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3:33 pm
Improver
Tue 18-Aug-09
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I watched Countryfile (BBC) on sunday and they were making Elderberry cough syrup. Recipe here http://www.greenmanherbalist.co.uk/elderberry_syrup.html
As I had a tub of elderberries in the freezer plus some blackberries, about 300g of each, I decided to have a go. My DH always gets a cough in winter and can't have any commercial cough medicine as they all contain alchohol, even the kids versions!
I have simmered the fruit and the juice is dripping as I type. I need to get some ginger for the next step then I will report back on the results.
10:39 am
Improver
Tue 18-Aug-09
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Update: why oh why didn't I pick more elderberries? In a timely way I have a cold with a raging sore throat and tickly cough and the syrup works! It is also lovely as a hot drink last thing at night. I will definitely harvest more next year and make it with a bit more ginger, clove and star anise. This is going to be a regular addition to my medicine box.
2:04 pm
Expert
Sat 10-Oct-09
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Same here did not pick many i left it too late got about 3kg's in freezer will dry these thought.
7:58 pm
Sat 12-Aug-06
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Mutley: I am just like you. I had gorgeous bunches of elderberries literally pushing their way inside my home office window and I ignored them.
Thanks, Suky. I had no idea that they had medicinal qualities. Next year I will be far more careful and harvest them all.
For the past two years, Fiona propped a ladder against the tree that grows at our gable end and harvested the elderberries. I guess I did not realise that this year she was just too ill to do it again and they all went to waste. What a shame.
Never knowingly underfed
11:08 pm
Moderators
Tue 22-Sep-09
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I think you have learned a lesson there Danny. (We need a 'hug' smiley please.
I made my syrup in September, I've never seen so many berries ready to harvest so early. It is such a good thing to have.
I'll try that again!
11:20 pm
Sat 12-Aug-06
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Agree, Toffeeapple, we need a whole new bunch of smileys on here. I must start poking around to see what can be added.
I follow and contribute to the the BBC's sports forum (606) and they have a decent range of useful smileys, including a pint of Guinness 
Never knowingly underfed
11:36 pm
Moderators
Tue 22-Sep-09
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Yes please, to the smileys and the Guiness, last time I had a pint was in Sean Kelly Square - it was fantastic!
I'll try that again!
11:51 pm
Sat 12-Aug-06
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Oh my goodness. Sean Kelly Sq. (for um as do not know, he and Stephen Roche were world class pro cyclists back in the 80s - Tour de France class).
Toffeeapple, you are testing my knowledge of my home turf and I am found wanting. I know that SK is from County Waterford but I have no idea where he parked his square. Where is it?
Never knowingly underfed
10:38 am
Improver
Tue 18-Aug-09
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Danny said:
I know that SK is from County Waterford but I have no idea where he parked his square. Where is it?
I love the thought that SK had this square and now can't find it 'cos he dropped it somewhere!
3:50 pm
Moderators
Tue 22-Sep-09
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D'you know, I haven't the vaguest idea! My other half drives me around the world and never let's me know where we are. I'll ask him the next time I see him.
I'll try that again!
3:50 pm
Moderators
Tue 22-Sep-09
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D'you know, I haven't the vaguest idea! My other half drives me around the world and never let's me know where we are. I'll ask him the next time I see him.
I'll try that again!
12:31 pm
Moderators
Tue 22-Sep-09
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Here is a link to Sean Kelly, his square is in Carrick on Suir -
http://www.carrickonsuir.ie/Sean%20Kelly/219/
He's not the only famous person from there either.
I'll try that again!
1:20 pm
Sat 12-Aug-06
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Yep, it's C o S - it came to me as I was driving home from town last night. His cycling cub there was Carrick Wheelers.
Thanks for the link, TA - must visit it this afternoon.
Never knowingly underfed
9:03 am
Wed 30-Dec-09
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Thanks for posting a link to the recipe suky, now I can print it out and keep it!!!
We made it just after the programme aired and myself and daughter have been taking it through the autumn / winter but haven't kept the recipe!! My son runs a mile from it everytime i open the pot as when I tasked him with strippping the berries for the recipe he ate half a bowlful and was violently sick
Now I need to find a good companion medicine to offer him for coughs...
8:22 pm
Supreme Being
Mon 21-Sep-09
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Hi Littlegreen, how about blackcurrant drink with cinnamon? Would he possibly drink that?
For coughs I usually have a spoonful of honey. Honey is supposed to be good for infections, they even have little sachets to apply to wounds in the NHS. My daughter has just graduated as a nurse and used them in community.
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