Elderberry Syrup: A Health Spell

I'm sure you've probably heard of elderberry syrup.

Right next to fire cider, it's one of the most well-known herbal concoctions.

It's packed with antioxidants, antimicrobials, and immune-boosting power, making it a great staple for any household during the cold season (or any season, really).

It's also deliciously sweet.

But of course, as a kitchen witch, it's not enough to just use the power of the physical herbal actions. We have to tap into the energetics as well.

So here is a breakdown of elderberry syrup - Kitchen Witch Edition!

Ingredients and Their Magickal Properties - Kitchen Magick

As I always mention in my recipe posts, the purpose of what I do as a kitchen witch relies on knowledge and intention.

Yes, this recipe will still taste delicious without transforming it into a spell. However, knowing your ingredients is essential to utilize this recipe to help change your mind, body, and spirit.

Below is a list of each added ingredient and its extraordinary power for this recipe. Please note that this is not every magical benefit of this plant or herb; these are just the areas I believe should be focused on for this specific recipe.

Elderberry

Elder is a tree steeped in sacred history and folklore. Whereas the druids steep the tree in a sacred and positive light, it soon became feared through Christian tales.

For us witches, we know the druids had it right. Elder not only has been used extensively in folk medicine (from coughs and the flu to burns and scalds, etc.) but also contains diverse powers.

For this particular recipe, we are tapping into the elder's magickal attributes of exorcism/purification, protection, and healing.

Magickal Powers: purification/exorcism, protection, healing.

Cinnamon

In folk medicine, cinnamon has a rich history due to it's antimicrobial and warming properties making it a favorite in treating colds and fever.

Aligned with the sun and fire element, it makes an excellent companion for our potion by assisting with healing, purification, and success (ensuring success of the spell).

Magickal Powers: Healing, Purification, Success

Ginger

In herbalism, some of ginger's uses rely on its herbal actions of aromatic, anti-inflammatory, carminative, and digestion. However, its real assistance with our syrup is its antimicrobial properties, immune system fighting stimulation, and ability to help thin mucous, making it especially effective in respiratory colds.

Magickally, ginger is ruled by the sun and provides us with attributes of power and success to give our potion an extra kick, essentially "heating up" our spells.

Magickal Powers: Power, Success

Spell Recipe

How to Implement Magick into the Recipe

*When adding your ingredients, remember to focus on the intention of the ingredient while working with it. (I.E., when folding in your flour, focus on the intention of abundance.

Not just the idea, but how does it make you feel? How does having these things in your life manifest?

I also recommend using the intentional stirring and speaking method to add to this spell. Stir counterclockwise for energies that need to be removed and clockwise for energies you wish to implement while speaking your incantations (or intention) out loud.

For example, I would stir clockwise when adding the elderberries while speaking to the pot.

Spirit of elder, bless this dish with healing

I recommend also consecrating via an incantation when the recipe is all said and done. Although I always recommend creating your own, as spells tend to be more powerful, you can also use the incantation below:

Through this dish, I bring in the blessings of health. May the universe bring purification and protection from harm to those who consume this dish. May they receive the blessing of abundant health. So as it's been, so as it is, so as it may be.

Ingredients

• 2 cups elderberries, dried

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 4 tsp ginger root, dried or fresh

• 4 cups water, cold

• 1 cup honey

• 1 cup vodka, optional

Vodka is optional here and used to help increase shelf life. If you choose not to use it, increase the honey to at least half the volume of simmered liquid (ex., if there is a cup of elderberry syrup, use at least 1 cup of honey).

Directions

1. Combine elderberries, cinnamon, ginger root, and cold water in a pot and boil.

2. Reduce to simmer and cover. Let simmer for 40 minutes.

3. Remove from heat and let steep for 1 hour

4. Strain herbs & berries from the liquid (muslin cloth is great for this!)

5. Once the liquid has cooled to warm, add honey

6. If using vodka, add to the concoction.

(Through this dish, I bring in the blessings of health. May the universe bring purification and protection from harm to those who consume this dish. May they receive the blessing of abundant health. So as it's been, so as it is, so as it may be.)