Elderberries have long been used and praised for their amazing healing properties.
During the Middle Ages, elderberry was considered a Holy Tree because it was claimed to encourage longevity and boost the overall health.
Certain evidence also points out that it may have been cultivated by the prehistoric man and recipes for natural remedies with elderberries date back to Egyptian times.
Elderberries Explained
Elderberries are fruits of the flowering plant Sambucus or the elderflower. They’re native to the Northern hemisphere, especially in North America and Europe, even though there are some southern species cultivated in Australia.
These berries are black or dark blue and their flavor is sweet and sharp. They’re popular in desserts, jams, syrups, and as a base for different wines and cocktails.
Elderberries are a nutrient powerhouse-they’re abundant with minerals like phosphorus, potassium, copper, and iron, but also vitamins A, B, C, and proteins and fiber.
They’re also rich in anthocyanin, a polyphenol that gives them their dark color. Its antioxidant power allows them to survive in periods of high UV light radiation and these antioxidants are also consumed by those who eat the berries.
DIY Elderberry Syrup Recipe
This syrup is yummy and a great way to boost your health.
You’ll need:
A cup of dried elderberries
3 ½ cups of water
A cup of raw honey
Prep:
Put the elderberries and water into the saucepan and bring it to a boil. Then, lower the heat and leave it to simmer for 45 minutes to an hour.
You need the liquid to reduce by almost half.
Remove it from heat and leave it to cool down. Mash the elderberries with a immersion blender or a masher. Pour it through a strainer into a glass jar.
Once it has cooled down entirely, add a cup of honey and mix it well.
Keep it in the fridge and take it daily for a strong immunity.
Recommended amount:
½ tbsp to 1 tbsp for adults and ½ tsp to a tsp for kids. When you have a cold or the flu, take the recommended dosage every two to three hours until the symptoms reduce.
The 5 Best Health Benefits of Elderberry Syrup Consumption
Stronger immunity
This syrup is known to strengthen the immunity and lower the risk of the flu or a cold. It also helps relieve the symptoms when you suffer from them.
This is believed to be achieved with the anthocyanins-studies have found them to improve the immunity and to enhance the production of immune cytokines-crucial messengers in the immunity that regulate the immune response and equip the body to fight off disease better.
Relieves sinus infections
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics of elderberry can be of aid with sinus infections.
In one research from 2006 done in Switzerland, the patients with sinusitis who were given a solution with elderberry flowers along with antibiotics and decongestants healed better than the group who didn’t take elderberry.
Boost the blood flow and heart function
In a 2000 study done at Tufts University and published in the Free Radical Biology and Medicine journal, elderberry anthocyanins are capable of protecting the inner layer of the blood vessels from oxidative stress.
This being said, it was concluded that elderberries are a great way to prevent oxidative stress damage. And, the more protected the blood vessels are, the stronger they are and this helps boost the blood flow throughout the body.
A good blood flow is pivotal for lowered risk of strokes and cardiovascular disease.
Keeps the bones strong
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of elderberry help lower joint ache and soreness associated with inflammation.
They reduce the risk of osteoporosis by promoting stronger bones and new bone tissue development.
Helps diabetics manage their glucose levels
According to research, elderflower extracts helped stimulate the glucose metabolism and the insulin secretion to reduce blood sugar.
In research from 2004 published in the journal Nutrition, the elderberries helped better the glucose transport, glucose oxidation, and glycogenesis without added insulin.
Glycogenesis is pivotal for removing surplus sugar from the blood to maintain the blood sugar levels optimal.
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