Making elderberry syrup...

As I type I have a pot of elderberry syrup brewing on the stove. A couple of years ago I discovered this was recommended as a preventative for colds and the flu. If you are already coming down with a cold or flu this syrup can decrease the severity of the illness. My oldest has been coughing a great deal today and I am worried that he might be coming down with something. I am down to my last couple of doses of the syrup I made last year and decided to brew up a big double batch.