The flu season is in full force. It takes work all year round to support your immune system. One highly effective way is with the help of elderberries, or the Sambucus plant. Elderberries have been used for centuries for anything from inflammation, acute pain, dental pain, sciatic pain, and even headaches.
What makes up the Elderberry plant?
- Elderberries are packed with antioxidants.
- Hige in Vitamin C
- High in Fiber
Elderberries have been shown to reduce the symptoms of flu, & cold and actually wart it off when you feel the symptoms coming on. They support the immune with their powerful polyphenols by possibly increasing white blood cell count.
I take a teaspoon daily and when I feel the first signs of anything I increase my dosage. You can make the syrup and place in ice cube trays to use later or in a drink, or make into gummies for kids.
Here is my recipe that I keep on hand. The shelf life is not as long as conventional store-bought or even some other recipes you might see. My recipe does not add alcohol and is low sugar so you can refrigerate for up to 2-3 weeks or freeze unused portions.
Elderberry Syrup Recipe
3 1/2 cups fresh water
2/3 cups dried elderberries
2 tsp ginger cut into slices
1-2 cinnamon sticks or 1 1/2 tsp dried cinnamon
1 cup of raw organic honey
In a large saucepan add water, cinnamon sticks, elderberries, ginger slices, and bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and cover for 45 mins or until liquid starts to reduce down into a syrup. Remove from heat discard cinnamon sticks, elderberries, and ginger slices. Let cool. When completely cool add the honey stirring to combine. Place in glass mason jars and store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks or freeze unused portions.
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Hi, my name is Wendy and I am a wife and mommy! My personal mission is to live a whole and balanced life. Remembering to practice the precious present in my own journey. I have struggled with digestive issues, body image, anxiety, and depression.
AS A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH, I BELIEVE TRUE WHOLE LIVING IS A COMPLETE 5 PILLAR SYSTEM TO HEALTH & WEIGHT LOSS FREEDOM. THESE FIVE PILLARS ARE WHAT ALL THE LEADING FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE PHYSICIANS USE IN THEIR PRACTICE FOR WHOLE LIVING RANGING FROM WEIGHT LOSS, CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS, EMOTIONAL EATING, EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL & SPIRITUAL CONDITIONS.
