It May Not be the Elixir Life…Elderberry for Cold and Flu
“It May Not be the Elixir Life…Elderberry for Cold and Flu”
November 27, 2018
Beth Blair
I have been prodded by several friends, clients and students to share “My” Elderberry Syrup recipe. Even my son, who has benefited from it for years, asked for the recipe this year and said, “I have poached your supplies long enough, it’s time I make my own.” So, in full disclosure, this in not “my” recipe fully. I found a recipe online years ago and have tweaked it to be mine. My apologies to the person who published it for not sighting the source, but I also feel this is a pretty standard recipe.
Elderberry as a healing plant or medicinal plant has been around for a very long time. Apparently, Hippocrates from the 4th century called this berry “his medicine chest.” Elderberry extract, according to “The New Optimum Nutrition Bible,” (NONB) by Patrick Holdford (a must have in your wellness library, in my opinion!) is antiviral. Elderberry is also called Sambucol. It can be used as an extract, tincture or syrup. I have a sweet tooth and love the taste of this syrup! NONB says that Elderberry extract reduces the duration of colds and flu by preventing the virus from taking hold. You can google the research of the studies of the benefits of Elderberry. The recommended dosage is 1 tablespoon 3 times a day. Now, you can actually take it prophylactically, one dose a day. As soon as you have the inkling of a cold or flu coming on, start dosing! The secret is to KEEP TAKING IT UNTIL SYMPTOMS ARE GONE! Most people stop too soon and the cold or flu comes back, because “it has taken hold!” I have dosed as frequently as every 2-4 hours if I have significant symptoms. Do your research, this is not woo woo. Hippocrates was prescribing it many moons ago.
If you have ever had a bad cold or flu…you may have felt like what you imagine death to feel like. Or worse, “Death Warmed Over”. What an expression that is!! Don’t you want to avoid that! So, what else is in my elixir of life? In my syrup, I use dried elderberries, ginger root, cinnamon, clove, local wildflower honey and water. Ginger root is antiviral and antibacterial, reduces pain and fever, and is good for sore throats and upset stomachs. Cinnamon has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, plus it has digestive and carminative (relieves gas) properties too. Clove is an antiseptic, an expectorant, has digestive properties as well. Honey has many healing properties, besides being a wound healer. It is antibacterial and it also helps with allergies (as long as you use local honey). Can you see the good medicine here? And it’s tasty!!
Where to buy your supplies or get the syrup readymade? You certainly can buy all this stuff online. I, personally, shop local. I have my trusty health food store, House of Health as my source of elderberries and honey (they also have readymade elderberry products). I do purchase my spices and ginger root in the grocery (organic).
So here is the recipe:
half cup dried elderberries
2 cups water
2 tsp. grated FRESH ginger root
half tsp. ground clove
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 cup Wildflower Honey (or your honey of choice)
quarter cup Irish Whiskey or Burbon (optional for longer shelf life)
Instructions:
Put water, elderberries and spices in a pot and heat to almost a boil.
Reduce temperature to simmer for 20 min
Cool until the mixture is warm to the touch.
Strain with cheese cloth, or food press to get as much of the elixir as possible.
Stir in honey and add whiskey (if using), store in glass jars with good sealing lids and refrigerate. Shake well before dosing.
It is that simple. I usually quadruple the recipe and keep it on hand. Do your research, check contraindications for any prescription medications, ask your physician. Many people are finding the benefits of this “elixir of life”! Blessings and good health!
References:
The New Optimum Nurtition Bible by Patrick Holdford (ISBN-13: 978-1-58091-167-2)
https://www.botanical-online.com
Beth is a seasoned and experienced bodywork and wellness professional. She is available to present on wellness, bodywork and somatic topics; or individual bodywork and coaching sessions. Bring Beth to your area for workshops, speaking events or team building projects. Personal and business coaching are also services that Beth provides. Consider coaching for individual or small groups/teams. Contact Beth for more information and rates.