Elderberry for boosting and supporting the immune system, thus aiding the body in healing from cold, flu and bronchitis.
When taken on a schedule during an illness, or that time of year when colds and flu symptoms are common, elderberry can shorten the duration of symptoms and lessen the severity of symptoms too.
* Antiviral - inhibits the development of a virus. Gives your immune system a boost which helps your body to fight off and shorten the duration of a virus and also reduces the severity of symptoms.
* Anti-inflammatory - helps with a sore inflamed throat and sinus inflammation that comes with a head cold. Reduces the inflammation in the bronchial tubes, which leads to less coughing.
* Antioxidants - work by protecting and repairing the cells from cellular damage - strengthening the immune system.
One of my favorite ways of working with elderberry is creating an elderberry syrup.
Ingredients:
1 cup dried elderberries
4 cups water
3 tbsp fresh ginger
3 whole cloves
3 sticks cinnamon
2 star anise - Illicium verum
1 cup raw honey
Directions:
Add water, berries, fresh ginger root, cloves, and cinnamon sticks to a pan, bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer uncovered until the liquid is reduced by half - 2 cups of liquid remain. Around 30 minutes.
Keeping the pan uncovered while simmering allows the liquid to reduce, thus allowing the mixture to achieve the correct concentration for the syrup.
Allow the mixture to cool to lukewarm. Strain the herbs and return the liquid to the pan. Add honey and stir to dissolve.
Use a 1:2 ratio, 1 part honey to 2 parts liquid.
Pour the syrup into glass jars, label, date, and refrigerate. Last 2-3 months in the refrigerator.
I like to take 1 teaspoon daily throughout the cold and flu season.
The syrup can also be used to make elderberry gummies! 🤗
Be sure to check for drug interactions and side effects before taking medicinally.