Just a quick post to share one of my favorite things I use during this time of year. It’s getting colder and with the falling temps comes illness like cold and flu. We know it’s coming so why not prepare for it.
My go to for cold and flu season is elderberry syrup. It is a wonderful little berry that packs a lot of health benefits. The elderberry is the fruit of the Sambucus tree (a flowering tree). Both its flowers and berries can be used and consumed. Elderberries have been used for many years for their medicinal qualities. (1)
Dr. Josh Axe says that “Health benefits of the elder plant include naturally improving sinus issues, nerve pain, inflammation, chronic fatigue, allergies, constipation and even cancer.” (2) Elderberries also have antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating, as well as antidepressant properties. (3) I know it works great with keeping colds at bay because we have used it for years.
We have been fortunate enough to only deal with the occasional cold during the winter months. (Thank God!) So this little gem and essential oils are our first line of defense against common ailments.
You can buy elderberry syrup in most stores or pharmacies. I have so many little ones that it’s much more economical for me to make it myself. It’s so easy to do and takes very little time. I buy all the ingredients in bulk at a local health food store. This really keeps the cost down. You can also purchase the ingredients online. Here’s a recipe I’ve used in the past.
Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Remedy Servings: 2 cups Calories: 6kcal Author: Katie Wells
Ingredients
- 3½ cups water
- 2/3 cup black elderberries (dried, or 1 1/3 cups fresh or frozen)
- 2 TBSP ginger (grated)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- 1 cup raw honey
Instructions
- Pour the water into a medium saucepan and add the elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, 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 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.
- Ta-da! You just made homemade elderberry syrup! 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.
(Courtesy of https://wellnessmama.com/1888/elderberry-syrup/)
Here’s a version with Echinacea (which increases the healing properties). We just tried this one this year and it turned out great. I usually give my little ones one teaspoon during early stages of a cold. Each recipe will give dosage recommendations. So follow what’s given in your recipe.
Be proactive this season. Begin nourishing yourself with healthy food, exercise, a positive mindset, and natural remedies that will heal and not destroy your body.
- Barrell, Amanda. “Health benefits of elderberry” https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323288.php
- Link, Rachel. “ Elderberry Benefits for Colds, Flus, Allergies and More, https://draxe.com/nutrition/elderberry/
- “Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial” Nutrients. 2016 Apr; 8(4): 182. Published online 2016 Mar 24. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4848651/
*All information, content, and material of this website is for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.
Naja Coles
I’m most importantly a follower of Christ by who’s blood we believe there is salvation. We believe in biblical Truth only. Being led by the Spirit of God, we seek to raise our family by that Truth. I am a wife of 7 years, and mom to 8 wonderful children ages 6 years-9 months. We have been homeschooling for 2 years officially (6 if you include preschool). I enjoy music, gardening, and learning to live a healthy, non-toxic lifestyle.
Matthew 4:17