Elderberry Syrup
September is a good time to prepare for the cold and flu season. One of my favorite herbs is elderberry. It has two compounds that are active against flu viruses. It also prevents the virus from invading our respiratory tract and from penetrating our cell membranes. At the health food store, there is an elderberry syrup product called Sambucol. Sambucol was put to the test after a flu outbreak at a kibbutz in Israel. Many showed relief from flu symptoms after 24 hours and 73% felt better after the second day. In three days, 90% were reported completely cured. I am never without this elderberry syrup in the cold and flu season. It is delicious and easy to make.
Simmer following ingredients:
4 cups distilled water
3/4 cup dried elderberry
1-1/2 inch ginger sliced (optional)
I use distilled water for all my decoctions because distilled water is "hungry",
and it will extract all the beneficial compounds from the herbs.
Simmer gently and reduce water to 1 to 1-1/4 cups.
Then strain the elderberries.
Add 3/4 cup to 1 cup of honey to the elderberry juice.
Add 1/2 cup of fruit concentrate. I like blackberry or cherry.
Bottle and label your elderberry syrup. Use when you feel a cold coming on. Keep refrigerated. It is so good that I take a tablespoon even when I am feeling great.
Enjoy and stay well.
Blessings!
Mimi Lam