I too am a little sneezy. Ugh. You never win.

Of course you can TRY to get your kids to drink this tea but if they’re anything like mine then good luck.

This tea is for YOU. Because kids and their robust little immune systems usually bounce back pretty quick after illnesses. But parents on the other hand… We need all the help that we can get while on the parenting front out there…

I usually source my elderberries locally since they grown on our higher elevation mountains. But I have also purchased them online and they were just as good.

I keep them dried and preserved in a glass bottle until the occasion arises that I need some help.

I use my mortar and pestle (or a spice grinder) and grind it to a coarse texture. Then pour about 2-3 Tbsp into a cheesecloth and secure it with a tie.

From there I steep it in simmering water for about five minutes then sit with the heat off for about 10 mins.

Discard the pulp and prepare as a tea. I prefer a dollop of raw honey in mine.

This tea is truly amazing and there’s a reason that it’s been used for illnesses for a very long time. I used this tea when I was pregnant and battling a cold and it completely reversed and stopped the illness dead in its tracks.

Happy sipping!!