Using Elderberries is a great way to get some healthy and protective antioxidant immune boosting nutrients into your family in a great tasting way. Elderberries have been used for centuries to treat disease as well as the common cough and cold. They are great for treating both virus and bacteria.
I love using elderberries because they have an amazing taste and consistency for making syrups and jams. Imagine having health boosting protective nutrients in the jam you put on your children's morning waffles or the syrup you drizzle over their pancakes!
Today I'm going to share with you the recipe I use for my own family and that I also make for my clients. You can modify this recipe for your own taste by adding or eliminating any ingredients that don't work for you. I try to pack this as full of protective immune boosting nutrients as I can while still maintaing good flavor.
Elderberries:
Elderberry has been used in other countries to treat the flu epidemic when antibiotics where not available. Elderberries are high in antioxidant and have been used for treating illness thousands of years. Elderberries are a dark bluish purple berry found on plants and contain significant amounts of anthocyanins which are what give it its color and antioxidant activity. These anthocyanins protect the berry from UV light radiation and when consumed do the same to the consumer providing anti-carginogenic and free radical protection. Elderberries have more vitamin C than oranges and contain trace amounts of minerals.
Studies have shown that elderberries provide a great source of protection to mucous membranes and anti-inflammatory action on sinuses. Elderberries have also shown to contain potent antiviral agents that eliminates the viruses ability to enter the cells and replicate.
Rose Hips:
Rose hips are one of my favorite herbs and I use them in many of my custom teas that I prepare for my clients. Rose hips contain the seed of the rose plant and when used together make a very potent medicine..
Rose hips are very high in vitamin C and therefore a great source for fighting colds and flu. Rosehips nutritional powerhouse includes vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, iron, bio-flavanoids, pectin, Vitamin E, manganese, selenium, B complex, magnesium, phosforous, potassium, sulphur, and silicon.
Ginger:
We've all heard that ginger is great for colds and inflammation. The medicinal benefits have of ginger have been known for long over 2000 years. Ginger is a root grown underground that is a rich source of antioxidants. Ginger has been proven to to contain a broad spectrum antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-parasitic effect to name just a few of its more than 40 pharmacological actions.
Cinnamon:
Cinnamon is a great flavor enhancer but also has some amazing health benefits. There was a time in history when cinnamon was worth its weight in gold. Cinnamon is rich in antioxidant polyphenols and proanthocyanidins. It contains significant amounts of manganese, calcium, fiber, and iron. Cinnamon has been shown to contain antiviral, antibacterial, anti-parasitic, and antifungal properties.
Orange Peel:
Orange peel is one of my favorites to use in teas. The smell is so uplifting and delicious and it adds a great flavor to anything it is used with.
Echinacea:
Echinacea is best known for its immune system stimulating properties. This purple flowered herb is one of the most popular herbs taken to help ward off colds and flus. I have seen the benefits of using this herb in my practice and have many cases of shortened duration of symptoms in those who take it.
Honey:
Raw honey is so full of great healing and immune boosting natural minerals, vitamins and enzymes. It also works to coat the mucous membranes to provide soothing relief of pain from sore throat or cough.
Elderberry Immune Syrup!
Ingredients:
1 cup Water
1/4 cup Elderberries
2 TBSP Rose Hips
3/4 Teaspoon Dried Ginger Root
1 Cinnamon stick
1/2 Cup Raw Honey
2 TBSP Dried Echinacea (used when illness present)
2 TSP Orange Peel
* I make 2 versions....1 with echinacea to use when illness is present and 1 without to use daily as preventative.
Directions:
Combine all ingredients but the honey in saucepan and bring to boil. Reduce and simmer for 30 minutes.
Strain herb mixture through a mesh strainer and discard herbs reserving only strained liquid. add honey and whisk together. Pour into a jar with a sealable lid and store in refrigerator.
Dosage for daily prevention:
- Adults 1 TBSP daily
- Children over age of 2 tsp daily
- Infants 1/2-1 tsp daily *********** if using for infants make sure you heat and do not give raw honey under 1 year of age.
Try this recipe or come in the office for your bottle of our homemade immune syrup to keep you and your family healthy all season long.
As always.....In good health and happiness,
Brandy Augustine PhD