This is such a fun and easy recipe, the gummies are delicious and are super good for you too.
I’ve made them with Elderberry, Echinacea and Ginger to create a strong antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-infective, anti-inflammatory and lymphatic cleanser. They will also help with coughs and all the other unpleasant side effects of colds, flus or a weakened immune system. They are also made with honey instead of sugar which boosts these effects, and agar instead of gelatine meaning they are 100% vegan!
Ingredient Properties…
Elderberries are anti-inflammatory and high in vitamin C. They are also an expectorant and anti-catarrhal, meaning they act against mucus production and coughs and are used at the early signs of a cold, flu, sinusitis, or chills and fevers.
Echinacea is anti-microbial, anti-septic, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic. It does not attack a virus directly, but instead stimulates an antiviral response in the body by stimulating the immune system. Echinacea is also a lymphatic herb and enhances the body’s white blood cell count, increasing its resistance to infection and foreign bacteria. Echinacea is therefore a perfect addition to these immune boosting gummies, as they give the body the ability to fight infections while also providing anti-inflammatory effects to soothe any disrupted areas, such as a sore throat.
Ginger is anti-inflammatory and expectorant, and acts as a circulatory stimulant. It is often added to other medications to increase their absorption. It also has the ability to soothe digestion and nausea. The circulatory stimulation is useful for symptoms of chills and fevers associated with infections that take advantage of a rundown immune system and will help the elderberry and echinacea be absorbed better.
Honey is a strong antibacterial as it draws moisture from the bacteria and creates an environment impossible for them to survive. It also decreases acidity and is an effective remedy for coughs, cold and flu, inflammation and even a mild analgesic (pain reliever). It can also assist lymphatic movement and drainage, which is beneficial to helping the body rid infections and viruses.
To Make the Gummies…
The first step in making the gummies is to make a herbal syrup with the elderberry, echinacea, and ginger.
Materials
- Candy moulds (2 moulds x 15 gummies= 30 gummies total)
- Whisk
- Strainer
- Jar
- Dropper or funnel
Syrup Ingredients
- 3 cups Water
- 1 cup dried elderberries (I got mine here)
- ½ cup dried echinacea leaves (I got mine here)
- 2-inch piece of ginger
For the Gummies
- 1 cup honey
- 3 tbsp Agar (I got mine here)
Step 1- Making the Syrup
Add the herbal ingredients to the water to make a decoction. Simmer over low heat for half an hour or until the mixture has reduced to about 1 cup of liquid. Strain out the herbal material and let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 2- Making the Gummies
Once the syrup has cooled, the honey and agar can be added. Start by stirring the honey through the cooled syrup mixture. It is important that the syrup has cooled so as not to denature the honey. Once the honey is incorporated, return to the heat very gently while the agar is whisked through. Do not let the mixture reach a boil and remove from heat quickly once the agar has been mixed in.
Step 3- Into the Moulds
Use a dropper or funnel to pour the mixture into moulds. Allow the moulds to cool in the fridge for an hour or until the gummies are solid and firm. Once finished, store in the fridge. They will keep for a few weeks. They can also be stored in the freezer but this will change the molecular structure of the gummy and they will not be as firm or chewy.
Take 2-3 gummies a few times a day at the first sign of a cold, flu, or weakened immune system.
fromrootstopetals.com 