Elderberry Potion!
Elderberries are a traditional natural solution for warding off colds and flu, and
Elderberries are becoming one of the most-used go-to natural remedies for boosting immunity during the cooler months. The dried berries of the Sambucus nigra plant are full of immune-boosting compounds that have been shown to help ward off, as well as lessen the length of cold symptoms (should they arrive). This delicious immune boosting syrup can be used medicinally, but also can be a treat on homemade pancakes or waffles as well!
This incredible plant and its many beneficial and "magical" uses has been used by man, we believe dating back to 2000 BC, because elder seeds were found in a neolithic dwelling in Switzerland, it was determined they had cultivated the plant. It is believed the plant was deposited in Europe, Asia and North America by the retreating Ice Age from 12,000- 9000 BC. This plant has been used by many cultures for many purposes, The ancient Greeks utilized its medicinal uses,but also used the berries for hair dye, and the twigs made little pipes that they enjoyed. Many cultures used and enjoyed this tree for its many uses. Instruments were made by the wood (which is naturally hollow), to this day in Italy they make sampogna out of elder wood- a sampogna is a type of bagpipe. Well into the 20th Century there was a superstition that you should never burn Elder wood, and if a person did, that person would meet some sort of disaster- bad luck, poor health.
Benefits of Elderberry
Elderberries naturally contain vitamins A, B, and C and stimulate the immune system. Israeli researchers found that the complex sugars in elderberries support the immune system in fighting cold and flu.
In a study by the the department of virology at Hebrew University- Haddassah Medical School in Israel, Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu and her collegues found that elderberry neutralizes the enzyme that viruses use to penetrate healthy cells in the lining of the nose and throat. Taken before infection, it prevents infection. Taken after infection, it prevents spread of the virus through the respiratory tract. In a clinical trial, 20% of study subjects reported significant improvement within 24 hours, 70% by 48 hours, and 90% claimed complete cure in three days. In contrast, subjects receiving the placebo required 6 days to recover.
Elderberry syrup provides concentrated immune support benefits from the black elderberries and it tastes GREAT! My homemade recipe uses elderberry, spices like cardamom (which is a great source of zinc and magnesium, both which are important in maintaining immunity) and ginger, plus raw local honey for an extra immune boost. If you can’t/don’t use honey, agave or maple syrup can be substituted.
Why make your own?
Its fun and cost effective!!! Several natural elderberry syrups are available at health stores, online, and now even in some grocery stores but they are pricey! $15 or more for 4-8 ounces. This recipe makes 16 ounces for less than $10. That said, if dried elderberries aren’t available and you’re in a pinch, there are some great pre-made elderberry gummies and elderberry syrup that work just as well (just cost more).
How to Make Elderberry Syrup:
Ingredients
3½ cups water
2/3 cup black elderberries (dried, or 1 1/3 cups fresh or frozen)
2 TBSP ginger (grated)
1 tsp cardamom
½ tsp ground cloves
1 cup raw honey
Pour the water into a medium saucepan and add the elderberries, ginger, cardamom, and cloves.
Bring to a boil and then cover and reduce to a simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour until the liquid has reduced by almost half.
Remove from heat and let cool until it is cool enough to be handled.
Mash the berries carefully using a spoon or other flat mashing utensil.
Pour through a strainer into a glass jar or bowl.
Discard the elderberries and let the liquid cool to lukewarm.
When it is no longer hot, add the honey and stir well.
When the honey is well mixed into the elderberry mixture, pour the syrup into a mason jar or 16 ounce glass bottle of some kind.
Store in the fridge and take daily for its immune boosting properties. Some sources recommend taking only during the week and not on the weekends to boost immunity.
Dosage: 1 teaspoon for children, 1 Tablespoon for Adults daily to maintain overall health and wellness. When sick take the normal dosage every 2-3 hours until symptoms disappear.
For babies- use when sick- make the syrup without Honey (use agave or maple syrup instead.) 1/4-1/2 teaspoon daily until symptoms disappear.
Serving: 1tsp | Calories: 6kcal | Carbohydrates: 1.7g | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 1.5g