It is back to school season which means we are doing all the things to keep our household healthy! One of the items we tend to grab in the fall and winter is elderberry syrup. You can purchase this or make your own. Making elderberry syrup is actually much simpler that you would think. You can even use your Instant Pot!
I have hit some roadblocks with elderberry syrup. The first one is, my kids and I do not prefer the taste. The second one is, I don't always have time to make it. The third one is, I am not always near somewhere where I can just "Go grab a jar." This has us purchasing our elderberry supplement in gummy form these days!
Today, I thought I would share the DIY recipe that we have used in the past and also share some information about our new favorite elderberry gummies (it is actually more than an elderberry gummy). Let's get started!
DIY Elderberry Syrup
I love a good DIY. Any DIYer knows that they are typically great money savers AND the ingredients are much simpler! We made this recipe a few years ago. Essential oils take this recipe up a notch. If giving to your kids, definitely taste test before as some of the oils can add a "spicy" taste to the mix. Take a peek below!
Directions:
Bring the berries, water, ginger, cinnamon, and clove to a boil.
Cover and simmer or 45 minutes.
Once warm, mash and strain the berries from the liquid.
In a small bowl, combine the honey and essential oils.
Once the berry mixture begins to cool, slowly stir in your honey mixture.
Adults take one tablespoon daily.
Children take 1 teaspoon daily.
You can grab the elderberries here.
Grab your Thieves and Lemon Vitality Oils here.
The BUY
Now, if the recipe above doesn't appeal to you, check out these Immugummies!
Not only do they have elderberry flower in them, they also contain beta-glucans. You can't beat the ingredients or the fact that there is no added sugar or dyes.
Here is some information I pulled from the LIfestepsApp that will fill you in on the details of this gem.
Support your family's wellness with our the Immugummies daily supplement! These delicious elderflower- and lime-flavored gummies are more than just a sweet treat. They naturally support optimal immune function, immune health, and upper respiratory tract health.
Packed with power, flavor, and pure algal beta-glucans, these gummies are a daily must-have for a healthy immune system.
ELDERBERRY & ELDERFLOWER
Elderberry and elderflower are two different parts of the same medicinal shrub, and both can be used for their health benefits! While similar, they each have distinct properties that can be used for immune and respiratory health.
Elderberries have been utilized in traditional folk medicine for thousands of years. In European folklore, elderberry consumption was associated with increased longevity and vigor! They are a great source of antioxidants, dietary fiber and vitamins, and are a wonderful way to provide immune support for the body.
Elderflowers are the flowers of the same plant that bloom before the berries form. They have a slight sweet, floral taste, making them a popular choice for teas and cordials. Elderflowers have been shown to have up to two times higher antioxidant activity than the berries due to a higher phenolic content, and they are great for supporting the respiratory system.
KEY INGREDIENTS
1,3 beta-glucans (from Euglena gracilis algae): Beta- glucans support immune health, immune function, and upper respiratory tract health. They're sourced through a sustainable indoor fermentation process to reduce waste and prevent harm to marine ecosystems.
Elderberry fruit juice concentrate: This ingredient contains antioxidants that combat free radicals and support the immune system.
Elderflower natural flavor: Flowers from the elder tree have been used for centuries to support a healthy respiratory system.
Lime essential oil: This zesty oil is a good source of d-limonene, a terpene that has antioxidant properties
What do they taste like?
These gummies are a combination of fruity and floral. You can definitely taste the Lime oil as well.
I was skeptical about whether the kids would like them but they enjoy them. In fact, they will even remind me to give them one if I forget.
So what do you think? Are you a DIYer or a BUYer when it comes to your elderberry supplement?
The season is slowly changing which can often time bring a tickle to the throat, a nagging cough, discomfort in the throat, and an unwanted scratchy feeling. Lucky for you, you have many options whether you like to DIY or BUY your Young Living items. Our family does them all!! Let's start with the DIY!
Honey Drops
This staple recipe can be turned into anything you would like! Seasonal Sniffle bombs ( Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, & Copaiba) , Immunity Drops, Tummy Tamer Drops ( Peppermint, Ginger, Lemon) . Today we are are using Thieves, Lemon, and Peppermint to make throat soother drops. You can find that DIY in my video here! you will need to adjust the drops for children and I know plenty of adults who increase the number of drops for themselves!
You can use a silicone mold to keep them in a nice shape!
Let's chat the BUY options!
Thieves Lozenges vs. Thieves Cough Drops
I am a BIG DIY gal and these drops are worth every stinkin' penny. The Thieves Lozenges are Thieves, Peppermint, and Lemon wrapped in one. They amaze me ( and my husband)! The difference between the lozenges and the Thieves Cough Drops is that there is additional menthol in the Thieves Cough Drops. The cough drops are FDA approved and labeled OTC. Since both contain the Thieves blend, you are also reaping the benefits of those immune support oils. You will NOT find artificial flavors, sugar, or dyes in these drops!
Both are wonderful for a cough, scratchy throat, and to open the airways. I love popping one before I put my mask on or even before a run. They are so refreshing and last forever compared to the drops I am used to from the store. We just stocked up for the season as these items tend to FLY off the come fall and winter.
So what do you think? Are you a buyer or diy-er this season?
Masks have become a part of our daily routine. Some of us are wearing them for short trips to the grocery store and others wear them for a prolonged period of time, day in and day out. After wearing a mask for over 8 hours while flying last month, I found myself reaching for my Peppermint and Thieves Spray time and time again. The peppermint helped with a heavy ache that I would get in my head mid-day as well as some wooziness during some rough air. I clearly wasn't able to hand wash my mask, so I found myself giving it a good spritz with Thieves Spray from time to time. There is no other disinfectant I would use for this. Why? Because I am putting it back on my face and want to make sure I am inhaling a clean, non-toxic aroma. Since this trip, I have come across several helpful recipes in various oily groups! I wanted to share them with you as I have found them effective yet safe when it comes to staying away from toxins. Staying away from harsh chemicals and toxins is part of maintaining a healthy immune system.
Mask Spray:
Witch Hazel
Essential Oils ( this is your choice!)
I selected Peppermint and Raven for respiratory support and an uplifting aroma. You could also do Thieves, RC, Lavender, Spearmint...think of what you are wanting to address!
Add 7-10 drops of desired oils into spritzer. Top with witch hazel, add top, and shake. Spritz the inside of your mask before wearing.
Thieves Spray:
You can purchase this already made ( That is what I would do :) ) OR you can DIY this!
15 drops of Thieves oil
1 teaspoon witch hazel
A little under 2 ounces of distilled water.
Spritz your mask front and back with Thieves Spray in between wears.
Mask Soak:
16 ounces warm water
1 teaspoon Thieves Laundry Soap
1 teaspoon Thieves Household Cleaner
3-5 drops Lemon Oil
Mix all ingredients in bowl of water. Add masks to the bowl and gently work the solution through the masks. Soak for 5-10 minutes. Rinse clean under warm water. Hang to air dry.
I hope you find these recipes helpful as we adapt to a new routine.
