I always prefer methods of homeopathy when caring for my family, cold and flu season is no different. Now that it is coming round the corner I wanted to be sure I had a fresh stash of this fantastic old-timer remedy on hands. It also just so happened that I had a little one with a crunky cough which made it that much more important to get on the task at hand.
Last year a dear friend had given me some of her homemade Elderberry Syrup and I liked it even better than the store bought versions that I was used to by this point. I began searching my property and the adjacent properties for some Elderberry, but to no avail. I found lots of poisonous berries (pokeberry, water hemlock and Silky dogwood, but none of the desired Elderberry).
Last year a dear friend had given me some of her homemade Elderberry Syrup and I liked it even better than the store bought versions that I was used to by this point. I began searching my property and the adjacent properties for some Elderberry, but to no avail. I found lots of poisonous berries (pokeberry, water hemlock and Silky dogwood, but none of the desired Elderberry).
 Poisonous Poke Berry  Poisonous Silky Dogwood |  Poisonous water hemlock  ELDERBERRY- non poisonous and medicinal photo courtesy Montana Homesteader |
Like any determined farmgirl I went ahead and ordered an Elderberry plant so that at least in the future I could be sure about plant identification and hopefully have my own stash of berries to make this fantastic herbal remedy.
However, in the meantime I decided to go ahead and run to the local health food store to purchase my own dried Elderberry to make this fantastic herbal remedy.
Why Elderberry you ask? For starters Elderberries are known to be very rich in antioxidants they contain 87 percent of the daily value in vitamin C, and high amounts of vitamin A, potassium, iron, vitamin B6, fiber, and betacarotene. This medicinal plant has a long history with native Americans who used it to treat conjunctivitis, cold and flu symptoms, congestion, arthritis pain, upset stomachs, gas, and for detoxification. Modern day herbalists and natural homeopathic doctors tout its boost to the immune system, and use to battle coughs, colds, flu, bacterial and viral infections and tonsillitis. Elderberry juice was even used to treat a flu epidemic in Panama in 1995.
However, in the meantime I decided to go ahead and run to the local health food store to purchase my own dried Elderberry to make this fantastic herbal remedy.
Why Elderberry you ask? For starters Elderberries are known to be very rich in antioxidants they contain 87 percent of the daily value in vitamin C, and high amounts of vitamin A, potassium, iron, vitamin B6, fiber, and betacarotene. This medicinal plant has a long history with native Americans who used it to treat conjunctivitis, cold and flu symptoms, congestion, arthritis pain, upset stomachs, gas, and for detoxification. Modern day herbalists and natural homeopathic doctors tout its boost to the immune system, and use to battle coughs, colds, flu, bacterial and viral infections and tonsillitis. Elderberry juice was even used to treat a flu epidemic in Panama in 1995.
Being that Elderberries are all natural, easy to procure, and have known health fighting benefits as well as immune boosting effects I use this as the main ingredient in my battle for wellness.
Other ingredients are Slippery Elm (a substance that has been known to reduce sore throats, coughs and contains mucilage to soothe). Echinacea (a known immunity booster that works great for colds, coughs and acts as an anti inflammatory agent) Ginger (another anti inflammatory agent that also aids in battling bacterial infections as well as respiratory issues and another great all natural immune booster) Cinnamon (another antioxidant as well as bacterial infection fighter) and then some good old fashioned Honey, what our grandparents used to soothe a sore throat and a cough.
Other ingredients are Slippery Elm (a substance that has been known to reduce sore throats, coughs and contains mucilage to soothe). Echinacea (a known immunity booster that works great for colds, coughs and acts as an anti inflammatory agent) Ginger (another anti inflammatory agent that also aids in battling bacterial infections as well as respiratory issues and another great all natural immune booster) Cinnamon (another antioxidant as well as bacterial infection fighter) and then some good old fashioned Honey, what our grandparents used to soothe a sore throat and a cough.
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You simply take all of the "dry" ingredients (not the honey) and add to a small saucepan with 3 cups of water. Bring to a simmer (not a boil) and simmer until your water is reduced by almost half. At this time use a sieve to strain all the bits and pieces so you get the beautiful medicinal liquid.
While still warm add in your honey and stir, stir, stir. You can then store your liquid gold in amber bottles in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. Note: This recipe makes 16 ounces of medicinal Elderberry syrup that works wonders at the beginning of a cold or flu like symptoms, to treat sore throats or coughs, or after exposure to someone ill. Typical dose is 1 tsp daily until symptoms cease or for a few days if using as preventative.
Do you make your own Elderberry Syrup? If so is your recipe similar? Give this one a try as the "extra" ingredients really do make a huge difference!
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