Black Elderberry Syrup Easily Made at Home
Elderberry Extract Proven to be Effective Herbal Flu Remedy
Sep 29, 2009
Black elderberry syrup is an herbal flu remedy that has been used for centuries. This herbal healer has a long history of use that stretches back to the ancient Egyptians and Greeks. It was used to treat a variety of ailments, including colds, fevers, toothaches, the plague, and even cuts and burns.
Today, scientific research has found that people who take elderberry extract recover from the flu in half the normal time. In fact, many people who use elderberry extract never get the flu at all. The question is, what's the secret ingredient in elderberries?
Black Elderberry Contains High Levels of Anthocyanins
Not only do elderberries have very high levels of anthocyanins, but these berries contain the highest levels of anthocyanins of any fruits, including blueberries and cranberries.
Why are anthocyanins so important? These compounds are powerful antioxidants that protect cells against free radicals, while boosting the immune system at the same time. It's no wonder that more and more people are becoming interested in this herbal healer.
A black elderberry extract called Sambucol is very popular in Europe as an herbal flu remedy, and now people in the United States are starting to use it, too. However, black elderberry syrup contains the same health-giving benefits, and it's easy to make at home.
Elderberries grow wild across most of North America and Europe, along roads and fencerows. If fresh elderberries are unavailable, dried berries can be purchased at the local health food store, or online.
How to Make Black Elderberry Syrup
Elderberries grow in clumps, and they're very small, so removing them from the stems can take some time. An easy way to speed up the process is to use a table fork to comb through the clumps. Do this over a pot, and the little berries will fall right in.
To make a quart of elderberry syrup, about two pounds of fresh berries are needed, while only about a pound of dried berries are used. Add three cups of water (more may be needed when using dried fruit), and bring the berries to a boil. Turn the heat down, and let them simmer for about 20 minutes, until they're soft. Dried fruit may need to cook a little longer.
Let the berries cool for a little while, and then mash them with a spatula. A potato masher doesn't work too well, as the berries are quite small, but putting them through a food mill is very effective. Pour this mixture through a strainer, catching the juice in a metal bowl. (The elderberry mixture will stain a plastic bowl purple.)
Add a cup of honey to the warm juice, and stir it in. More or less can be used, to taste. Stevia or agave syrup can also be used to sweeten the juice. Start with a small amount, and add more until it's sweet enough.
If a thicker syrup is desired, return the juice to the pot, and add two cups of sugar, or sweeten it to taste. Bring the syrup to a boil, and let it simmer for fifteen minutes, until it thickens. If desired, add a little lemon juice, for extra flavor.
Store the elderberry syrup in a clean jar with a lid in the refrigerator. It will keep for months.
Using Black Elderberry Syrup
To prevent catching a cold or the flu, take one teaspoon of the syrup morning and evening. If treating someone who's already ill, give the person a teaspoonful every two or three hours.
Children love elderberry syrup, so it's very easy to give to them. If this herbal remedy is being given to babies under two years of age, make the syrup with sugar instead of honey.
Elderberry syrup is a delicious treat when poured over ice cream, and it's also a favorite for pancakes. Try mixing a teaspoonful in a glass of ginger ale to settle a queasy stomach.
Black elderberry is one of many natural healing herbs that people are rediscovering. Be sure to try this traditional herbal remedy at the first sign of a cold or flu attack.
Sources:
Black Elderberry Clinical Summary
Respect Your Elderberries: Elderberry Syrup Recipe
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