Benefits of Elderberry
- Karen Heselton
- Sep 22, 2023
- 3 min read
This summer has been an odd one in the New England region with heat and constant rain creating a lot of mold and fungus for many of us. All of my plants were affected by the extreme weather conditions and the one thing that really stood out was fungus! I myself have always associated fungus with mold, lung issues, and pneumonia bringing me to the topic of cold and flu season soon approaching.
In regards to cold and flu and keeping healthy immune systems, Elderberry (Sambucus) has been used for centuries whether it be in syrup, jam, or tinctures. It is a well-known immune booster, and antioxidant and helps shorten the duration of colds and flu. Now it's extremely easy for one to say, just go to the store and buy Elderberry Syrup or Zicam, but haven't we been shown in the past it was not always available on the shelves when we needed it? What if you are sick and you just don't feel well enough to go to the store? So now is the time to prep so you have it on hand when you are feeling under the weather.
As an herbalist, I can explain how simple making a tincture or syrup is. Just make sure you have the right tools such as accurate flower essence, herbs, berries, leaves, or roots that you will be working with and the reason why you are working with them. There is nothing to be fearful of and little room for error.
Elderberry Tincture and Syrup Recipes
Tincture: Whether you gather fresh berries while finding your inner peace in nature, or order organic dried berries, it all works the same. Fill the jar with 1/3 elderberries and fill to the top with 80 to 100-proof vodka. If you can find a flavor that you like or can tolerate, that's even better!
Cover and let set in a dark cool place for 8 weeks. Strain and put in smaller jars or dark small tincture bottles that you can order online.
*** Due to vodka use, not recommended for children.
Syrup: This recipe can be made with just the elderberries and honey or give a little extra boost with the added cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. It definitely adds a little pep to your step!
3/4 Cup Elderberries
3 Cups of Water
1 Tsp of Cinnamon (dried)
1 Tsp of Cloves (dried)
1 Tsp of Ginger (dried)
1/2 Cup of Honey
Bring the elderberries and all other ingredients except honey to a boil. Once boiling begins, cover and lower the heat to simmer, approximately 45 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool down. Once cooled, strain through cheesecloth into a glass jar. Add 1/2 cup of honey which provides the synergetic effect. Store in refrigerator for up to 2 months.
Now the rule of thumb for elderberry is it is an immune builder. Although most commercial store brands recommend using it daily, I myself will only use it when feeling run down or fighting off something.
Dosage:
For adults, take 1 tablespoon daily, and for children, 1 teaspoon daily. If you or your children are experiencing sickness or feel something coming on, that dose should be repeated four times daily.
Disclosure: We are not physicians or dieticians. Always seek medical assistance from your medical team.
Research and Links:
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