1. Combine elderberries, water, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil, then simmer gently for 15 minutes.
3. Strain the mixture — collect the liquid, discard the solids.
4. Let cool until lukewarm (DO NOT add honey to hot liquid — it destroysenzymes).
5. Stir in honey and lemon juice.
6. Pour into a glass jar or bottle, store in the refrigerator (lasts 1-2 weeks).
7. Dosage: 1 tablespoon daily for prevention, 3-4 tablespoons daily at the first signs of a cold.

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is rich in anthocyanins. Research cautiously suggests a beneficial effect on the duration of upper respiratory tract infections. Ginger is anti-nausea and mildly anti-inflammatory. Local honey provides prebiotics.

Tips & variations 

• For families: put in a nice bottle with a handwritten label
• For children 4+: 1 teaspoon per day preventatively
• NOT for children under 1 year (raw honey)