Elderberry & Echinacea Cold Tonic
Knock out cold season before it knocks you out.
Elderberry's antiviral anthocyanins combined with echinacea's immune-activating properties make this the most effective cold-season tonic you can make at home. Start at first sign of symptoms.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp dried elderberries
- 1 tsp dried echinacea
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 cloves
- 2½ cups water
- 2 tbsp raw honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- 1
Combine elderberries, echinacea, cinnamon, cloves, and water in a small saucepan.
- 2
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes until liquid reduces by about half.
- 3
Remove from heat and cool for 10 minutes.
- 4
Strain through a fine mesh sieve, pressing berries to extract all juice.
- 5
Once cooled to room temperature (important — heat destroys honey's enzymes), stir in honey and apple cider vinegar.
- 6
Take 1–2 tbsp at first sign of cold symptoms, up to 3x daily.
Pro Tip
Don't add honey to hot liquid — it destroys the beneficial enzymes. Wait until the tonic cools below 100°F.
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