10/26/13

Mimi’s Defense Against Ellie’s Germs – Natural Cold and Flu Remedy

Okay, maybe the name is too long for a natural cold and flu remedy but our beautiful, adorable and kissable baby blossom, Eloise Ivy, lovingly gave me her precious little cold germs so we cooked up some defense. I (aka Mimi) managed to avoid everyone else’s cold over the last month but who can resist bussing a delightful baby?

COLD & FLU DEFENSE & IMMUNITY SYRUP

This wonderful syrup is very inexpensive to make compared to products that you buy at the store. Elderberries, Echinacea and Thyme are all great germ fighters and immune boosters.

The ingredients can be found at any local health food store that carries bulk herbs – we love Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage. Buy organic if you can find it. Not only is it better for you, but the growing practices are way better for the earth. Send your love and support to our organic farmers! You can also buy bulk herbs at Mountain Rose Herbs on-line – we want to be this company.

It’s pretty hard to find local, organic honey as fields that the bees gather from need to be organic for five square miles so search out organically kept hives in your ‘hood, as that honey’s the best for your immune system. Otherwise use a high quality honey that has been minimally processed (raw, slightly heated and filtered is great). We love Ambrosia Honey when our bees don’t produce enough to share.

INGREDIENTS       

4 cups filtered or high quality water

1/2 cup dried elderberries (organic if possible)

1/2 cup dried Echinacea purpurea or angustifolia (shredded herb and root, organic if possible)

1/4 cup dried thyme (organic if possible)

1/4 to 1/2 cup raw, filtered honey (adjust to taste)

STEPS

1. Combine water and dried herbs in a stainless steel or glass pan and bring to boil then immediately lower to a simmer and cover pan.
2. Simmer covered for one hour then cool to a temperature comfortable enough to handle.
3. Strain the herb from the liquid with an unbleached coffee filter or very fine mesh strainer. Reserve the liquid and compost the herb.
4. Gently rewarm the strained liquid (approximately two cups) and add 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of honey (adjust to taste) and stir until well incorporated.
5. Pour into an air tight container and refrigerate.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Use 1 tablespoon every four hours to boost your immunity when exposed to cold and flu. Use 1 tablespoon every two hours at first sign of cold and flu symptoms.
The syrup will keep for at least four months with the honey acting as a preservative. Here’s our CYA clause: these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Please consult your health care professional or herbalist before use.

So the moral of the story is, if you can’t evade it, beat it down! Remember to get plenty of rest, drink water, broth and tea, and eat lightly but nutritiously. And don’t stop kissing those babies!

Here’s to your winter health!

IBB

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