Elderberry Syrup

One of our favorite home remedies is Elderberry syrup. Researchers in Switzerland and Italy have discovered that the elderberry may have been cultivated by prehistoric man. There are also recipes for elderberry-based medications in the records dating as far back as Ancient Egypt where some Ancient Egyptians even had the tincture buried with them. Historians, however, generally trace the tradition of the elderberry’s healing power back to Hippocrates, the ancient Greek known as the “father of medicine,” who described this plant as his “medicine chest” for the wide variety of ailments it seemed to cure.

Benefits of Elderberries

Elderberries are particularly rich in flavonoids, especially anthocyanins which are responsible for their deep purple (almost black) coloring. These powerful antioxidants work to keep the immune system strong and resilient. The anthocyanins in elderberries boost the production of cytokines (proteins that act as messengers within the immune system) that means they enhance the body’s immune response. Cytokines can be both inflammatory or anti-inflammatory depending on what is needed and are released by immune cells either directly into the blood stream or locally into body tissue during an immune response.

These tiny berries are also believed to contain an antiviral agent so potent they are thought to deactivate viruses making them unable to multiply.  Elderberry Syrup has been shown to play a potent role in reducing the amount of time a cold/flu lasts.

You can purchase Elderberry Syrup at any store that carries natural remedies and herbal supplements, like Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, your local health food store or online. Or you can make your own by following the recipe below.