Soothing Ginger Licorice Tea

Oftimes, during cold and flu season people are looking for a quick way to soothe their throat, tummy, and warm up at the same time. I know I am! Ginger has soothing properties for the tummy, while having that wonderous ability to warm you up. I love it! It also help with arthritis, heartburn, and headaches. Licorice Root has many healing properties such as helping with asthma, cough and cold symptoms, particularly a sore throat by reducing irritation and inflamation. It even helps with arthritis and depression.

• 2 quarts water
• ¼ cup Licorice Root
• 2 table spoons sliced Ginger Root
• Honey to taste (optional)

1. Fill a pot with 2 quarts of water
2. Add the licorice root and fresh ginger
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Pour tea through a small mesh strainer or cheese cloth into a mug, add the honey when cooled slightly, and serve.

Elderberry Chocolate Cough Syrup

Elderberry is a wonderful immune booster and kids usually love the taste. Pure Chocolate works really well as a cough suppressant. I borrowed this from Natural Mom, Healthy Child.
Ingredients: •1/2 cup of cocoa powder (preferably organic,non-alkaline) •1 cup elderberry juice •1 cup honey •1 pinch of large salt •1/4 tsp vanilla Mix the cocoa and the elderberry juice in a saucepan. Heat and stir to dissolve the cocoa. Boil for 3 minutes over medium heat. Add the salt and the vanilla. While still warm, but not too hot,  add the honey and stir to dissolve. Let cool. Pour into a sterile glass jar,and store in the refrigerator. Keeps for several months.
Yields two cups. You can also use store bought elderberry syrup, heat it up, and add 1/2 cup cocoa powder to one cup syrup

Take 1 tsp. every 2 hours(for children) or 1 tbs. (for adults) during the day, and 2 tsp (children) or 2 tbs.(adults) at bedtime. 

You can also use store bought elderberry syrup, heat it up, and add 1/2 cup cocoa powder to one cup syrup