Elderberries are a nutritional powerhouse for good health! This natural remedy has a long history of medicinal use dating back to Ancient Egypt. The health benefits of the elder plant include improving colds, the flu, sinus issues, nerve pain, inflammation, chronic fatigue, and allergies.
This medicinal berry is higher in flavonoids than blueberries, cranberries, and blackberries! Elderberry supplementation can reduce the duration and symptoms of a cold. This study published in the Journal of International Medical Research showed that when the extract is used within the first 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms, it shortens the duration of flu symptoms by an average of four days!
Elderberry syrup is an amazing immune booster that you can make right in your own kitchen! After playing around with a few recipes I came up with my own version. Its mild, sweet, and spicy all at the same time!
Elderberry Syrup
1 cup dried black elderberries
4 cups of water
1 Tablespoon dried organic ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon organic clove powder
1 cup raw honey (I use this brand)
Directions
- Pour water into medium saucepan and add elderberries, ginger, cinnamon and cloves (do not add honey)
- Bring to a boil and then cover and reduce to a simmer for about an hour until the liquid has reduced by almost half. Remove from heat and let cool enough to be handled. Mash the berries with a flat utensil and pour through a strainer into a glass jar or bowl.
- Let the liquid cool to lukewarm. When it is no longer hot, add 1 cup of honey and stir well.
- When honey is well mixed into the elderberry mixture, pour the syrup into a mason jars or glass bottle.
Store in the fridge and take daily! Keep in fridge up to 3 weeks.
Dose
Adults: 1 tablespoon daily
Children: 1 tsp daily
Homemade elderberry syrup is a safe, efficient and cost-effective way to improve and shorten the duration of cold and flu symptoms!
Be Well!
Susie R.
