Hey folks!  Reblogging this post on elderberries I wrote a while back because they are an invaluable remedy for colds, flus, coughs, and sore throats!

herbalhealing:

Elderberry (Sambucis nigra. S. canadensis, S. mexicana)

Elder shrubs dripping with their heavy load of berries in the fall, or shining with their starry flowers in the early summer, are a welcome sight!  This bountiful shrub contains potent medicine that even tastes good!  All species of the elder with blue and black berries can be used interchangeably.

Elder flowers arrive in early July and you can harvest these in bunches when they are at their peak, keeping in mind any flowers harvested will not turn into berries later that season.  The flowers are a safe and effective relaxing diaphoretic (meaning it promotes sweating) herb that is very mild tasting - for these reasons it is often used to treat fevers in young children. Elder flowers can also be used as a bath herb or for external washes to soothe and soften the skin.

Elderberries are a tasty treat that also have many medicinal properties such as immunomodulating, anti-oxidant, and antiviral. This can make it an important ally at the first signs of a cold or flu. Because of its cooling tendencies, it may be appropriate to add a more warming herb, like ginger, when taking it for a cold with symptoms of being cold.  The leaves and bark of this plant also contain strong medicinal properties mostly used for emetic and laxative effects. It’s recommended that a person interested in using these parts in this manner consult with a trained practitioner.

Elderberry syrup is a delicious addition to any herbal medicine cabinet - recipe will be posted soon!

Thanks for the question!  First of all, what you eat and how much exercise you get play a big part in immunity and overall health.  If you start eating a diet full of veggies, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains, drink lots of water, and stay active, you’ll likely start to feel better.

You should also look into the power trio of immunity herbs: the famous echinacea, elderberry, and usnea.  All of these will boost immunity and fight off infection.  The easiest way to take these herbs would be through tincture, which is the most potent form of medicine.  I also would recommend drinking a strong infusion, but you’d probably want to add some other herbs (like mint) for taste! 

If ya’ll read my post on elderberries a while back, you know that the berries of the elderflower plant are going to be ripe for the picking very soon!  You also know that elderberries are A+ for colds and flus.  Any coincidence that cold season and elderberry season coincide?  :)  Gather some fresh berries or purchase them dried to make elderberry syrup.

Elderberry syrup is a proven remedy for preventing and recovering from the flu, colds, excessive mucus, sore throats, and contains large amounts of antioxidants, potassium, beta carotene, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin C. Take a tablespoon daily to ward off illness and a teaspoon every 2-3 hours while sick. For children under 2, add the syrup to hot water to kill any microbes in the honey. You can even drizzle the delicious syrup over pancakes, yogurt, or ice cream!

- 1 cup fresh or 1/2  cup dried organic elderberries (harvest blue or black, avoid poisonous reds)
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup raw local honey
- 1 organic cinnamon stick, 3 organic cloves, and a pinch of dried organic ginger root (optional)

Place berries, water, and spices in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes. Smash the berries to release remaining juice and strain the mixture. Allow liquid to cool and stir in honey. Will last for 2-3 months stored in the fridge.

Elderberry (Sambucis nigra. S. canadensis, S. mexicana)

Elder shrubs dripping with their heavy load of berries in the fall, or shining with their starry flowers in the early summer, are a welcome sight!  This bountiful shrub contains potent medicine that even tastes good!  All species of the elder with blue and black berries can be used interchangeably.

Elder flowers arrive in early July and you can harvest these in bunches when they are at their peak, keeping in mind any flowers harvested will not turn into berries later that season.  The flowers are a safe and effective relaxing diaphoretic (meaning it promotes sweating) herb that is very mild tasting - for these reasons it is often used to treat fevers in young children. Elder flowers can also be used as a bath herb or for external washes to soothe and soften the skin.

Elderberries are a tasty treat that also have many medicinal properties such as immunomodulating, anti-oxidant, and antiviral. This can make it an important ally at the first signs of a cold or flu. Because of its cooling tendencies, it may be appropriate to add a more warming herb, like ginger, when taking it for a cold with symptoms of being cold.  The leaves and bark of this plant also contain strong medicinal properties mostly used for emetic and laxative effects. It’s recommended that a person interested in using these parts in this manner consult with a trained practitioner.

Elderberry syrup is a delicious addition to any herbal medicine cabinet - recipe will be posted soon!