If you are reading this, you are probably on a path to a more natural and holistic lifestyle. No matter where you are in your journey, whether you are brand new to discovering what this lifestyle entails, or you have been using natural remedies for a while and want to expand it even more, understanding more about the health benefits of elderberry syrup is a great place to start.
Living Holistically
Living holistically means that you are living your life in a way that is natural. It benefits you not just physically, but emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
During this journey, you will find that there are a lot of healing herbs that have medicinal properties. For instance, some are anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and even antiseptic. This allows them to help with anxiety and stress, pain, skin conditions, gut issues, and so much more.
Then there are herbs that can help with the common cold and flu symptoms, such as elderberry. In fact, this is often what elderberry syrup is used for.
If you are looking to learn more about elderberry, including its health benefits and ways it can be used, you have come to the right place.
About Elderberry
Elderberries are little purplish-black berries found in bunches on the vine. They look quite like blueberries. They have been used in holistic medicine for a long time. They can improve everything from your immune system to helping reduce inflammation and joint pain.
Please note that like all natural remedies, it does not provide a cure or offer 100 percent success. Many people have found improvements by adding elderberries or the elderberry syrup to their routine. But it should not replace medical advice from your doctor. This is true of all natural and holistic remedies.
With that being said, here are some important things to understand about elderberry.
Nutrients in Elderberries
The reason elderberries are so good for you in addition to the healing properties, is the fact that they contain high levels of nutrients. This makes them good for your physical health and general wellness.
Some of the nutrients you will get with elderberries or elderberry syrup include:
- Folate
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
They are low in calories and have a lot of fiber. With fiber, you get benefits like more regular bowel function, reduced blood pressure, cardiovascular protection, and even protection against colorectal cancer.
The Health Benefits of Elderberry Syrup
Moving on to what you really want to know – how can you benefit from using elderberry? Keep in mind that one of the most common uses for elderberry syrup is for the cold or flu, but it is by no means the only way you can benefit from it.
In additions to all the vitamins and minerals in elderberry, it is also loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to help with a wide range of health conditions.
Keep reading to learn more health benefits of elderberry syrup.
Here are some of the health benefits you can get from elderberries:
Protection Against Cold and Flu
While elderberry is not a cure or treatment for the cold or flu, and can’t prevent it, it can help protect your body against the severity and many of the symptoms. Taking elderberry regularly in cold and flu season can provide some comfort for you.
Help with Headaches and Joint PainÂ
Thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of elderberry, you can reduce pain in your muscles and joints, as well as reduced headache pain.
Relief From ConstipationÂ
If you have digestive or bowel issues, especially with constipation or stomach cramps, elderberry is a great way to get treatment for it naturally. This is from many of the healing properties, as well as the high amount of fiber.
Protection from Kidney IssuesÂ
Everyone’s kidneys need a good boost every once in a while, which you can get naturally by consuming elderberries or the syrup on a regular basis.
Help With Minor Skin IrritationsÂ
You may also find that your skin conditions gets a little better because of the antioxidants. This might include less acne and breakouts, a pretty skin glow, and help with certain chronic skin conditions.
Different Ways to Use Elderberry
To expand a little more on elderberry as part of your holistic lifestyle routine, here are some different ways you can use elderberry.
Elderberry Syrup
One of the most popular forms of elderberry is with the syrup, which is a thick liquid containing elderberries and some other natural ingredients. You can pick this up at most drug stores and health food stores. They are often advertised as natural remedies for the cold or flu, but have many other health benefits as well.
Lozenges
Another super easy way to get elderberries and its healing benefits is with the lozenges. They work just like other lozenges you have had, where the medicine is administered by sucking on them. These can coat your throat if you have a sore throat, but also allow you to benefit from the berries, and other nutrients it might contain, like iron, zinc, and vitamin C.
Capsules
If you just want something you can take like regular over-the-counter medicine, you might prefer getting your elderberries in capsule form. These are often oil capsules filled with the concentrated elderberry, and possibly some other natural ingredients mixed in.
Skincare Products
If you are looking to use elderberries for their skincare benefits, look for natural and organic skincare products. You might find some lotions, moisturizers, and other topical products that contain elderberry in them.
Make sure you do not eat elderberries in their raw form, as they may be poisonous and make you sick.
Why is Elderberry Syrup So Popular?
One thing to know for certain is that people can’t seem to stop talking about elderberry syrup! When you find it in stores, elderberry is most often found in liquid syrup form. While it is expensive, it can be really convenient for people who don’t want to make it themselves.
Why Elderberry syrup is so popular:
It is Potent and Very Concentrated
One of the reasons elderberry syrup is popular and often the first option when it comes to elderberries is because it is extremely potent and more concentrated than most other forms of elderberry. This means you get more of those nutrients and other health benefits than if you chose a lozenge, capsule, or other type of elderberry product.
It is Easy to Find and Use
Since manufacturers know how popular the syrup is, they tend to make it more often than other products with elderberry in it. This means it is going to be easier to find, whether at drug stores and natural food stores, or just your regular supermarket. You can also find more natural versions at farmer’s markets on occasion.
Tips for Choosing Elderberry Syrup
When it comes to buying elderberry syrup, you want to make sure it is a genuine products not only with real elderberries, but not a lot of artificial ingredients or sugars. The more natural and organic it is, the better it can be for you.
You always want to check the front and back of the label to get as much information as possible. This means looking at the ingredients, making sure they use organic elderberries and not some kind of concentrate, and that all the ingredients make sense for you.
Make sure elderberry is the main active ingredient, and if it might tell you what part of the elderberry plant was actually used to make the syrup.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?
Before you go, it is really important to understand the potential cautions and side effects from using elderberry as a natural healing aide.
Don’t Eat Raw Elderberries
The first risk comes when you try to eat elderberries raw. These can be potentially poisonous when eaten in the wrong way. You can’t eat the berries, seeds, or leaves raw, but you can eat the elderflowers raw. That is the only exception.
If you experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea after eating an elderberry product, it was probably in the raw form and you may have consumed a toxic substance.
Not Everyone Should Consume Elderberries
While it is safe for most people, there are some who should caution against taking it. This includes children under 18 years of age, women who are pregnant or nursing, people with sensitive immune systems, and anyone with chronic health conditions leading to breathing problems.
As with all natural remedies, it is best to talk to your doctor first.
How To Make Elderberry Syrup
Here’s my basic recipe for making homemade elderberry syrup. Ensure you use ripe elderberries and avoid consuming them raw as they can be toxic.
Elderberry Syrup Ingredients:
- 3 cups of fresh or 1.5 cups of dried elderberries
- 3.5 cups of water
- 1 cup of honey (or a vegan alternative, like maple syrup)
- 1-2 inches of fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- 2 whole cloves or a pinch of ground cloves (optional)
Elderberry Syrup Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Elderberries
- Fresh Elderberries: Remove stems and rinse well. Use a fork or other tool to separate berries from the stems.
- Dried Elderberries: Measure and ensure they are clean from any debris.
Step 2: Cooking the Elderberries
- Combine Ingredients: Place the elderberries, water, and optional spices (ginger, cinnamon, cloves) into a medium or large pot.
- Boil and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and allow it to simmer for about 30-45 minutes or until the liquid has reduced by almost half.
Step 3: Straining the Mixture
- Cool Slightly: Let the mixture cool for a bit to make it safer to work with.
- Strain: Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the elderberries from the liquid. Press or squeeze the berries to extract as much juice as possible.
- Discard or Compost: Dispose of the used elderberries appropriately.
Step 4: Add Sweetener
- Cool Further: Allow the liquid to cool down to lukewarm or room temperature to prevent damaging the beneficial properties of your sweetener (particularly if using raw honey).
- Add Sweetener: Mix in 1 cup of honey or alternative sweetener and stir until it's well dissolved.
Step 5: Bottle and Store
- Transfer: Pour the syrup into a sterilized glass bottle or jar.
- Seal and Store: Seal the bottle tightly and store it in the refrigerator. It should keep for several weeks to a few months.
Usage:
- Take a tablespoon daily as a preventive measure during cold and flu season or use it as a natural sweetener in various recipes.
- If sick, adults can take up to 1 tablespoon every 3-4 hours.
Note:
- Elderberry syrup can be adapted with various herbs and spices, like echinacea or star anise, to suit your taste and potential health needs.
- Always consult a healthcare professional before adding a new supplement to your routine, especially for children, pregnant or nursing women, and individuals with health conditions or who are taking medications.
- Be cautious with identifying elderberries accurately to avoid toxic species. Always source them responsibly.
Enjoy your homemade elderberry syrup!
Here's another variation:
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The information presented here is in no way meant to serve as medical advice. If you are experiencing symptoms of any kind, please consult with your physician.
