Did you know that Elderberry is one of the most common medicinal plants in the world?
Elderberries can be traced back to Rome, Greece, and Egypt for its many healing properties. Elderberry has quite a bit of promising science behind it. While the medical community can't fully understand the complexity of all the plant's properties they admit that it's helping with viruses and is something to take a closer look at because people are not happy with drugs and the unwanted detrimental side effects drugs have in attempting to combat upper respiratory problems caused by a virus.
Here's a study that shows how Elderberry effectively treated upper respiratory symptoms. Here's a direct quote from the study:
“The quantitative synthesis of the effects yielded a large mean effect size" (this means this was a significant study that settled the dispute on whether or not Elderberry worked in combating viral infections- it does). "These findings present an alternative to antibiotic misuse for upper respiratory symptoms due to viral infections, and a potentially safer alternative to prescription drugs for routine cases of the common cold and influenza.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30670267
Elderberries are so effective in fighting influenza and boosting immunity- that they are being studied for many other medical benefits.
Another study mentions that Elderberries are more effective in treating upper respiratory infections than antibiotics! Read an excerpt below from the study.
"Upper respiratory symptoms are often treated with over the counter drugs, antibiotics, and antiviral medications. Due to concerns about safety and efficacy, there is a demand for an alternative solution. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) fruit contains flavonoids such as quercetin and anthocyanidins. The bark, leaves, and root contain sambunigrin, which is potentially toxic because it can release cyanide. Cooked berries do not carry this risk.[1] Elderberry is most often used for influenza and immune stimulation." https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29702623.
Yet another study shows the incredible research and respect Elderberries is receiving.
"The elder (Sambucus spp.) tree has a number of uses in traditional medicine. Previous studies have demonstrated the antimicrobial properties of elderberry liquid extract against human pathogenic bacteria and also influenza viruses. Cysteine-rich peptides were identified with antimicrobial activity against various Gram-negative bacteria. SEM microscopy and SYTOX Green permeabilization assay showed the ability to disrupt the bacterial membrane. We postulate that these peptides exert their action by destroying the bacterial membrane."
While the extent of black elder's antiviral effects is not well known, antiviral and antimicrobial properties have been demonstrated in these extracts, and the safety of black elder is reflected by the United States Food and Drug Administrations approval as generally recognized as safe.
So instead of worrying about Flu season, why not boost your own immunity and support your body with an easy Elderberry Syrup recipe that's safe for the whole family. Children under two should not consume raw honey because if it has anything bad in it a child may not be able to deal with ithowever, you may substitute agave, maple, or rice syrup in place of honey for infants.
I am going to share my own Honey Based Elderberry Syrup Recipe that you can easily make at home. You want to make sure not to chew the seeds and simply strain the juice from the berries. I will show you how to do it below step by step.
MICHELLE'S ELDERBERRY SYRUP RECIPE
(Immunity Support)
1. First, you need Elderberries. Fresh is great but dried is more common and available in herbal stores and work just as well. You can get them online as well.
2. Second, you want to measure out about 4 ounces of Elderberries to 2.5 cups of water. The ratio goes like this. For every ounce of herb, you add 4 ounces of water. So for 4 oz of herbs, you add about 2 cups of water. I added 2.5 cups instead. It doesn't have to be perfect. I added all kinds of additional herbs but you do not have to. You can add anything you like! Here's a picture of my own herbal concoction but as I said you only need Elderberries. If you have ginger or the others- great! You can add those into the mix too. Start with whatever you enjoy. Play around, taste it and tweak it as you like. Just make sure everything comes to about 4 oz.
I added Elderberry, Rose Hips, Echinacea, Astragalus, Slippery Elm, Goji Berry, Unfiltered Raw Honey, Cayenne, Ginger, Cinnamon, Peppermint, and LOVE!
3. You are going to place your 4 oz of herbs and 2.5 cups of filtered water into a stainless steel pot and bring to a boil and then simmer for 30-40 minutes. As soon as you start to see the and herbs water boil reduce heat to low medium and let berries (and herbs if you are adding them) simmer gently for 30-40 minutes.
4. After berries and herbs have simmered you are going to turn the mixture sit for about an hour. The pot should still be warm when you come back. 110 F is a good temperature.
5. After waiting until herbs cool off a bit you are going to strain. You can use a metal strainer or a nut milk bag or even a clean and washed cotton t-shirt or muslin cloth. Pour mixture into strainer of choice.
After you have strained the herbs into a clean sterile container, weight or eyeball and add 50% of that weight in honey. So if your strained tea mixture weighs 10 oz then you add about 5 oz of honey. I however, added even parts. So my water and tea mixture came out to 10 oz and I added 10 oz of honey. It's really up to you and your taste buds.
Once you add honey and stir everything together and it is all incorporated you can pour into a sterilized glass jar and lid it. Simply write whats in the jar on a label date it and keep it in the refrigerator. It should last up to six months.
You can take anywhere from a teaspoon to a tablespoon 2-4 times day. There's no limit but studies found taking it every two hours if you feel a cold coming on will shorten your illness considerably (if not completely prevent it altogether). You may also take it as a supportive immune support measure. I am doing that now. I will take 1-2 spoonfuls a day even though I am not sick.
TIP: If you are eating white sugar, junk food, smoking, excessively drinking alcohol and caffeine, not exercising and sleeping inadequately, you are placing undue stress on your immune system. Take care of your body and it will take care of you! Use the Elderberry Syrup Recipe above to support your system and ward off viruses- but remember! Don't abuse your body and then depend on the Elderberry. It may or may not work if you do that. So take care of yourself this Winter! Get rest and enjoy the sunshine... Here's to your health!
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