Ingredients:
2 -1/2 cup filtered water
1/3 cup dried elderberries
½ cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
½ cup gelatin (Note: If you like firmer gummy like the ones you get from the store, you can add more gelatin)

Directions:
1. Make a tea out of the elderberries: Bring water to boil, then add elderberries and simmer for 5 minutes, or until dark in color
2. Drain, reserving the liquid. You should have about 2 cups
3. Add in honey and vanilla and allow to cool
4. Stir in gelatin (it’s easier to stir into room temp liquid) until all clumps are out and mixture is uniform
5. Heat in a saucepan over medium-low until gelatin is all dissolved
6. Pour into a glass container to set
7. Allow to set in the fridge
8. Cut into approx. ½ inch by 1 inch cubes, or as desired
9. Take one or more daily, as desired
10. Store in the fridge

Experience with the amount of honey and gelatin for taste and texture.  I personally like it with less honey than what the recipe calls for.  It provides a touch of sweet without being too sweet.  Enjoy!!!

body recharge.  Don’t have 5 minutes? just imagine being out of commission for at least 2 weeks. You won’t be good for the loved ones around you or to yourself.  So yes, you can squeeze in 5 minutes for yourself. Tough love :)

Take a moment to breathe deeply when you are in a stressful situation.  This simple step can reset your stress hormone to calm you down.  Managing your stress can assist your immune system to keep you healthy. 

One more thing, keep your hands off your face to avoid germ transfer from your hands to your open orifices (eyes, nose, mouth).  I know I sound like a broken record but I can’t stress how important this is. I know you heard of all these tips before but that’s because they work.  I am not trying to reinvent the wheel but keeping these tips in mind will keep you healthy so you can have a more pleasant holiday with friends and family. 

What if you are already sick with the flu!

First things first, do not go to work and get other people sick.  You already know this may come back to you at some point if you contaminate someone else. Unfortunately, once you are sick you will have to ride out the illness but you have the power to reduce the time and the severity of the illness by getting plenty of rest, stay hydrated (drink warm or hot liquid only, cold beverages makes the flu last longer) and take herbs. These tips will help shorten the duration and severity of the flu. If need to, seek help from your practitioner.