Elderberries are one of nature’s gifts to us as they become ripe just before cold and flu season begins. Elderberry is known for its many antioxidants. You can take elderberry syrup daily as a preventative during cold and flu season. Elderberry syrup has been shown it can reduce the severity and length of the flu. It helps with nerve pain (neuralgia) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). It is also used for sinus pain, back, leg pain (sciatica) too.
Species
Black Elderberry is the species best known for its culinary and medicinal uses. Â It grows throughout the world and is known by those who use it by many different names. Common names for the Black Elderberry include Elder, Common Elder, American Elder and Sambucus, to name a few.
The roots, seeds, branches, leaves, and twigs of all elderberry species can be fatal. Use only the right berries and cook them properly.
Elderberry Syrup
Water: 4 cups
Elderberries: 1 cup
Ginger : 1 tablespoon
Cinnamon: 1 tablespoon
Cloves: Â 1 tablespoon
Bring to a boil and simmer for 45 minutes. – (Elderberry can be deadly if eaten uncooked) Strain and let it cool. I usually get around 2-3 cups of juice, depending on how high the heat when simmering. Add the same amount of honey as the amount of elderberry syrup. For example, if you have 2 cups of syrup, you add 2 cups of raw honey. (local honey is always best.) Jar and refrigerate it. Take one spoonful daily as a preventative for cold and flu season or every couple of hours for relief. We like to add a spoonful to a glass of ginger ale for a delicious afternoon drink.
