I am sad to see summer go, but we are heading into the end of summer, and then comes fall. Fall is actually my favorite season; I just wish it wasn’t so short. Unfortunately, along with fall comes the cold and flu season.
For this “season”, I will make up a batch of elderberry syrup. I usually take a tablespoon each day from October to June. This year I decided to make up a batch early and start mid-August.
Hippocrates is said to have referred to elderberry as “nature’s medicine chest”. Fortunately, many folk remedies continue today for elderberries because of the many health benefits they have.
Benefits
- High antioxidants
- Heart health
- Cancer-inhibiting properties
- Fight harmful bacteria and viruses
- Support for the immune system
In fact, elderberry can reduce the duration of each illness when taken at the onset of a cold or the flu,. This is because it interferes with virus replication and strengthens cell walls to inhibit viral penetration.
Elderberry syrup can be rather expensive, yet it is super easy to make. Plus when making it at home you control all the ingredients. All you need are dried elderberries, whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger, water, and raw honey.
Elderberries are easily found online. Here are the ones that I use. All the other ingredients should be at your local co-op or grocery store. Be sure to use raw honey, local if possible, for the antioxidants, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties.
DIY Elderberry Syrup
Take at onset of cold or flu symptoms, up to three times per day. For immune support, take one tablespoon a day during the cold and flu season.
Notes
*Raw honey has many enzymes and components that can be destroyed by heat. This is why the liquid should be cooled down before adding it in to the mixture.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dry elderberries
- 1 to 3 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cups filtered water
- 1 cup raw honey, local if possible
Instructions
- In a medium sauce pan combine elderberries, cinnamon stick/s, cloves, ginger, and water.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until water is reduced by half (about 30 minutes). Stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and strain out all the herbs and berries.
- Allow the liquid to cool to about 110 degrees* then stir in the raw honey until dissolved.
- Pour into a clean jar, label with name and date.
- Store in the fridge for up to two months.
Safety
- Uncooked and unripe berries, leaves, bark, or roots can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; therefore, do not consume these.
Invest in Your Health
Investing in your health is never one pill, one remedy, one diet, etc. Instead, it is about how we live our lives, choosing whole food and healthy lifestyle choices. Elderberry syrup is one of tool that can invest in your health. Last year I used this homemade remedy the entire cold and flu season. I was very fortunate to not get one cold or the flu. Will it work for you? I cannot answer that, but I will say it is something you can use to build your immune system to better ward off many common seasonal illnesses.
Have you made elderberry syrup, or do you purchase it each season?
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Heather
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I have never even heard of Elderberry Syrup. Would you consider making extra and selling some to me? I would really like to try it. With my age and the Covid issues, I am really trying to be pro-active with my health. I’m 74 now and I know I need to make some serious changes. Please let me know.
Patty, It is never too late to invest in your health! I will send you an email shortly with some options to add elderberry to your health journey.