Dr. Emily’s Elderberry Syrup
This is my all time favorite immune booster for the fall and winter, and great for both kids and adults (may omit brandy but will only keep for 3 months refrigerated vs 1 year with the brandy). It is a potent antiviral and antioxidant. Take to prevent infection or at the onset to shorten the duration and lessen symptom severity of cold/flu.
 
Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried elderberries (Sambucus nigra)
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• ¼ cup freshly grated or chopped ginger
• 1/8 cup whole cloves
• 4-6 oz. Honey
• ½ c  Brandy
• You will also need a crockpot or large soup pot with lid and a double boiler

 
Directions:
In a crockpot, combine elderberries, cinnamon sticks, ginger and cloves and 6 just enough water to cover the berries. Crockpot: set to low for 8 hours or warm for 24 hours OR pot on stove: turn to low and simmer 1 hour with lid slightly ajar. Strain and discard solids. Return liquid to stove in a double boiler. Heat on low and add honey; stir until combined. Turn off the heat and add the brandy.  Bottle and store in refrigerator. The brandy will help preserve the medicine; without it, the syrup should be used within 3 months. Dosing: for acute cold/flu take 2 tsp 4 times daily. For prevention (like before air travel), take 1-2 Tbsp once daily. 
*** Elderberries can be purchased from www.mountainroseherbs.com

This is an ancient remedy from Ayurvedic medicine. This drink is very effective at decreasing inflammation. The coconut oil and black pepper make the active constituent of turmeric, curcumin, more bioavailable. While it would be best to make it fresh daily, I know most of us are too busy for that, so this is the recipe I use to make a batch of golden milk paste for quick heating. 

Over the stove top, or in a double boiler, combine the following:

• 1 cup local honey
• 2-3 Tbsp coconut oil
• 3-4 Tbsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp black pepper or pippali (an Ayurvedic herb that opens the bronchioles, improves digestion, and counteracts aging)
• 2-3 tsp powdered ginger

 
Simmer for 20-30 min. Pour into a jar to store. To prepare a drink: heat 1-2 cups of milk or water with 1-2 Tbsp golden milk mixture.  

​For this whole foods recipe you will need a food processor or something similar. Just throw all the ingredients in together (reserve shredded coconut for the end, not to be added to food processor). Be creative and add anything tasty you might have in the kitchen!

Ingredients:
1/4 cup protein powder
1/2 cup oats
1/4 cup currants (or raisins / dates / dried cranberries)
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup dry toasted quinoa (add uncooked quinoa to a dry pan for 5-8 min on med/low heat, stirring frequently so not to burn) 
1/4 cup melted coconut oil 
1/2 cup + 1 Tbsp nut or seed butter
1 Tbsp blackstrap molasses
1 Tbsp cacao powder
1 Tbsp mesquite powder (optional, but awesome - available at PCC)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup shredded coconut