Vital Resistance Herbal Elixir

Vital Resistance Herbal Elixir
Jeanine Pollak

This antiviral formula is loaded with fresh vitamin C and bioflavonoids, and it really helps keep you healthy during cold and flu season. It's one of the most visually pleasing and utterly fabulous-tasting cordials, and its demulcent nature is oh-so-soothing for sore throats. This elixir is appropriate for children, too.


2 parts fresh lemon balm
2 parts fresh, ripe, mashed persimmon
2 parts fresh calendula blossoms
2 parts fresh rose hips (dry will work fine, too)
1 part fresh fennel
1 part sliced fresh organic oranges or tangerines (if using
organic fruit, you can leave the seeds and peel intact)
1 part grated fresh ginger root
1/4 part cinnamon chips
2 parts fresh echinacea leaves and/or roots (this
is optional; enhances the antiviral action)
Brandy

Chop the fresh herbs and fruit. Grind dry herbs.

Place all ingredients in a wide-mouth glass jar. Cover with 3 times as much brandy.

Cover the jar; store at room temperature away from direct light and heat. Shake daily for 2-4 weeks.

Strain well, squeezing as much liquid as possible out of the steeped herbs.

Compost the herbs and re-bottle the cordial. Sweeten cordial lightly with 1/4 - 1/2 cup honey, molasses, or maple syrup per quart of cordial.