Folklore on the Elder bush (Sambucus nigra) goes back to ancient times as well as it’s medicinal uses throughout human history even predating the written word as found in ancient archeological
sites. Elderberries and flowers are both truly magnificent medicines, yet for this particular blend, I will focus on Elderberries.
Elderberries have been studied through modern scientific methods and proven to be highly effective in treating viral infections including colds and various flu strains, including H1N1 in 2009. In January of 2021, my family used several quarts of Elderberry syrup when we all got that thing going around ;-)
*Elderberries are 100% safe so long as you're not allergic, cook them properly and us the correct dosages by age or weight.
Elderberries support our health in a myriad of ways, such as stopping viruses from replicating (preventing or shortening the duration of colds and flus), as well as helping with coughs, fevers, sinus congestion, allergies, asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia. This is not the complete list of the awesomeness of Elderberry, but it will suffice for now.
Spiritually speaking… Elderberry helps us face the death of what must die so that we can be reborn and renewed (as the rattlesnake sheds its skin). We, too, must shed our old skins from time to time
and be born anew. Elderberry protects and supports us on this powerful journey into a new life and way of being in the world… whether we asked for the new life or not… it's here. And Elderberry is our dear friend to see us through the process.
Elderberry has some comrades in this recipe such as Whole Star Anise, Cinnamon, Cloves, and Ginger. Simmered down with pure fresh water, then strained to blend with our sweet natural preservative: raw honey. Nearly all of these herbs are known to soothe sore throats, but definitely all of them are such blessings for the lungs in their own special ways. To name a few: alleviating asthma, bronchitis, and cough expectoration (meaning they help us cough out that mucus)! Most of these herbs also help with digestion and support a healthy cardiovascular system… not to mention the “Happy Factor” because making this blend makes my home smell like Christmas!
Adult Dosage: I take 1-2 Tbs every day as a preventative tonic because every herbal ingredient is anti-microbial. If we feel something coming on (or actually get full-out sick), we take 1 Tbs every 30-60 minutes. Children's dosages are adjusted by weight... so a 75 pound child would take 1/2 an adult dosage. I do make a special non-honey blend with vegetable glycerine for infants under 12 months of age, but it's interesting to note that Cinnamon helps control Botulism, Staph. Aureus, E. coli and other nasty microbes.
Pick up your Elderberry syrup or place your local order today! Elderberry Syrup made in this way needs to be refrigerated and will likely expire in 3 months. Ours never lasts that long because we use it regularly. Thank you most sincerely and remember; there is an herbal solution for every problem <3
Just a P.S. and FYI, the Whole Star Anise botanical name is Illicium verum and that plant's constituents have been studied by scientists, then "THE" active ingredient was isolated and used in the formula for Tamiflu. I think it's safer to use whole plant ingredients at the proper dosages. Using isolated plant constituents can lead to known, unwanted side-effects.
Whole plants for viral infections are far safer than drugs for many reasons, but to name a couple here... plants nourish the body and give the immune system the extra tools it needs to do it's job better. Drugs deplete the body of nutrients and often stop healthful immune-response sypmtoms such as fevers or stopping a wet cough (which should never be done) which can lead to further complications such as pneumonia.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. I do not diagnose or prescribe. I teach the historical and modern uses of plants and adults get to make adult decisions.
Enjoy your Elderberry Syrup, it's absolutely delicious and there are limitless recipes out there for variations of Elderberry Syrup! :D