Elderberry Syrup for Immune Support
Elderberry syrup
Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry syrup is one of the most fabulous substances you can put your body… Its main ingredient is, of course, elderberries. These dark purple berries are absolutely packed with benefits, and can be used for tons of ailments. One very important thing I’d like to start with is that you should NEVER eat raw elderberries. They must be cooked before eating. You should also not eat the leaves or twigs of the elderberry plant, since they are toxic. Now, let’s get started with going over all the benefits of elderberry syrup and how you can utilize it for yourself and your family.
Elderberry has been shown to shorten the flu by up to four days, and the common cold by up to two! It is also a great tool you can use to prevent getting these viruses in the first place. Many people have also reported symptoms being relieved within hours of taking elderberry syrup on the first day of showing them. Now that’s pretty amazing! Who doesn’t want to avoid the flu, or at least have a shorter bout of it??
You can use elderberry to help manage diabetes as well! Elderberry not only helps your body release insulin, but it also behaves like insulin. This helps you keep your blood sugar balanced, and can be a great addition to your existing diabetes treatment. Just be certain to consult your doctor before you start up any new supplements, or before you try replacing any drugs with elderberry.
Elderberry is a very useful and natural diuretic. It helps to remove excess salt and water retention from your body through urine. This awesome ability makes elderberry a great natural treatment for high blood pressure, and can also help prevent cardiovascular disease.
Vitamins C and E are found in very high amounts in elderberries. These two vitamins are absolutely vital to your immune system, and for keeping your skin clear. Both of these are powerful antioxidants that get rid of free radicals in your body, and work to protect all your cells from damage.
Speaking of antioxidants, elderberry has more called “anthocyanins” that have been found to protect the elderly from brain damage caused by aging. These antioxidants can combat dementia, Alzheimers, and brain cell deterioration. In younger people, elderberry can also help with memory and overall brain function before any symptoms of the brain aging begin!
You can also use elderberry syrup as a natural antidepressant. The science behind this is still unclear, but there is definitely something to be said for the feeling anyone would get from taking a big spoonful of yummy sweet elderberry syrup from the fridge. ;)
Elderberry is also a great anti-inflammatory! The vitamin A and anthocyanins it contains are strong fighters against inflammation. Inflammation is the source of sooo many of our body’s problems, so anything that reduces that is the bomb dot com in my book!
Last but not least, elderberries have incredible fiber content! This means that elderberry syrup can help keep your insides squeaky clean, and keep you regular. Fiber is a very important part of digestion; and without enough of it, you will develop lots of gut and abdominal issues.
As you can see, elderberries are a LOT of awesomeness in tiny packages! This is why making your very own elderberry syrup is such a great way to take advantage of all the benefits for you and your household. Below is My favorite recipe that you can try out yourself! Let me know how it turns out, and we’ll chat again soon! :)
(Recipe of your choice here)
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup dried elderberries (see notes)
2 cups water
1 tablespoon fresh ginger , minced (optional)
1/2 cup honey
INSTRUCTIONS:
Combine the elderberries, water, and ginger (if using) in a small saucepan over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and allow the mixture to simmer until the water has been reduced by half, about 20 minutes.
Transfer the cooked berries and liquid to a clean bowl and pour it through a fine mesh strainer to remove the berry skins. Use the back of a spoon to press on the berries in the strainer, to extract all of the juice, then discard the small amount of pulp left in the strainer.
Allow the elderberry juice to cool to room temperature, so that the heat doesn't harm the nutrients in the honey, then stir in the honey. Use a whisk to incorporate it smoothly, then transfer the syrup into a sealed glass jar that you can store in the fridge.
This syrup should keep well for at least two weeks when stored in the fridge, so if you don't think you'll use it all before then, feel free to freeze any extras. You can always thaw it overnight in the fridge when you need more. Homemade elderberry syrup doesn't become as thick as the store bought version because it uses less sugar and no preservatives or thickeners, so don't be alarmed if the final syrup has a more liquid consistency.
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