Natural Paths
June 8th, 2009
HERB OF THE WEEK
Elderberry - Sambucus-nigra 
Greetings!
Elderberries can be purchased as the dried herb at Health Food Stores and from Herbalists. You can then make a syrup with brown sugar and pure water that will heal colds and flu in humans, dogs and horses as well as soothe coughs, sore throats and sinus infections. There are also remedies already made at the store - Elderberry infusions, syrups and lozenges that heal as well.
 
Recipe: Elderberry Syrup
 
Use a non-metal pot (enameled or glass) and wooden spoon 
To make the syrup, simmer two handfuls of the dried berries in one quart (4 cups) water until it reduces to about half the volume. Quickly strain out the berries, squeezing them to get all the properties; return the strained liquid to the pot. Add one cup brown sugar and continue to simmer lightly for another 10 to 15 minutes to fully dissolve and infuse the sugar.
 
Bottle the hot syrup in glass containers and add 3 to 5 drops of grapefruit seed extract per ounce to preserve the mixture. If you put it and keep it in the refrigerator immediately, you won't need the preservative - just use it within 6 to 8 weeks.
 
Small dogs get 10 drops a few times daily, large dogs and children get one teaspoon, adult humans receive one tablespoon and horses can get four tablespoons several times daily. Large doses will loosen the bowels. Horses get less volume of herbal remedies than you would think - usually 4 to 6 times the human dose even though they weigh around 10 times what we do. Horses are more sensitive and receptive than we are.
 
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
We hope you have fun and good health from our recipes!
Contact us at: [email protected]
Visit our store: www.shop.naturalpaths.org for guides and manuals about healing ourselves, our dogs and our horses in harmony with Nature.
 
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See this photo - this is how you can create a quick, small, easy shelter for 4 horses with portable panels off of the building. It is Katharine's design from a time when she needed immediate shelter for her small herd. It really works!
Best Wishes,
Natural Paths
Natural Paths
P O Box 1882
Mesilla Park, New Mexico 88047