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Soul of Herbs

Recipe

Elderflower cordial

Herb:
Elder Sambucus nigra
Method:
Syrup
Plant part:
Flower

About 45 minBeginnerRecipe science profile

Procedure

  1. Wash the lemon, grate zest without the white pith, and juice it; you may add juice from a whole lemon.
  2. In a pan combine about 1 litre water, 1 kg sugar, and elderflower heads (about 20–30 medium umbels), simmer briefly, then cool overnight in the fridge.
  3. Strain through cloth, stir in lemon juice, reheat briefly to dissolve sugar fully, bottle into sterilised jars, and store in the refrigerator.

Extraction

Herb:
proportions according to the recipe steps on the card
Solvent:
medium composition (water, alcohol, oil, honey…) see the individual steps
Shelf life:
after preparation, store hygienically and according to the type of product (cool conditions, light, alcohol)
Target compounds:
indicative home extraction — the profile depends on temperature, cutting time and proportions

Notes

Do not substitute other plant parts for the flower; syrup is very sweet — dilute or omit if you have diabetes.

Why it works

Home preparation following this recipe is mainly educational and cultural; it should not be assumed to match the extractive or safety profile of registered medicines or standardized extracts. Check specific effects, drug interactions, and contraindications on the herb card and with your clinician if you use prescription drugs.

Related

Elder — Herb card

Syrup — Processing method detail

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