Guest Post by Jill

In my area, we are still seeing elderflowers in bloom! These beautiful lacy flowers have more value to them than just their beauty.

Reduce Fevers

Elders flowers are a diaphoretic, which means they induce sweating. This makes elderflowers very useful in naturally lowering fevers. If a fever becomes out of control and is giving cause for concern, make a cup of elderflower tea.

Bring 1 cup of water to a boil and add 2-4 tsp. of fresh elderflowers or 1-2 tsp. of dried elderflowers to the water. Steep the flowers (do not boil them), covered for 5-10 minutes. Strain the flowers and drink. Adults drink 1 cup of elderflower tea 3 times a day. Give children half a cup 3 times a day.

Elderflower Cordial

Elderflower Cordial has a wonderful lemony taste that tastes better than lemonade! We really enjoy making and drinking this yummy cordial.

Recipe:
35 elderflower heads
2 oz. citric acid
4 lemons, sliced
3 lbs. raw sugar
3 pints water

Directions:
Bring the water to a boil and stir in sugar until dissolved. Remove from heat. Add the flowers, citric acid and lemons. Cover with a lid. Let sit for 48 hours and then strain the ingredients from the liquid. You now have a cordial! With the added citric acid, this cordial keeps 3-4 months in the fridge.

To enjoy this as a refreshing drink, dilute the syrup with water to taste.

Do you have elderflowers growing near you?