Elderberry Syrup
Before Pubmed and online medical journals putting research at our fingertips, before libraries filled with pages and pages of information, there was folk medicine. Medicine that was passed down from generation to generation through oral tradition and that utilized the God-given resources found in the areas where people were living to meet their needs.
In an age where deception runs rampant and health claims are made about everything from soda to cereal, we’ve found ourselves dependent on “science” for how we make our decisions and determine what is and isn’t good for us, but much like bone broth, there’s another remedy that’s been handed down through culture and lore that’s worth your attention.
While it’s roots run much deeper than medical journals, it’s many benefits have found their way into modern research and is demonstrating why it’s stuck around for centuries as a go to in times of illness.
Elderberry syrup.
With it’s combination of elderberry seeds, spices, and raw honey, this immune supporting powerhouse has proved itself worthy time and time again. So much so, that entire companies have formed around it’s benefits and brands have formulated products incorporating it into their lines. Drinks, sprays, lozenges, syrups, supplements - it’s becoming easier and easier to find, but WHY should you care?
I’m so glad you asked.
Archeological discoveries demonstrate elderberries use by people as early as 2000 BC, and it shows up in medical writings during the Roman empire. Ettmeuller, a 17th century German physician, is credited with calling it “The medicine chest of the country people.”1 It can be found on 5 continents and folklore makes bold claims that modern medicine has backed up such as immune-system stimulant, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and diuretic.
There’s been a lot of talk around it’s abilities to lessen Influenza and a study conducted form 1999-2000 demonstrates that it’s more than just talk with symptoms relieving 4 days sooner in study participants being given elderberry. 2 It’s been demonstrated and recorded that it is beneficial both to healthy individuals who want to stay that way and those who’s immune systems are fighting some sort of illness.
It can certainly be purchased ready made as a supplement, syrup or gummy, but like most things, we’re going to recommend you make it yourself. More often than not those over the counter options are filled with fillers and sugars that hurt rather than help. A few ingredients will allow you to make your own, and you can also purchase our ready made syrup or kit which includes our recipe.
We take it intermittently throughout the year when we’re feeling well, especially as we see those around us getting sick. When we find ourselves sick we take 1 tablespoon of syrup every couple hours throughout the day.
