Give me essential oils and my Instant Pot and I'm a happy camper! Add in immune support with flavor my whole family loves and I'm all in!

Elderberry syrup is trending hard right now, and rightfully so with the research showing how effective it is on fighting illness.

Studies from 2004 and 2009 demonstrated its ability to cut flu duration in half, and in many cases eliminate symptoms within 48 hours. A more recent 2016 study, shows the elderberry works similar magic on colds.

Like most cough syrups, elderberries contain high levels of bioflavonoids like anthocyanins, that can soothe irritation and inflammation, thus reduce the swelling of the respiratory tract. Additionally, this fruit also acts as a potent expectorant that can reduce mucus congestion by clearing out phlegm build-up.

The 2004 study, published in the Journal of International Medical Research, showed that when elderberry extract is used within 48 hours of the onset of the influenza A or B virus, it shortens the duration of flu symptoms by an average of 4 days.

Patients received 15 ml of elderberry syrup 4 times a day for 5 days.

In a 2009 study, published in the Online Journal of Pharmacology, H1N1 and avian flu patients were given four 175-milligram doses of elderberry extract daily.

While a group of patients receiving a placebo showed no improvement or worsening symptoms, those who received the extract “showed significant improvement within 24 hours.” Fever, headache, muscle ache and nasal congestion were significantly reduced within 24 hours. “Within 48 hours of treatment, nearly 90% of the elderberry extract treated patients were either symptom free or had only mild symptoms,” the researchers wrote.

A 2016 study, published in Nutrients, showed elderberry can reduce the duration and symptoms of a cold in air travelers.
But while elderberries are a superfood with awesomely high antioxidant levels (14,697 on the ORAC scale), the Wolfberry that Young Living makes its Ningxia Red juice from still beats it out by double (30,000 ORAC), and essential oils rate even higher yet (varying in the 100,000’s)! 
So I made this Wolfberry-Elderberry Super Syrup from homemademommy.net to add to my family's daily shot of Ningxia Red, and it's SUPER. The syrup is good on its own too. I've been giving my kids a quarter to half ounce. Adults take half to full ounce. I’ve also been adding it to our Red Drink, about 2 oz, and adding it to things like oatmeal and yogurt, even poured over pancakes is good.

RECIPE

1/2 cup organic dried Elderberries - sambucus nigra

1/2 cup organic dried wolfberries

4 cups filtered water

1 cup raw honey

1 drop Lemon Vitality

1 drop Orange Vitality 

1 drop Thieves Vitality

1 drop Copaiba Vitality

Directions: Add the wolfberries, elderberries, and water to the Instant Pot. Put the top on, seal, and cook for 7 minutes. Allow for natural release and wait another 15 minutes to open the lid.

Strain the liquid out into a glass pitcher or quart mason jar.

Pour the strained liquid back into the Instant Pot and hit the Sauté' button. The liquid will come to a roaring boil. Reduce down by half. This process should take about 15-20 minutes. The yield should be around 2 cups. 

Pour the liquid into glass container and add the raw honey and oils. Stir to incorporate.

Store in fridge. Can substitute half the honey with brandy.

I made all the Young Living ingredients easy to grab here. I usually find the elderberries on Amazon. 

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