Elderberry Medicine + Recipes!
This is one of the medicines my family and I use to stay healthy during the fall and winter months, so I wanted to share it with you!
Elder is a fascinating plant with some interesting folklore around it. It has long been associated with the fairy realm, and the underworld, especially in various European traditions. The Elder tree is said to be the home of the Elder Mother, a spirit who is said to guard the underworld. It has been said that anyone who falls asleep under an Elder tree will be transported to the fairy realm in her dreams. Many European cultures made crosses out of Elder wood and used them as a form of protection from danger, witchcraft and other unwanted influences. In general, this plant is known as a protector, guide, and gateway to otherworldly places.
On a physical level, elderberry fruit, in particular, is strongly protective against various viruses, most notably:
Δ Influenza A (specifically H1N1, H5N1, H3N2)
Δ Influenza B (various different strains)
Δ herpes simplex
Δ Haemophilus influenza
Δ other notables: e.coli, HIV, shigella, and salmonella.
The leaves are excellent as a tea for bringing down a fever without suppressing it (which is what Tylenol does). It's typically not a good idea to suppress a fever, but that's a post for another day.
This is a super easy syrup to make and everyone in the family can enjoy it, including children over the age of 1 (under 1 you do not want to give a baby raw honey because of the risk of botulism).
Here's the recipe I use:
Δ 2/3 cup organic elderberries (dried)
Δ 4-5 cloves
Δ 2 tbs fresh organic ginger root chopped into small pieces
Δ 2 tsp licorice root (optional)
Δ 1 cinnamon stick
Put all of the herbs into a pot and add 3.5 cups of filtered or spring water. Bring to a boil and then simmer on low for about 45-60 mins.
Crush the berries and strain the liquid. Toss out the used herbs. Let the liquid cool to room temperature and then add in 2/3 of a cup of raw honey. DO NOT add the raw honey while the syrup is still cooling because it will kill all the beneficial enzymes in the honey.
Mix it all together and bottle. Your syrup is done!
Dosage:
Δ Adults: 1-2 tbs daily for maintenance
Δ Kids over the age of 1: 1-2 tsp daily
To make the syrup into delicious gummies here's the recipe I use:
▼ 1 cup elderberry syrup
▼ 1/4 cup gelatin powder
▼ 1/2 cup spring water (hot but not boiling)
Combine the gelatin and 1/4 cup of the elderberry syrup. Whisk that together. Add the hot water and continue to whisk until smooth. Finally, add the rest of the elderberry syrup and keep whisking everything until combined and smooth. Pour into molds and refirgerate for about an hour until they're firm.
Your immune system is BEYOND intelligent and capable of keeping you healthy all year. Make sure you nourish it with the right foods and herbs each season. Book your consultation today to find out which approach is the right one for your immune system.
If you want to make this recipe yourself and you're looking for organic, non-GMO high quality herbs, I recommend Harmonic Arts. Use coupon code RenataM15 for 15% off your purchase.
I look forward to working with you,
Dr. Renáta
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