Elderberries are the best things to have around during cold and flu season. Taking a teaspoon a day can ward off illness, and a tablespoon a day can help your body bounce back from illness quicker.
A clinical trial published in 2004 showed 1 TBSP of elderberry extract given to flu patients four times daily “recovered in an average of 3.1 days compared to 7.1 days for those given a placebo.”
Beyond boosting your immune system, elderberries are anti-inflammatory and have anti-cancer compounds.
For those of you following ORAC ratings (ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) elderberries top the list with a rating of 147 (blueberries are only a 62!).
Elderberries contain antioxidants, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, copper, B vitamins and more.
Make Your Own Elderberry Syrup
Bring to a boil 2 cups of water. Add to the water:
- 1/2 cup dried elderberries
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 5 whole cloves
- 1 TBSP freshly grated ginger
Let it come back to a boil, then turn down and simmer until liquid is reduced by half. This takes about 25 minutes. Remove from heat.
Using a mesh strainer, strain into a bowl. Using the back of a spoon, press down on the berries until you can squeeze out as much of the liquid as you can (transfer berries, et all, back to your saucepan for phase two).
Add 2 TBSP honey to your elderberry decoction now, while the extract is still quite hot, stirring until it has melted into the extract.
I poured my extract into a 1/2 liter Fido jar and moved it to the fridge. A mason jar is also a good choice.
This elderberry syrup will keep for a couple of weeks before not being as potent, so there’s not need to make a large batch. Mine made about a cup total liquid.
Back to the berries. Not one to waste, I boiled another 2 cups of water and went through the process again. This time, I let it boil a few minutes, then covered my saucepan with a lid and let it sit for a couple of hours. I did not add additional honey, but poured it in my 1/2 liter Fido along with the first batch.
My kids LOVE this.
I used to keep Sambu Guard on hand to ward off a cold or illness. But at $14 a bottle (or more) I am really glad to have this home-made version. PLUS my version isn’t syrupy-sweet. Hooray! 
Shared on: Fat Tuesday, Tasteful Tuesday, Slightly Indulgent Tuesday, Tuesdays At The Table, Frugal Tuesday Tip, Sunday School Blog Carnival.
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proud contributor |
| Lea Harris founded Nourishing Treasures in 2006. A mom passionate about her family's health and well-being, Lea believes education is power. Encouraging others to take baby steps in the right direction of health for their families, Lea's goal is to raise awareness of what goes into our mouths and on our bodies, providing natural alternative information that promotes health and prevents disease by using traditional foods and nature's medicine.
Lea is a Certified Health Coach graduate from Beyond Organic University, and a Certified Aromatherapist graduate from Aromahead Institute. "Like" Nourishing Treasures on Facebook, join the Nourishing Treasures Group on Facebook, follow @NourishTreasure on Twitter, and subscribe to our newsletter. You can also find me on Learning About Essential Oils forum, and Fido Fermentation Facebook group. Disclaimer: I use affiliate links wherever possible. So if you click on a link, and make a purchase, I might make a small commission, but it doesn't cost you any more. |
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