The 4-Ingredient Elderberry Syrup That Destroys The Cold & Flu by: Kathleen Walser for Off the Grid News
There are several varieties of elderberry grown throughout the world. However, the medicinal herb we want for its powerful cold- and flu-fighting powers is European black elderberry, or Sambucus nigra L.
Elder is a shrub that originates in Europe, Asia and Africa, and it has dark black berries and small white flowers. Medicinal uses of the elder plant go back centuries. Remnants of the plant have surprisingly been found in stone age sites. The plant was also referenced in writings by Pliny the Elder and Hippocrates.
Almost all parts of the elder plant were used in ancient times. The wood was used for making instruments. The flowers and berries were used for medicine.
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Of course, elderberry can be grown and harvested in your own yard. If you choose to do this, make sure the elderberry plant you grow is the correct type. However, the varieties native to the United States are not the same as black elderberries that are used in herbal remedies. Therefore, if you do not have your own elderberry plant, you can buy the dried elderberries and use them to make your own herbal medicines.
Elderberries are high in vitamins A, B and C and have antioxidant, antiviral and other healthy properties.
A Word of Caution
Elderberries contain seeds that unfortunately contain a toxic chemical, however cooking the berries removes the toxicity. Elderberries can however be prepared in many ways, including in teas, syrups and tinctures. Also, one of the great benefits of most elderberry preparations is that they are safe for children as well as for adults.
Medicinal Recipes
This winter, why not make your own elderberry medicine? Following are two recipes that can help keep your family healthy.
Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Elderberry is easily made into a syrup that can be used not only as a medicine but also on pancakes and ice cream. This syrup can last several months when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In addition to water, it contains only four ingredients.
