Anti-Viral Elixir

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted about tinctures or elixirs so I thought I’d share one of my current favorites that I make. This one is not for the faint-hearted. Meaning, it’s not quite as pleasant as elderberry syrup. However—it’s potent and can kick some pretty nasty virus booty. If virus had booties. Which I don’t think they do. Moving on.

Either way—this stuff is stroooong but oh so good when you’re in the thick of cold and flu season. Ideally you would start this stuff brewing in the fall and have a supply on hand for when you feel a cold coming on. Originally I created this elixir specifically to boost my immune system in response to my chronic cold sores. With all the lovely anti-viral herbs in here, it’s a great way to fight off cold sores if that’s something you struggle with like I do.

How to make an elixir

If you’re wondering what in the world an elixir is—or have yet to dive into the amazing world of elixirs, I would encourage you to check out this post first. That post is specifically about tinctures, however the process is very similar. The main difference between a tincture and an elixir is the addition of honey, and generally for elixirs brandy is used versus vodka for tinctures. (At least that’s how I make them.) So go check that out and then come back here and get some stuff brewing!

Anti-Viral Elixir

Ingredients

1/2 cup dried elderberries
1/3 cup dried echinacea (root, flower, stems, or leaves)
1/3 cup dried astragalus
1/3 cup dried olive leaf
2 tablespoons dried ginger pieces
1 tablespoon dried cinnamon pieces
1 tablespoon dried licorice root
1 teaspoon whole cloves
Honey
Brandy

Directions

Measure out all your ingredients and pour them into a wide mouth quart sized mason jar. You can use a regular mouth, but it’s harder to get all the herbs out later. Once all the herbs are in the jar, drizzle a little honey on top. I don’t go too crazy—just a tablespoon or two (maaaaybe three) is great. Then take your brandy and pour it over the top to cover all the herbs. You want the brandy to cover the herbs so there is about an inch of liquid on top of them while also leaving a bit of space in the jar for the herbs to expand.

Cap the jar very tightly (I prefer using the plastic lids for elixir and tincture making) and shake the jar vigorously to dissolve the honey and agitate the herbs.

Now let this sit on your counter out of direct sunlight. Check back in 24 hours to see if you need to add a bit more brandy. I generally have to add another splash or two since the herbs soak up a lot of the liquid.

Then you simply wait and let the herbal goodness infuse into the brandy anywhere from 2-6 weeks. Ideally you will shake the jar several times during this time to continue to agitate the herbs and extract the nutrients.

Once you’ve infused the herbs long enough, you will then strain them off using a clean rag/dish towel, etc. My method is simply to secure an old cut up dish towel with a rubber band around a small jar. I pour in the elixir and then squeeze out all the goodness.

Discard the herbs, and wallah! You have your elixir.

Benefits of the herbs

Elderberries

Elderberries are high in vitamins A and C, are anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory. They are also an immunostimulant and high in flavanoids. Learn more here.

Echinacea

Echinacea helps to boost and stimulate the immune system. It also helps increase lymph flow to swollen glands. Echinacea is called an alterative herb which basically means it helps to detox the body by removing metabolic waste. Echinacea does work best when it’s used before a cold or flu sets in. I would also like to point out that you do not need to stop taking echinacea after a certain number of days. That myth came from a misinterpreted German study. But if you do have an autoimmune disorder do some research before using this herb as there is some conflicting research in that area.

Astragalus

Astragalus is an immuno-modulator which means it helps to bolster the immune system. It is best used in higher quantities and frequently since it seems to work best over time. It is also considered an adaptogen which means it helps the body build and restore.

Olive leaf

Olive leaves seem to contain some pretty powerful anti-viral properties that help fight off various types of viruses including cold and flu viruses, herpes, and even some forms of polio. Here’s a very interesting monograph on olive leaf if you wish to learn more.

Ginger

Ginger is an anti-inflammatory and stimulates circulation. It is also an antiviral and helps stimulate macrophage activity which helps prevent viruses from attaching to the cell walls. Learn more here.

Cinnamon

Studies have shown that cinnamon is great for balancing blood sugar levels. It could even potentially be useful for those suffering from type 2 Diabetes. Another study showed that cinnamon could be beneficial for those suffering from PCOS. Cinnamon is good for the heart and helps reduce bad cholesterol. It’s a warming herb so can be helpful when fighting a cold or flu to help warm the body.

Licorice

Licorice is an interesting herb that when added to herbal combinations helps the herbs to all work more efficiently together. On top of that it is also an anti-viral, helps to stimulate the immune system, and is very useful for upper respiratory conditions. Licorice is an herb that is meant to be taken in smaller quantities.

Clove

Cloves are anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic (reduces pain). This makes them very beneficial for toothaches, and also for fighting infections. Even nasty bacteria like food poisoning, staph infection, and others. Cloves can also be beneficial in fighting off cold sores.

WHERE TO PURCHASE

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If you’re interested in learning more about herbs I highly recommend this online herbal school. I have taken several of their courses and have loved every one.