Hey There!

Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to join me during the Westcoast Homesteading Expo to learn how to make Elderberry Syrup and Tinctures!

Below you will find more information on what I discussed at the expo, simple recipes, how to sign up for future workshops, and more!

Feel free to check out the rest of the website to learn more about my humble beginnings and all the wonderful products I have created.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out and email me:
info@sacredoakapothecary.com

With gratitude from the apothecary,

Kristyn Walch

What is Elderberry Syrup?

Elderberry Syrup is a traditional, nutrient-dense herbal remedy to support the immune system, especially during cold and flu season. It's tasty enough to drink on its own, or you can make it into a fun mocktail, cocktail, or pour it over your waffles and ice cream!

What are the herbal benefits?

Elderberries - High in vitamins A & C to stimulate and enhance the immune system

Ginger - A warming herb to support digestive fire, reduce nausea, and support circulation

Cinnamon – Another warming herb to ease gas and bloating, and supports congestion relief

Clove – Supports digestion and alleviates congestion

Orange peel – High in Vitamin A, Bs, & C, supports lymphatic, immune, and respiratory systems

Hibiscus – High in Vitamin A and minerals, soothes colds and sore throats

Rosehips – High in Vitamin C, Zinc, and antioxidants, a wonderful addition for immune support

Reishi – Supports and enhances the immune system and increases overall resilience

Simple Elderberry Syrup Recipe

Ingredients:

·      2 cups of Distilled Water

·      1 cup of Elderberries (dried)

·     2 teaspoons of Ginger

·      1 Cinnamon stick

·      3-5 cloves

·      1-3 teaspoons Orange Peel

·      1-2 teaspoons Hibiscus

·      1-2 teaspoons Rosehips

·      1-2 pieces Reishi

·      ½ - 1 cup Raw, Local Honey

·      ½ cup Vodka or Brandy (optional)

Directions:

1.     Combine dried herbs and water in a pot and bring to a boil.

2.     Reduce the heat and allow to simmer for 40 minutes.

3.     Remove from heat and let steep for 1 hour.

4.     Strain and press the liquid from the herbs.

5.     Measure final liquid volume.

6.     Once the liquid is just above room temperature, add 50% of that liquid volume in honey. (i.e., if you end up with 1 cup of liquid, you’ll need at least ½ cup of honey). This is also where you’d add alcohol if using it.

7.     Pour your syrup into a dark colored glass jar.

8.     Label and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months (or longer if adding alcohol).

Suggested Use

Adults take 1 tablespoon, 1-3 times per day

Children take 1 teaspoon, 1-3 times per day

NOT FOR THOSE UNDER 1 YEAR OF AGE DUE TO HONEY CONTENT

Sacred Elderberry Syrup

Don't have time to make your own? Click below to order Sacred Elderberry Syrup now!

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Tinctures - The Folk Method

A tincture is a concentrated, shelf-stable herbal extract that is made with alcohol (usually vodka or brandy). If stored properly, tinctures will keep for many years (2-5 years or more!). Tinctures can be made with fresh or dried flowers, leaves, roots, bark, or berries.

The Folk Method for tincture making is a simple, estimated method for making tinctures. The folk method will naturally produce variable results in the strength of your tincture, but you can keep track of how much herb and liquid you are using to remake the same (or very similar) tincture over time.

When making folk-method tinctures, it is best to use gentle herbs such as Chamomile, Calendula, Dandelion, Burdock, Elderflowers, Fennel,
Hawthorn, Lavender, Mullein, Nettles, Passionflower, etc.

For most Folk Method tinctures, you will use 40-50% vodka (80-90 proof), which you can buy at most liquor stores and some grocery stores. This is the percentage of your average bottle of vodka, like Tito's or Smirnoff.

Basic instructions for the Folk Method of tincture making:

1.     Place fresh or dried herbs (see notes below) in a mason jar

2.     Fill the mason jar with alcohol (vodka or brandy), making sure the alcohol level is at least an inch above the herbs for complete coverage

3.     Cap with an airtight lid

4.     Let sit in a cool, dark place for 4-8 weeks, shaking (almost) daily

5.     Strain/press the herbs out of the alcohol
6.     Store your new tincture in a dark amber bottle and use as needed!

General Rule of Thumb for Folk Method Tinctures made with DRIED herbs

Dried leaves & flowers: Only fill the jar ½ - ¾ of the way up with herbs

Dried roots, bark, berries: Only fill the jar ¼- 1/3 with herbs (these types of herbs are more likely to double in size when reconstituted with alcohol).

Additional Notes

When making tinctures, only place one herb inside one jar. If you want to make a formula, do it after you have made your individual herbal tinctures.

The smaller you chop your herbs, the more you can fit in the jar and the stronger your folk method tincture will be. Powdered herbs are a PAIN to strain; use them at your own risk of sanity

Dried herbs will absorb more liquid, so check your tincture regularly while maserating and add more alcohol if needed to keep them covered.

Always Be Calm Tincture

Always Be Calm Tincture is a tincture that has been in the making or evolving since opening Sacred Oak Apothecary. I finally found all the missing pieces that my customers and I needed to keep our calm and not feel so frazzled and on edge once our calm set in. ABC is always on stand-by and at the ready in my house and office.

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LUKI Flow Tincture

One of our most popular products, LUKI Flow Tincture, gives your body the extra love it needs by supporting your excretory pathway! This beautiful blend of herbs supports the detox pathways of your kidneys, liver, lymphatic, and urinary systems, encouraging the elimination of waste products, reducing inflammation, and clearing out toxins in the process.

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Want to learn even more or host a private workshop?

Are you more of a hands-on learner? Do you want to stock up or start your very own home apothecary?  

Join me at one of my local workshops, where I go MORE in-depth, give you all the ingredients and extras you need, and include a sample of a Sacred Oak Apothecary product. You’ll leave with the knowledge, know-how, and confidence to make your very own products at home!

I currently host workshops at Not Your Basic Batch & Co. in Enumclaw, WA, and Bloom Society - PNW in Ruston (Tacoma), WA. Click the button below to check out future workshops.

Are you looking for a fun way to celebrate (girls' night, birthdays, Christmas parties, baby showers, etc.)? Do you want to host a fundraising event? Let me bring the workshops to you! Email me at info@sacredoakapothecary.com for more details!

Workshop Calendar