Elderberry Syrup

Back a decade ago when it was just me and a baby I didn’t have a clue on how to care for, I discovered the secrets of our ancestors for coughs and colds. There are generations that had gone before me raising babies without tv’s, car seats, and used plants for healing! Go figure! So I ditched the car seat, unplugged the tv and started making Elderberry Syrup!

Kidding…! people who make potions in their kitchen aren’t completely ignorant to safety rules and love a good thirty minute babysitting tv sesh. But this plant healing thing… I was on board! It took one suggestion for my hacking baby to use cough syrup for me to find an alternative that wasn’t going to have side effects. ODLY ENOUGH, later on in 2008 the FDA retracted and said OTC cough syrups should NOT be given to kids under 2. Glad I went with my Momma gut feeling!

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Enter Elderberry Syrup! Y’all, I cannot tell you that this will cure anything or prevent anything. Not a doctor or a scientist. But here’s some research for you to check out on the efficacy and effectiveness of using elderberry.

Oil Infused Elderberry Syrup

-2/3 cup dried organic elderberries (purchase from a local health food store or Amazon)

-3 1/2 cups of water

-1 cup of raw local honey

-8 drops Cinnamon Bark Vitality

-6 drops Clove Vitality

-4 drops Ginger Vitality

Directions: 

1. In a medium saucepan add your water and elderberries.

2. Bring to a boil.

3. Cover and reduce heat. Simmer for about 45 minutes or until the liquid is reduced by half.

4. While your berries simmer, mix your vitality oils into your honey.

5. When your syrup is reduced, remove from heat and let cool enough to handle.

6. Mash berries with a spoon and pour through a strainer. You can also use a cheese cloth to strain the juice from the berries. Discard the berries.

7. When no longer hot, stir in your honey (you can add bee pollen too).

8. Store in a mason jar in the fridge.

HOW TO USE: Kids will take a teaspoon as needed when not feeling well or when around others that are sickly.

How much should you use? That’s up to you! I’ll personally use a tablespoon a day starting… yesterday. #ragweedseason

Why add oils? Flavor! Plus the extra benefits they add to our immune system.

No oils in your cabinet? Get 24% off using my referral link.

Order your elderberries online or buy locally. Just make sure they’re organic and dried!

My Story

I’m one of those people that walked away from the mainstream way of health and started figuring things out for myself and my body… I just wanted help! For my emotional mess, hormones, sleep, my babies, and just how to stay well or recover better.

Enter essential oils or “plant power” as I often say! They were easy to use. I was surrounded by women with helpful stories willing to help me. And they worked!

Friends asked “what are you doing differently?” I had some of them over to my house to chat, and I accidentally started a business! That was 2014… 8 years later and I’m still helping families find health solutions and right alongside you learning!
……….

1. How did I first hear about essential oils? 
>>My first real job in 2006, I worked in an Aveda salon with my sister and they were all about plant based products scented with essential oils. They had individual oils too that I would play around with on my break- tea tree for skin and lavender for calming were my go to!

2. What made me say "Yes!" to giving essential oils a try for some big health things ? 
>>A lady at a homeschool convention had a workshop “Oils of the Bible”. I was amazed! Attended another one of her workshops the next day and she talked about how easy oils were to use on her kids and farm animals, including goats. I didn’t have animals, but I did have kids (same thing, right?!) and needed easy! I bought a book from her to learn more and read it for a few weeks before ordering from the first person I knew who was selling Young Living.

Honestly I did shop around for other oils that were cheaper, but I didn’t want to go cheap with stuffing going in/on my body. I wanted a solid company that put the customer’s health first.

3. Why did I start sharing oils with other people?
>>>I shared sample bottles of oils I used for my kids to sleep when Mommas said they were up all night with a crying baby, I made up “get well soon” gifts of oils and soup, and gave my “happy roller” to anyone that was struggling with their emotions, because I just wanted them to see the quick effect they had! I was excited to have others relate to my crazy natural or “crunchy” ways when they found they worked too!

For a decade prior, I had used herbs and plants in different ways. I know I keep saying it, but oils were EASY. A no brainer to start sharing with my friends. I didn’t want to be “alone” or let anyone feel like they were alone in their own stuck health issues.

4. What does it mean to have other people helping you find health solutions? 
>>>You know how you walk into something in life and don’t know what the outcome will be, but you have butterflies in your stomach and joy in your heart? That’s how I felt when I first got into contact with friends who were figuring out how essential oils worked... they all shared a similar vision for connecting with other women through ALL areas of life.

So far it’s meant having ears to listen when my family isn’t feeling well and I’m kind of at the end of my rope. It’s been a group of people cheering me on and getting to watch others be cheered through their health. Constant encouragement and lifelong relationships!

5.What opportunities does Young Living give me and my family? 
>>> We have solutions! Real, tangible, easy solutions to every day issues. Our days are much more manageable with a well stocked arsenal of oils. I don’t mean that lightly, we reach for oils or Young Living products at least a dozen times a day.

Diffusing to change the aroma and environment of a room. Down the spine to help our bodies manage the unseen things we come into contact with. In our skin care and DIY “Everything Cream”. We are healthier and happier with YL in our lives. Fear of health issues is kicked to the curb.

Plus, this is my business. My main income. A work from home Momma isn’t something I planned to be. But it’s been so good to have that be possible while my kids are growing!

6.What has been my greatest wellness story? 
>> Mental health... by far, my biggest reason for starting with YL. I’ve been able to connect physical symptoms with emotional strongholds through the teachings of the founder, Gary Young (does the name Young Living make sense now?!).

I have tools to help my brain and nervous system be strong! Supplements I recommend- Super B, MultiGreens, and OmegaGize. Oils- “Great Day Protocol” Harmony, Valor, White Angelica, and Joy daily!

SO thankful for you taking the time to read my story! I believe stories and sharing the good in our lives leads to healing and connection. I pray you are inspired, uplifted, and strive for more here in this community!

• Go here to read my other stories and wellness recipes.

• Shop for essential oils and products with me, and I’ll be your friend to find your own health solutions!

• Already a Young Living member with me or a friend of mine? Make sure you’re a part of our Facebook community- where you can ask questions and learn.

xoxo Danielle Guess