Immune-boosting Elderberry Gummies and other stuff from our home

Our little cutie is growing like a weed, and generally so very good natured and sweet.  Usually, if he's crying he's either wet, or hungry or tired. Fix that and he's back to smiling and talking.

Starting first grade with this young man!

 

She's growing up too.

 So a couple more before and afters of this place. Here's a view from the kitchen before paint and carpet(after ripping out the old.

Here's the same view, as wide as a 50 mm will let me take it.

from our bedroom door(the blurred edge to the right is the door jam.) Like my "new" couch? :) $30 dollars at the Restore around the block from here!

 Next some pictures of this evening's project
With cold and flu season here, I'm doing immune boosting gummies and "flu" tea, not flu shots. My dear mumsie sent us the cutest little silicon gummy bear mold. We made our first batch of gummies tonight and the children loved them.

Elderberry Gummies
1/2 cup fruit juice
1/3 cup elderberry syrup
1 Tb honey
3 Tb gelatin
Soak the gelatin in the fruit juice and then add the rest of the ingredients and heat on low till dissolved. Pour into mold and cool in fridge(or freezer if you have a small mold like me and want to do multiple batches in a hurry before your stuff sets up in the pan)

Here's what was left of my batch after we had all tried them :)

Here's some information on why elderberry - source

Photo Credit elderberries image by Alison Bowden

 

Elderberries have a long history as a folk cure for a variety of ailments. Currently, scientific studies are being conducted to test the accuracy of these health claims. While some uses haven't been proven yet, elderberries in the form of elderberry syrup have been shown to boost immunity, decrease mucous production during colds and fight 

the flu.

Boosts the Immune System

Help your body fight disease. Elderberries are a rich source of vitamins A and C, which are crucial in helping the body maintain optimal health. Plus, the bioflavonoids in elderberry syrup boost the body's immune system by increasing antioxidant levels and viruses that damage cell walls. A daily dose can assist you in preventing both acute and chronic disease.

Treats Upper Respiratory Infections

Fight your cold symptoms. Elderberry syrup makes colds and other upper respiratory symptoms more tolerable by reducing mucous secretions. Also, elderberries may fight swelling of the respiratory passages, which means less discomfort and trouble breathing and soothe a cough.

Improves Flu Symptoms

Decrease the length and severity of your flu symptoms. Common flu symptoms like fever, chills, sore throat, muscle aches and fatigue may go away faster if you take elderberry syrup as recommended on the bottle. According to a study in the Journal of International Medical Research, patients given elderberry syrup recovered an average of 4 days faster from the flu than those not taking the supplement. Elderberries have even been shown in the labs to help prevent swine and avian flu strains.