recipe for elderberry potion and my thimble list

(September journal pages for paid subscribers)

Photo by Tadeusz Zachwieja on Unsplash

Welcome to Ink-Stained Compass, the newsletter of poet Caitlin Gemmell. If you are a seeker of stories and magic, this is the place for you.

Hi lovely,

How are you feeling now that September has arrived? Refreshed? Relieved? Excited? Melancholy?

September is one of my favorite months. The mellow fruitfulness this month has to offer us is just so wonderful.

When September arrived, I was so excited that I spent the day tidying my home and garden, engaging in ritual, and crafting an elderberry potion (and later a marjoram and rose infused oil).

The recipe for the elderberry syrup is below, in case you’d like to make it too.

But first…

Poetry Book Giveaway

Just a quick reminder that I am giving away three signed copies of my poetry book. You can find out how to enter, here.

Bespoke Poetry

And also, I am creating bespoke poetry. Email me at caitgemmell@gmail.com to get started. Each poem will be written especially for you, or your loved one based on a prompt or situation you’d like insight into. Each one will be a love offering. A spell.

For now, it costs $5 for a digital poem to be emailed to you (or your intended recipient) or $12 to be sealed with romantic sealing wax and posted to you or a loved one. Thank you to the two of you who have ordered so far! It’s been wonderful crafting these spell poems for you.

If you choose to have the poem mailed, it will look something like the letter pictured here.

letter from a selkie witch as an example of how a handwritten poem will be decorated before it is mailed. sealing wax and pretty ribbon

Elderberry Potion

I used to make elderberry syrup every year, but somewhere along the way I stopped. Returning to this practice was so satisfying and nourishing for my spirit. Elderberry is a wonderful, healing plant. It helps boost one’s immune system and provides relief for colds and flus (particularly coughs and sore throats).

WARNING! ELDERBERRIES MUST NOT BE CONSUMED RAW!

Though elderberry is medicinal, it must be prepared a certain way. Raw elderberries, their stems and leaves are all toxic, containing cyanogenic glycosides. They must be cooked for at least 15 minutes to neutralize any poison contained in their seeds. Discard any green berries. Only use the deep, dark purple to black ones.

If you are worried about using fresh elderberries and how to properly prepare them, dried elderberries are just as effective and much easier to use.

I happened to get local, wildcrafted elderberries from the farmers market, and as they used to grow near my old home, I am quite familiar with this plant. I know that the best way to remove the berries from the stems is to freeze them and then they pop right off.

I know that they stain and make a dreadful mess, so I always prepare my kitchen counter by covering it with old tea towels.

I know that elder is the tree for the final ogham month and is a portal between this world and the next. It is a tree very close to death. As such, it is also a great ally in protection magic.

Elderberry Potion Recipe

Rinse elderberries in water. Leave in colander to drain. Spread out on a cookie sheet and place in freezer. Once frozen, prepare by using a fork to remove berries from twigs, discarding all twigs and stems.

Or… use dried elderberries

Place fresh or dried elderberries in a pot and cover with water. (I usually add twice as much water as berries) Simmer for thirty minutes, checking every few minutes, give a little stir. If you are feeling extra witchy, cast a rune of protection over the pot or speak your intentions.

Add a cinnamon stick and simmer for another 30 minutes.

Remove from heat. Pour through a fine sieve into a measuring cup or directly into glass jars, use a spoon to press the juice from the berries, save room for honey.

Once liquid has cooled slightly, stir in your local, raw honey to taste. Label jars and keep in fridge for up to three months. Take one tablespoon the moment you feel you are fighting the flu or a cold. If you have a cough, take one tablespoon to help relieve your cough and sore throat.

You can also serve on pancakes in place of maple syrup, stir some into fizzy water for a refreshing drink, or add a splash to baked goods.

September elderberry potion on windowsill altar

Disclaimer: (just in case)

The information provided in this newsletter is for educational and informational purposes only. The homemade elderberry syrup recipe shared here is based on personal experience and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking any medications.

Use at Your Own Risk:

The use of the information provided in this newsletter is solely at your own risk. The author is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any recipes, suggestions, or procedures described here.

I hope you enjoy making this magical recipe. Let me know if you do make it and how it turns out.

And now, I have a journal entry to share with my paid subscribers. This one is about my birthday wishes and includes a spoken word poem. my thimble list