Immune-Boosting Elderberry & Mushroom Elixir

Ingredients:

Base:

• 1 cup dried elderberries (Sambucus nigra)
• 4 cups filtered water

Medicinal Mushrooms:

• 2 tablespoons dried reishi mushroom powder
• 2 tablespoons dried turkey tail mushroom powder

Immune-Boosting Additions:

• 3-4 cloves raw garlic, crushed
• 2-inch piece fresh ginger root, sliced
• 1 cinnamon stick (or 1 tsp ground cinnamon)
• 4-5 whole cloves
• Zest of 1 organic lemon
• ½ to 1 cup raw honey (preferably local)
• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. Crush the garlic cloves and let them sit for 10 minutes to activate the immune-supporting enzymes.
   
2. In a large pot, add elderberries, water, ginger, cinnamon stick, whole cloves, and lemon zest. Bring to a boil.
   
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes until the liquid has reduced by about half (you should have approximately 2 cups of liquid remaining).
   
4. Remove from heat and add the crushed garlic. Let steep for 10 minutes while cooling.
   
5. Once the liquid has cooled to warm, whisk in the reishi and turkey tail mushroom powders. Stir well to prevent clumping and let steep for 10-15 minutes, whisking occasionally.
   
6. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a glass bowl. Use the back of a spoon to press out all the liquid from the berries and herbs. Discard the solids.
   
7. Stir in the honey and fresh lemon juice until completely dissolved.
   
8. Pour into a clean glass jar with an airtight lid. Label with the date and store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 months.
   

Dosage:

For Prevention (during cold & flu season):

• Adults: 1 tablespoon daily
• Children (over 1 year): 1 teaspoon daily

At First Sign of Illness:

• Adults: 1 tablespoon every 2-3 hours
• Children (over 1 year): 1 teaspoon every 2-3 hours

How to Use:

• Take directly by the spoonful
• Mix into warm (not hot) water or herbal tea
• Add to smoothies
• Drizzle over yogurt or oatmeal

Note: Not suitable for children under 1 year due to honey content. Always consult with your healthcare provider before using herbal remedies, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.

Nutritional Breakdown Per Serving (1 tablespoon):

*Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods used.