Let's Make Elderberry Syrup!
School has begun and so has the rampant sharing of germs among our precious little petri dishes. While I wouldn’t say I am anything resembling a germaphobe, I don’t like seeing my kids get sick any more than the next mama. And while there is little we can do in the way of germs circulating their schools, we CAN boost their immune systems! The #1 thing in my arsenal come cold and flu season: Elderberry Syrup. The berries and flowers of elderberry are packed with antioxidants, vitamins A & C that boost your immune system as well as high in fiber which improves gut health. They help tame inflammation, lessen stress, and help protect your heart, too.
Some experts recommend elderberry to help prevent and ease cold and flu symptoms. (WebMD) A 2016 study published in the journal Nutrients found that elderberry supplements reduced the duration and severity of colds in air travelers. Other research has shown elderberry extract can help fight pathogenic bacteria and the flu virus. (Good Housekeeping)
It is worth noting, no single supplement or syrup can specifically strengthen your body's immune system on its own overnight. Elderberry syrup isn't a magic elixir that can prevent you from getting sick. But working it into your regular routine — combined with a whole foods, lots of water as well as good sleep habits — can pack in immunity benefits. (GH)
*IMPORTANT: Raw elderberries are known to be toxic, the seeds contain a cyanide-inducing glycoside, which can cause a buildup of cyanide in the body and make you quite ill. Cooking elderberries releases this toxin making them perfectly safe. But don’t eat the raw/dried berries before cooking!
Now, you can purchase any number of syrups or chews in health food stores, Amazon etc, but they can get pricey! And considering this isn’t a “use like a cough syrup till your cold is gone” kind of thing, but rather more like a daily vitamin boost you will want to take and give your kids all cold and flu season, let’s talk about how to make your own and save a ton of money! It’s quick and simple:
Buy your Organic Dried Elderberries! I get mine from Amazon but they likely have them at your local health food store too! Shop around and find a brand you are comfortable with and trust. Quality is important here.
Gather your supplies. You will need a medium pot, measuring cup, mesh strainer, bowl, wooden spoon, honey (raw organic preferred) and small mason jars with lids.
Make your own syrup! Its a simple process that takes only a few minutes.
Store in small jars in the freezer that you can pull out as you need it! Once thawed it lasts about a month in the fridge.
Dosage: To help keep your immune system boosted take 1 Tablespoon daily for adults, and 1 Teaspoon daily for kids! If (and when) you get that nasty cold, you can bump that up x4 (1 Tablespoon 4x a day for adults, 1 Teaspoon 4x a day for kids)
Enjoy your boosted immune system! Less colds and faster healing, I call that a win!
