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Powerful ElderBerry Syrup

During the winter season when colds, respiratory tract infections, and influenza seem to strike many families, a simple homemade syrup can give you a healthy edge.

This syrup combines two powerful infection fighters, raw honey and elderberry extract.

Elderberry was a favorite healing herb used by Hippocrates and he called the elder tree his “medicine chest.”

Organic ElderBerries

are marvelous for providing significant antioxidant protection and boosting the immune system.  Articles and studies published in scientific literature highlight many benefits we can enjoy from consuming elderberries or elderberry extract[1] [2]:

  • antioxidant protection
  • anti-inflammatory benefits
  • stimulate the immune system

Raw honey

is used in preparing elderberry syrup not only to improve flavor but to confer many health benefits [3] [4].

Raw honey is:

  • a natural immune booster
  • a natural anti-inflammatory agent
  • a natural antimicrobial agent

 

Elder Berry Syrup Dosage

When the flu strikes, take 1 dose (below) of elderberry syrup 4 times a day.  A 2004 study of 60 adults showed that elderberry syrup helped relieve symptoms of influenza A and B an average of 4 days earlier when compared with placebo. [5]

Preventive and to support the immune system:

  • Adults Take 1 tsp – 1 Tbs per day
  • Kids over age 1: 1/2 – 1 tsp per day

During Illness

  • Take the recommended dose 4 times a day.

 

How to Make Elderberry Syrup

Add-ons

 

Use only Young Living Vitality Essential Oils, safe for dietary consumption.

Directions

  1. In a saucepan, add water, dried berries and spices. If using essential oils, do not add them until step 6.
  2. Slowly bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer on low for 45 minutes, or until the volume has reduced approximately 50%.
  3. Using a spoon, mash the berries against the side of the pan to release as much juice as possible.
  4. Cool completely.
  5. Strain out the berries, mashing them in the strainer with the back of a wooden spoon to get as much  juice as possible.
  6. Stir in raw honey and essential oils. An immersion blender can be used to incorporate the honey into the cooled berry mixture.
  7. Pour into Glass Bottles using a funnel.
  8. Label with instructions and date of preparation.
  9. Store in the refrigerator up to 4-6 months.

My Natural Medicine Chest

Elderberry Syrup needs to be in your natural medicine chest.

I use a variety of natural remedies to combat the nasties. I no longer need to use toxic over-the-counter medication. Here’s what is in my natural medicine to raise our wellness line, especially during winter.

  • Zinc (We take LDA Trace Minerals) (see my Wellevate site for professional supplements)
  • Super C Chewable Tablet with Orange essential oil, camu camu, acerola, cherry, and rose hips fruit powder (Young Living)
  • Sovereign Silver – a dropperful under the tongue
  • Thieves Essential Oil – rub on the bottoms of the feet, or add to an empty veggie capsule and swallow
  • Eucalyptus globulus essential oil – great for respiratory support. Rub on the bottoms of the feet, or diffuse/inhale.
  • Raw garlic (why not crush a clove and add it to your spoonful of Elderberry Syrup)

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References

[1] Özgen, Mustafa et al. “Total Phenolic, Anthocyanin Contents and Antioxidant Capacity of Selected Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis L.) Accessions.” Pharmacognosy Magazine 6.23 (2010): 198–203. PMC. Web. 11 Dec. 2014.

[2] Krawitz, Christian et al. “Inhibitory Activity of a Standardized Elderberry Liquid Extract Against Clinically-Relevant Human Respiratory Bacterial Pathogens and Influenza A and B Viruses.” BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 11 (2011): 16. PMC. Web. 11 Dec. 2014.

[3] Ajibola, Abdulwahid, Joseph P Chamunorwa, and Kennedy H Erlwanger. “Nutraceutical Values of Natural Honey and Its Contribution to Human Health and Wealth.” Nutrition & Metabolism 9 (2012): 61. PMC. Web. 11 Dec. 2014.

[4] Othman, Nor Hayati. “Honey and Cancer: Sustainable Inverse Relationship Particularly for Developing Nations—A Review.” Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM 2012 (2012): 410406. PMC. Web. 11 Dec. 2014.

[5] Zakay-Rones, Z, et al. “Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Oral Elderberry Extract in the Treatment of Influenza A and B Virus Infections.” The Journal of International Medical Research, (2004) 32: 132 – 140.

Black Elderberry Syrup – Organic Gaia Herbs

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