"You have some
elderberries!" my cousin exclaimed one day as she was leaving our home.
I hadn't even noticed!...and anyway, what are they good for??? I immediately began an online search.
Do you know that
elderberries contain a natural antioxident called anthocyanin which is a powerful immune booster? The berries
have been used medicinally since Hippocrates' time (BC 460-BC 370).
According to the book, Smart Medicine for Healthier Living,
page 290, a 1995 study showed elderberry extract "reduced both the severity of flu symptoms
and also the duration of flu from 2-3 days in the treated group versus 6 days
in the placebo group."
Melissa at www.kellythekitchenkop.com says "I have successfully
warded off the flu and bad colds numerous times. If I start feeling
sick/ achy/ feverish, I start taking elderberry syrup whenever I think of
it--along with extra Fermented Cod Liver."
So.....let's get busy
and prepare to stay healthy with some homemade Elderberry Syrup!
Snip off the ripe
elderberry bunches...making certain they are not Pokeberry, the impostor that some have confused with the
elderberry plant. Check out the article, Elderberry vs Pokeberry, at www.herbalrootzine.com for pictures that clearly illustrate the
difference between the two plants.
Remove the berries from
the stems, keeping only the black or blackish-red berries. This was the
most time-consuming part. Some people use a fork, some use a wide-toothed
comb and some use their fingers as a comb to rake through the berries, pulling
them off the stems into the bowl. If you freeze them for a bit first, the
process may be easier. Stems are toxic to eat, so only keep the
berries. Also be sure you are
wearing old clothes...elderberries stain!! Put the berries in some ice water and allow any debris to
float to the top...which you will pour off.
Separate the pulp and
seeds from the juice! Allow the juice to cool before adding the honey so
the enzymes in the honey are not destroyed.
Add the honey...equal
amounts with the juice you have extracted. Mix well, put in jar(s) and store in the refrigerator or freezer. Mmmm---Mmmm good!
Some people
sweeten and preserve the syrup with sugar, but honey has so many healthful
properties, you get a "double whammy" by using honey. (However, use
sugar if you plan on giving some to your child who is under 1 year old.)
Others also add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar for extra health benefit. Then
there are those who add rose hips, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, etc.
I found many, many blogs
and other web sites with information on making elderberry syrup....each having
added information or slight variations to the process. I
found www.honest-food.net to be the only one using the immersion blender and no water.
Jill at www.jillshomeremedies.blogspot.com was very helpful when making my second
batch using dried berries. Here are the recipes I used for my 2 batches:
Batch #1: 3
pounds elderberries, destemmed
Raw honey to equal the amount
of juice you extract
Follow the directions above in
the tutorial.
Batch # 2: 2 cups dried
elderberries
4 cups water
3 cups raw honey, local if
possible
Bring berries and water to a
boil and simmer about 30 minutes. Use the immersion blender to break up the
berries. (If you don't have an immersion blender, you may use a food mill
to break them up.) Separate the berries and juice from the seeds using a
food mill. Allow the juice to cool, then add the honey. Mix well, put in
jar(s) and refrigerate or freeze.
How much should you
take??? Whatever
you wish since you cannot overdose. But to maintain the immune system:
Adults-1 Tablespoon/day; Children-1 Teaspoon/day. Take the same
amount hourly if sick. It is more effective to take
small amounts often than large amounts occasionally.
Did you know you can buy
Elderberry Syrup at the store? You might find it under
the name, Sambucus nigra which means black elderberry. Berry Well is
also the name of one on the market. These are much more expensive to
buy than to make!
Where can I get dried
elderberries? I ordered mine very reasonably from Frontier
Natural Products through our local food co-op. You may also order from the Bulk
Herb Store, www.bulkherbstore.com, and Mountain Rose Herbs, www.mountainroseherbs.com.
What else can I do with
elderberry syrup? This is sooo good you can pour it over vanilla ice cream, mix
it with plain yogurt, put it on pancakes, add some to sparkling water....so
many possibilities. The berries make a wonderful tea...just steep 1
teaspoon of the dried berries in a cup of hot water for 3-5 minutes....tasty
and healthful!
Tea
anyone??
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