The tiny Elderberries have been used for centuries in North America, Europe, and Asia. There are several varieties of Sambucus but the most commonly used plant is Sambucus Nigra it has the most health benefits.
Elderberries have been used to treat a flu epidemic in Panama in 1995, successfully. These berries are small, very dark blue, almost black, sweet and sharp flavor. They are packed with beneficial nutrients which is why they have become so popular.
Elderberries are high with minerals iron, phosphorous, copper and calcium with vitamins A, B, C and protein and fiber. They are high in anti-oxidants and great anti-inflammatory flavonoids with Quercitin, lutein and anthocyanin’s.
Healthy Benefits of Consuming Elderberries
1. Cardiovascular protection and for the Essential Fatty Acids in berries. Great use for varicose vein support.
2. Respiratory health such as, coughs, colds, flu and bronchitis.
3. Immune system strength, also used for allergies and asthma
4. Diabetes
5. Bone health and to decrease inflammation
6. Skin health
7. Vision improvement
Elder flower syrup is Europe’s superior formula for colds and flu and respiratory infections. It is a powerful diaphoretic, reducing fevers and inducing sweating.
Elder berries make some of the best syrups, jams and wines you’ll ever taste. Look at our recipe below to enjoy these great healthy berries.
Elderberry Syrup
Gather fresh or dried elderberries to create the most popular herbal cold remedy in Europe and now becoming so in USA. It is delicious, like a sweet treat; nothing like a medicine!
Ingredients:
½ cup of dried elderberries (if fresh 1cup)
3 cups of filtered water
1 cup of honey
Directions:
1. Put the berries in a saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer on low for 30 to 40 minutes.
2. Mash the berries, then strain the mixture with a fine mesh strainer, make sure you get all the good stuff, you may want to use gloves and push done on the berries to get all the juice. (Berries will stain your hands)
3. Add honey and stir to dissolve into berry mix while still warm, if cooled too much, reheat on low; no high heat or you can destroy the enzymes in the honey.
4. Bottle the syrup and store in the refrigerator. Date it when made and will it will expire. It will keep for about 2-3 months.
Use this elderberry syrup whenever you feel any cold symptoms: scratchy throat, watery, itchy eyes, runny nose, cough or congestion.
Adults: Take 2 spoonful’s per day
Children: Take 1 spoonful’s per day
If you are already sick you can lessen symptoms by increasing dosage till feeling better:
Adults: 2 teaspoons 4 times per day
Children: 1 teaspoon four times per day
You can use elderberries also as tea or even make a jam, similar to blueberry jam. Actually, it is really good if you mix the two berries together as a jam. It will give your body an added antioxidant boost!
Possible Reactions
Be careful if you are allergic to any plants in the honeysuckle family elderberry plant are from this family. If you have any extreme kidney problems or have chronic kidney disease it may exacerbate symptoms.
Elderberries are to be cooked before ingesting due to small amounts of cyanide present in raw berries.
If buying berries or prepared syrups make sure you only purchase them from trusted companies. There have been reports of some companies not using true elderberries or mixing them with other berries. Read the label and check if 100% Sambucus Nigra species which is the recommended berry.
Cindy Burrows, B.S., M.T., Herbalist, is a Natural Health Consultant helping individuals start health programs to improve their life, wellness and happiness. Cindy is a speaker, writer and entrepreneur of several businesses.