Are you feeling a little under the weather or just want to prepare for the cold weather months? You may want to consider making some elderberry syrup. This natural remedy is a great way to help fight off any infections. In this blog post, I'll show you how to make elderberry syrup using just a few simple ingredients. So, if you are looking for an easy and affordable way to fight off the winter ickies, be sure to give this recipe a try!
Elderberry syrup is said to have many health benefits, including supporting the immune system and reducing inflammation. Additionally, elderberries are high in antioxidants and vitamins A and C. I've been using it as part of our wellness regimen for years! I like to make big batches and it keeps well in the refrigerator. (I have a big family, so I always think big - this recipe can be doubled and tripled.)
It’s easier than you think to make your own elderberry syrup! In just a few simple steps, you can create this natural remedy that can help support your immune system. Plus, it tastes great too! Keep reading for all the details. . . .
1. What You'll Need
To make elderberry syrup, you'll need:
- 1 cup of dried elderberries. Find my favorite here.
- 3 cups of water
- 1 cup of raw honey (local is best, but if you can't find any, here is my favorite online.)
- 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger (or chunked if you want to save your knuckles)
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon of whole cloves
- 1 lemon sliced with skin on
- 1 drop each of Cinnamon Bark Vitality essential oil, Clove Vitality essential oil, Ginger Vitality essential oil, Lemon Vitality essential oil, Thieves Vitality essential oil. Find these here, they add a kick!
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2. Add the elderberries, cinnamon stick, cloves, fresh ginger, lemon slices, and water to a pot and bring to a boil.
Once the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes or until the mixture has reduced by half.
To save time, you can cook the syrup in a slow cooker/crockpot on low for about 6 hours.
3. Remove from heat and strain.
Remove the pot from the heat and strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer.
4. Add the honey and essential oils.
Add the honey and essential oils to the strained mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Store in a glass jar.
Pour the syrup into a glass jar and store in the fridge for up to a year. (If it goes in super hot - the jar may seal on its own.)
6. Enjoy!
Elderberry syrup can be taken daily as a preventative measure, or at the first sign of illness. For adults, take 1 tablespoon per day. For children over 2 years old, take 1 teaspoon per day. If you're taking it for illness, you can take up to 3 tablespoons per day. I like to add the elderberry to the antioxidant Ningxia Red. I mix the two, add a little water, and that's what I give my kids every day there is a need for it.
Moms, now's your chance to make your own home remedy, and save some money! It's a natural way to boost your immune system, the recipe easy to follow, and it's also delicious! So why not give it a try? Thanks for reading!
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The holidays are a wonderful time for family, friends, and fun. But they can also be a time of stress, anxiety, and even grief. If you're feeling anything other than happiness this holiday season, you're not alone. Here's a look at some of the most common emotions people feel during the holidays that bring them down—and how to deal with them. I have felt each one of these at different times and know how much they can affect your life.
Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most common emotions people feel during the holidays. There are a lot of things that can contribute to holiday anxiety: financial stress, family dynamics, unrealistic expectations, and more. If you're feeling anxious this holiday season, there are a few things you can do to ease your mind.
First, try to set realistic expectations for yourself and your loved ones and communicate your expectations. The holidays don't have to be perfect—in fact, they rarely are. Instead of putting pressure on yourself to create an Instagram-worthy Christmas or host the perfect Thanksgiving dinner, focus on enjoying quality time with your loved ones.
Second, make a budget and stick to it. This will help you avoid overspending and going into debt—which can add to your anxiety. Make sure you are on the same page with your spouse by communicating and making a plan.
Third, take some time for yourself. Whether it's taking a long walk in the park, getting a massage with essential oils, or simply taking a few minutes to meditate each day, find ways to relax and de-stress. This can be hard when there is so much to be done, but even a few minutes to breathe deeply can make a difference.
Grief
The holidays can be especially tough if you've experienced a loss recently. Whether it's the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or something else entirely, grief can put a damper on even the happiest of holidays. If you're grieving this holiday season, allow yourself to feel all the feels—sadness, anger, loneliness, etc. It's okay not to be okay during the holidays. Loss leaves a hole that cannot be filled.
First, reach out to your support system—whether that's family members, close friends, or a therapist—for help getting through this tough time. And if you need some extra support, there are plenty of grief support groups available both in person and online. Just having someone to express your feelings to can make all the difference. If your grief leads you down too far and you are in need of emergency help, 988 is the new 3 digit National Suicide & Crisis hotline. You can also use the number: 1-800-273-8225.
Second, do things that bring up good memories of your lost loved one, or something that will honor their memory. This can be donating to their favorite charity, making their favorite cookies, or setting out one of their cherished decorations. Remember the good times.
Third, think of ways you can bring happiness to others. Many times, when we step out of our troubles and focus on serving others, it helps lessen the emotional burden. We can be a blessing to others who are going through tough times, too. Call a friend you haven't talked to in a while, take food or supplies to the homeless, or visit your lonely elderly neighbor.
Stress
Like anxiety, stress is common during the holidays. There are many things that can contribute to holiday stress: cooking large meals, hosting out-of-town guests, traveling long distances, attending festive parties—the list goes on and on! If you're feeling stressed this holiday season, there are several things you can do to ease your mind.
First and foremost: don't try to do it all! Delegate tasks whenever possible so you're not carrying the entire load yourself.
Reach out for help when you need it! Don't be afraid to ask your family members or friends for assistance with cooking dinner or wrapping presents—they'll likely be happy to help!
Second. make time for self-care! Whether it's taking a relaxing bath with essential oils before bedtime or squeezing in a workout at the gym (even if it's just 20 minutes), find ways to take care of yourself both physically and mentally.
Third, remember the reason for the holidays! Remember that Thanksgiving is all about gratitude and find things daily that you are thankful for. Remember that Christmas celebrates the birth of our Savior and that He came to save us all. He came to save YOU because He loves you!
No matter what emotions you are feeling this holiday season—anxiety, grief, stress—know that you're not alone. There are plenty of people who are feeling exactly what you're feeling—and there are plenty of resources available to help you get through it. From setting realistic expectations to making time for self-care, there are lots of things you can do to ease your mind and enjoy the holiday season despite whatever challenges come your way.
Reach out. As someone who has acutely felt each of these emotions during the holidays, I know how you feel. If you'd like to join a supportive group of women learning and working on creating healing homes, and holistic lifestyles, visit us at Holistic Super Moms FaceBook page.
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It's that time of year again! The holidays are upon us, and with them comes the age-old tradition of the live nativity. For those not in the know, a live nativity is when a group of people get together to reenact the birth of Jesus Christ. They set up a stable, and sometimes much more, usually in a church or other public place, and dress up in traditional garb from the time period. Some even use real animals! It's a beautiful way to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
My first experience with a live nativity was about 15 years ago. We heard about a big production in Ceres, California put on by the Grace Community Church. They are not doing it this year, but are looking forward to restarting in 2023. If you live in the area, be sure to attend this Live Nativity next year. It includes animals and interaction, so be prepared to hike.
Last year, in my city -Tracy, California, the Church of Jesus Christ, started a live nativity. This is a drive-thru with narration and music that you access on their website tracynativity.org. It is a little more cozy in your car, and is a great way to celebrate the season and remember Christ. While this one doesn't involve live animals, it still depicts the scenes wonderfully. It is happening this year again on December 2nd and 3rd!
My kids have been participating in this live nativity for the past two years, and it's been a highlight of our holiday season. Watching them interact with the other children, acting out the story of Jesus' birth, really is magical. I can't wait to see them take part in this cherished tradition once again.
Live nativities are becoming increasingly popular as people look for ways to connect with their religious roots during the holiday season. Find one in your area and take some time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!
The tradition of the live nativity scene is thought to have originated with St. Francis of Assisi in 1223. He was known for his love of nature and animals, so it makes sense that he would be the one to come up with such a beautiful way to tell the story of Jesus' birth. In fact, there are many stories and legends about St. Francis using real animals in his nativity scene—including an incident where he supposedly tamed a donkey that had been frightening villagers!
Many churches and other religious organizations put on nativities as a way to engage their community and spread holiday cheer. This tradition has stood the test of time for good reason. There's something truly special about watching the story of Jesus' birth unfold before your eyes that brings religious meaning back into what can often be a very commercialized holiday season.
So if you're looking for a way to connect with your faith this Christmas and especially if you have never experienced it before, I highly recommend finding a live nativity near you and enjoying all that it has to offer! It’s an experience you won’t soon forget!
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Any purchase made is a blessing to my family at no extra cost to you!
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It's that time of the year again! Time to get your Black Friday deals on everything you love! This Black Friday season, I have seen many amazing deals, some up to 10-80% off! So don't wait around - now is the perfect opportunity to stock up on your favorite products and save!
Many have started early! Sales have already begun! Need help getting started? We've got you covered. Our black friday deals are easy to find. Shop early and stock up now - the savings can't be beat, and products will go out of stock.
Young Living Essential Oils
This year, save up to 65% off essential oils, diffusers, supplements, cleaning products and personal care items when you shop at Young Living. With unbeatable prices available on Black Friday, now is the time to stock up and save big!
Plus, if you're new to essential oils, black Friday is the perfect time to try them out. Treat yourself and your loved ones this holiday season with a wide variety of natural and healthy products from Young Living! Just find "Black Friday" in the menu. My journey into holistic wellness started with essential oils, and I will never be without them.
These are some of my favorite staples if you need an idea of some starters: Ningxia Red, Mindwise, Life 9, Frankincense, DiGize, EndoFlex, Thieves, Thieves Cleaner. These healthy habits give me energy, strength, and stamina - that I didn't always have. My go-tos have been self-tested for many years(20 to be exact).
Find some of my favorites here. To see all the deals, find Black Friday in the drop down menu.
Here is a flipbook with the deals.
Tuttle Twins
This year it's their biggest sale ever. They launched their Black Friday sale early to maximize how many people can participate in the event. Even better, we're providing two different bundle options, each of which will be 75% OFF! Check these out:
Two HUGE bundles, depending on if you want the children's books or eeeevvverrryyyyything. And the code BFSHIP gets you free shipping, too!
These are my kids' favorites and they teach concepts that can be hard to understand in a fun easy way. I'd call these stocking stuffers but that'd have to be one MEGA stocking…
Dr Fuhrman
From foods and supplements, to books, to weight loss programs, these deals will help you design a plant based lifestyle that transforms your health for the better. Save up to 50% off on select products! There's even a G-BOMBS Bar sampler to make sure you get your G-BOMBS every day! Changing the way I eat has been so beneficial for my whole family.
If you are new to plant based nutrition, it's always a good day to start moving toward vibrant health!
Thrive Live
I love freeze dried foods as a way of preserving them. This company has delicious options and if you are looking to stock up on food storage, or just make quick, easy meals - less than 15 minutes for some- check them out! Click on the Black Friday banner to take advantage of the deals!
Check My Body Health
Have you wondered what could be wrong, and seem to have issues with inflammation or digestion? Do you react to some foods, but you've checked for allergies and found none? Try taking the food sensitivities test! This was eye opening for me.
Black Friday deals are here and they are taking up to 80% off food sensitivity tests!! (Check your email receipt for the form to fill out - they do not mail the test to you, you prepare and mail hair samples to them)
Find the deals here.
Amazon
Amazon has a little of everything and some sweet deals that will be changing as the week goes on! There is a huge range of products as well as pricing differences, and it's a great time to stock up on Christmas gifts!
Check out the deals here.
Oliver The Ornament
This super cute collection is just for the holidays and teaches kids about kindness, forgiveness and love. The digital versions include a narration and can be printed! My. kids love these! The physical copies come with ornaments and are a great way to celebrate the holidays!
Find them here.
This Black Friday season, with up to 10-80% off select products - don't wait around - now is the perfect opportunity to stock up on your favorites and save! Happy Black Friday shopping, everyone!
My blogs contain some affiliate links.
Any purchase made is a blessing to my family at no extra cost to you!
Thank you for supporting us!
The holidays are a time for family, festivity, and of course, sugar! Whether it’s in the form of candy canes, gingerbread cookies, or spoonfuls of hot cocoa topped with marshmallows - there’s no denying that all our holiday favorites contain plenty of sugary sweetness. But is this sugar overload a cause for concern or is it simply part of the tradition?
High sugar consumption can lead to a host of unwanted issues, including weight gain, an increased risk of diabetes, and illness as it weighs on your immune system. In fact, something I've noticed is that flu season starts around October (Halloween) and continues through November (Thanksgiving), December (Christmas), January (New Year's Day) and doesn't end until after February (Valentine's Day). Most people have candy and treats readily available during the whole season. What would happen if there were no sugar during that time? That may be an interesting experiment. One thing I do recommend is to keep your sugar intake under control during the holidays.
For those of you wanting to cut down on sugar during the holidays, there are some easy alternatives. Whole fruits are a great way to enjoy natural sweetness without all the added sugar. And when it comes to baking recipes, try substituting sugar with applesauce or other fruit purees. You can also use sugar substitutes like honey, agave syrup or stevia to sweeten your recipes. By making these simple substitutions, you can still enjoy the sweetness of the holidays without overdoing it on sugar.
I am totally practical - so how do you do it? Replace 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of applesauce (reduce water or milk in recipe by 1/4 cup), 3/4 cup of honey, maple syrup, 2/3 cup of agave, or 1 teaspoon of stevia.
Let's make this year a little different - let's cut out the sugar overload! It's easier than you think - replace sugar with sugar substitutes above to sweeten your recipes. By making these simple substitutions, you can still enjoy the sweetness of the holidays
Am I perfect with this? Nope! But having some practical ideas can help make it easier. And I always try to make multiple recipes that have no sugar so we have those options to choose from. Moderation and mindful choices are the key to a happy, healthy holiday season. Enjoy!
Happy Holidays.
Looking for more tips on nutrition? Join Holistic Super Moms Community on FaceBook.
My blogs contain some affiliate links.
Any purchase made is a blessing to my family at no extra cost to you!
Thank you for supporting us!
