I have absolutely fallen in love with cordials, as they make for a refreshing summer drink or an infused water beverage when you simply add soda water, (hot or cold) water. These are herbal concoctions often made with sugar to act as a preservative. Ironically enough, even though with the sugar, this mixture actually is known to reduce blood sugar levels. The sugar is mostly dissolved, but it is easy to cut down on the amount of sugar, especially if you’d rather not have as much, tend to use the recipe quickly or have any sugar sensitivities.
This specific Allergy-Ease Cordial is a treat that I enjoy as a 1 part to about 8 parts sparkling water, but it also pairs well with hot water. I usually make this recipe after Christmas and into the New Year, so I can boost my immunity for the upcoming allergy season in spring. However, I’ve struggled with seasonal allergies most of the year due to being allergic to the daisy family and all sorts of other triggers, so this can be made a few weeks to a couple of months prior to any allergy season or to boost immunity during flu season.
The greatest part about me helping to alleviate my allergies is I could tell I was inevitably boosting my immune system so while reducing my allergy symptoms, I was getting sick less frequently. I haven’t been sick in years, and the last times I was, the bounce back is quick!
In this recipe, you’ll get a beautiful mix of the powerful antiseptic benefits of elderflower, such as helping to clear the sniffles, and it acts as an anti-bacterial. Nettle leaf carries antihistamines, and this herb can be used as a wonderful filler in many other tea mixtures. I often use the herb, eyebright, in a powdered form, especially since I use it in homeade herbal chocolate bars, but it can also be used in its dried form. It acts as a anti-inflammatory for those common itchy, dry eyes during allergy season. The plantain leaf will also be an excellent anti-inflammatory, and this herb can even be multipurposed for insect bites and ezcema and in general, is beneficial for the skin. The other herbs and ingredients in this mixture include:
Yarrow, which improves circulation, relieves GI ailments, as well as great for women and period pain.
Fennel Seeds reduce water retention, is good for digestion, super nutritious with loads of vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese.
Lemon - simple, yet, my favorite for boosting immunity! An easy way to increase vitamin C levels.
So, now that you know how powerful this recipe could truly be for you, let’s get to it!
Allergy Ease Cordial Recipe
1 1/4 cups organic superfine sugar - I usually use about half this amount
1 cup filtered or fresh spring water
4 tsp. dried elderflower
4 tsp. dried nettle leaf
3 tsp. dried or powdered eyebright
2 tsp. dried plantain leaf
1 tsp. dried yarrow
1 tsp. fennel seeds
lemon garnish
You’ll start by heating the sugar and water in a small saucepan on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Use a mortal & pestle to gently crush the herbs. Once the sugar has dissolved, bring to a boil and submerge all of the herbs into the liquid. Cover with a lid, take off the heat and let the concoction come to cool. When ready, strain the herbs using a cheesecloth. And viola! You’ve made a cordial!
The mixture should be kept in a tightly lidded glass container and stored in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. It can be served anywhere from a splash to 1 parts cordial 5 parts water, depending how much flavor or sweetness you prefer. Lemon works as a beautiful immunity boosting garnish for your newly crafted, delicious cocktail! Enjoy!!