THE HOLY GRAIL – ELDERBERRY DIY HOME-BREW KIT – WITH ADAPTOGENIC BOTANICALS

Made by Temptress Apothecary & Plants + Passion

If one can fall in love with a plant, ours would definitely be Elder ie. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) so named by Native American herbalists who regarded her as a wise ‘elder’ plant, and with such notoriety she spread her roots throughout human culture and history, mythology, music, woodcraft, horticulture, medicines, beverages and cuisine. Folklore says that you should always ask permission before cutting elder wood, and if you don’t, she may take revenge and haunt the project or object in which she was cut down for. Some tales also say that if you burn elder, you will bring the devil into your house; others that if you plant an elder near your door, your house will be will be forever protected. If you think this is all a load of nonsense, Elder simply offers generous amounts of fragrant flowers and rich dark fruits that provide a panacea of big plant medicine, offering relief from influenza, colds, coughs, bronchitis, sore throat, headache, scarlet fever, measles, bruises, inflammation, rheumatisms, and sciatica. What more can one possibly ask from a beloved?

Elder immune support is in fact well researched. For starters Elderberry is full of flavonoids including anthocyanins, quercetin and rutin, which perform some of the most important immunological protective forces against invasive pathogens. You see, in order for an immune challenge to take hold, it must penetrate your cells. Elderberry flavonoids become something like defensive ninjas for our cells, binding with foreign invaders and preventing them from entering. Flavonoids also support a healthy inflammation response, which can offer comfort during immune challenges. Elderberry also activates the body’s non-specific, or innate, immune response. This why Elderberry can take effect in a short period of time when you start to feel under the weather. In addition to providing a short-term immune boost, Elderberry can also be taken at a lower dose (once a day) to build resistance all winter long.

With such reverence in mind, our DIY brew blend offers a generous amount of her rich dark fruits that provide a panacea of big plant medicine, particularly flavonoids and antioxidants. In addition, we add in a host of adaptogen herbs, replenishing roots and comforting spices: Echinacea, Ginger, Liquorice, Rosehip, Hibiscus, Cinnamon and Cloves which go a long way to getting you through the cold and flu season, or a kick-arse all-year-round tonic. This brew kit produces approximately one litre of high potency syrup. In addition to this kit, all that is needed is filtered water, raw honey (or equivalent) and apple cider vinegar. Once made, this brew can be stored up to 6 months. Designed for all ages, including pregnant and breastfeeding women. This recipe is exceptionally palatable even crabby sick people, both big and small. Adults: 1 tbsp three times a day. Children: 1 tsp three times a day.

DIRECTIONS

• Place the contents of the pouch in a large pot and cover with the 2 litres of water. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and slowly simmer until the brew has reduced by approximately a half of its original volume. Let it sit and infuse another 30 minutes (or more).

• Strain out the macerated herbs, making sure you squeeze the herbs to extract all the goodness.

• Return the strained liquid to the pot and heat. Add honey and apple cider vinegar (approx. 1/3 cup each). Taste and adjust to the desired level of sweetness and acidity.

• Pour the warm decoction into hot clean bottles. Seal, label and store in a cool place. Keep any opened bottles in the fridge. This will last for up to about 6 months.

• Optional: To help preserve and extend shelf life, measure out a quantity of brandy or vodka that is 20% of the volume of the syrup and stir into cooled syrup. This is now called a tincture and will last about 2 years.

Ingredients: Elderberries (Sambucas nigra), Echinacea, Ginger Root, Liquorice Root, Cinnamon, Rosehip, Hibiscus, Cloves.

Other serving suggestions: Can also be used for flavouring fermented beverages and sparkling water, gummy snacks, in tea and smoothies, ice-blocks, and drizzled over desserts.

*Australian Certified Organic (ACO) No. 13040