Immune Boost Elderberry Tea

Great for when you're feeling under the weather or if you just need a quick pick me up!

Try this delicious recipe and treat yourself on a chilly day. Elderberry has been a staple in our house for years, and I kick it into high gear during the winter months up here in the Northeast USA where the winters are long and dreary. With ingredients that will not only warm you from the inside out but boost your immune system as well, this Elderberry Tea definitely packs a punch!

Years ago at an Elderberry Syrup class at a local recreation center, I learned about the benefits of elderberries. I remember sitting there at the long table with my bag of dried elderberries thinking "how could these little guys be so beneficial?" They just seemed like the most fragile tiny berries I'd ever seen. But as the instructor taught the class how to make syrup by boiling the elderberries in a pot, to straining through cheesecloth and adding a bit of honey, I learned that this super berry has so much to offer! I've adapted this tea with ingredients that I love due to their flavor and health benefits. Take star anise for example, with its magical aroma that reminds me of the yummy Pizzelle cookies my grandmother always had in her home during the holidays. It's anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant benefits easily make it my favorite ingredient in this tea. Clove also has anti-oxidant and cancer fighting benefits. And don't even get me started on cinnamon! I add it to so many recipes (baking and cooking). Cinnamon can help reduce cholesterol levels, cancer, heart disease and overall inflammation. Honey is packed with amino acids, anti-oxidants and health benefits as well. When consuming honey, try to use raw local honey from your area. (Raw local honey contains local pollens from all of your friendly nearby plants and may help with those pesky allergies during allergy season!) For an extra kick, this elderberry tea has a particular ingredient you may not have thought would be in a tea. Read on to see what it is!

Immune Boost Elderberry Tea

Ingredients

• 6 cups filtered water

• 6 tbsp dried organic elderberries (I like to use Mountain Rose Herbs find it here)

• 2 tbsp Raw local honey

• 6 star anise whole flowers

• 1 -1/2 tsp ground clove

• 1 -1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

• 1 medium sauce pan

• measuring cup and spoons

• strainer

• 2 large mason jars or a large container for storage

Instructions

1. Gather all of your ingredients. Start boiling the water in your saucepan.

2. Once boiling, add elderberries, cinnamon, clove, star anise, and cayenne pepper. Stir well.

3. Bring down temperature to low and simmer for 20 minutes (uncovered).

4. Turn off your stove and gently remove the saucepan from heat. Using your strainer, strain the tea in increments into a mason jar. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.

5. Add honey and stir well.

6. Now just pour into your favorite mug and enjoy

Pro Tips: 1.) Use a glass measuring cup with a spout to strain the tea into before pouring. Do this in increments and pour into a larger mason jar or glass carafe. 2.) If you see a lot of sediment collecting at the bottom of the jar, you can run the tea once more through a piece of cheese cloth before storing in the refrigerator.

Please refrigerate for up to 7 days. Enjoy hot or over ice with an extra stick of cinnamon too! Cheers to you and to good health!