Elderberry kit instructions/recipe: how to use dry, regular, elderberry syrup kits(for *cough-cough* kit see below): 
Follow the SSSSS method and grab a small saucepan with a tight fitting, glass lid, a 4 cup glass measuring cup, something to strain with, and a heat safe spoon.  For a x2 kit, you want a medium saucepan, and preferably an 8 cup measuring cup.  
Soak - soak the contents of your kit in 3 cups(or 6 cups for a x2 kit) of purified water no less than 1 hour, overnight is best.  I typically do this in the saucepan on the stove with the lid on. 
Simmer - simmer for at least 20 minutes, ideally 30-40.  Stir occasionally.  
Steep - let it steep for about 30 minutes on the stove...a couple of hours won't harm it either.
Strain - strain out the herbs - pour the mixture into a strainer or nutmilk bag, cheesecloth - however you prefer to strain things - and have a glass measuring cup under the strainer to catch the decoction.  You want to have 12-16 oz of decoction.  If you do not, add some water, or leave it be for a very strong syrup.  
Sweeten - once the mixture has cooled below 110 degrees(I wait till it doesn't burn me to touch it), add your honey - local raw honey is best.  You should add 50% honey to whatever the volume of your decoction.  i.e. if you have 12 oz of decoction, you will add 6 oz of honey.  If you have 16 oz of decoction, you will add 8 oz of honey.  If you do not want to use honey, maple syrup - agave - date syrup - are all acceptable alternatives.  You can also add lemon juice to extend shelf life but it does make it quite sour.  
Store - store in the fridge for 8 weeks, potentially more.  It will freeze fine too, at least 6 months or more.  Just make sure you leave space in whatever vessel you freeze in, to allow for expansion.
 

For *Cough-cough* Syrup
Remove small enclosed bag that has powder in it and put it off to the side.  This is the powdered slippery elm, marshmallow root, and rosehips powders.  Follow the instructions above as normal, until you get to sweeten.  
Before sweeten, add powder from little bag. Whisk together until it becomes sorta thick.  The mixture must be a bit warm for this to happen.  It will continue to thicken in the fridge over the next few days.  Go back to sweeten. 


Teas:  To brew - steep 1 -1.5 teaspoons of dried herbs to 8 oz of boiling water, for at least 20 minutes.  Strain and enjoy!  I use 2 tablespoons of herbs in my 32 oz french press, pour the boiling water over the herbs and fill up the press, then press the plunger after 20 minutes.  It works nicely for loose leaf teas. 

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Enjoy!