Finishing off The Elder Chronicles, we will now discuss the profound healing properties of the elderberry. Elderberries are my favourite form of the elder medicine and are so helpful for colds and flu. I distinctly remember having a conversation with my aunt right at the start of COVID in which she was telling me about her numerous trips to all of the health food stores in her area on the hunt for some elderberry syrup, but it was sold out everywhere! There's a good reason for this...

The Health Benefits:

Elderberries are incredibly high in vitamin C, helping to keep the immune system strong and healthy, ready to fight off any viruses that the autumn/winter seasons may throw its way. 

• Nutrient-Packed: Elderberries are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and dietary fibre.
• Immune System Support: They contain antioxidants and flavonoids that help strengthen the immune system and may reduce the symptoms, severity and duration of colds and flu.
• Antioxidant Power: The berries are a potent source of antioxidants, which combat free radicals in the body. Antioxidants are essential for overall health and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. For this reason, elderberries also have powerful anti-inflammatory properties, making them beneficial for people with inflammatory conditions like arthritis. They may help reduce pain and swelling, and reducing inflammation in the airways. This can be particularly helpful for individuals with asthma or allergies.
• Heart Health: Elderberries may contribute to heart health by reducing the levels of bad cholesterol and improving overall cardiovascular function. The fibre in elderberries can also help regulate blood pressure. They're also great for blood sugar management.
• Skin Health: Elderberries contain vitamins and antioxidants that can promote healthy skin. They may help reduce the signs of ageing, improve skin tone, and protect against UV damage.
• Digestive Aid: The fibre in elderberries supports digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. It also contributes to a healthy gut microbiome.
• Natural Diuretic: Elderberries have diuretic properties that may help with fluid balance in the body and reduce water retention.
• Antiviral and Antibacterial: Elderberries are known for their antiviral and antibacterial properties, which can be useful for preventing and treating all kinds of infections, especially respiratory!

There's a good reason why elderberries have been a key ingredient in the medicine chests of healers in so many different cultures for thousands of years, from Native American to Ancient Greek. So, now we know all about the wonderful properties of the elderberry, let's move on to making your own homemade elderberry syrup!

Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh or dried elderberries
• 4 cups water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2-3 cloves 
• Half of a fresh lemon (optional)
• 1 slice of fresh ginger (about 1 inch)
• 1 cup honey (or to taste)

How-To:

1. Prepare the Elderberries: If you're using fresh elderberries, remove them from the stems. Make sure to wear gloves and wash them thoroughly. Never consume raw elderberries. They must be cooked due to potential toxicity. If you're using dried elderberries, there's no need for further preparation.

2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan, add the elderberries, water, cinnamon stick, cloves and ginger, plus any other optional ingredients, such as the lemon.

3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 35-45 minutes. The liquid should reduce by almost half.

4. Strain: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow it to cool slightly. Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the liquid into a bowl or jug, pressing down on the berries to extract all the juice. Discard the solids by returning them back to the earth. 

5. Honey-fy: Once the liquid has cooled to lukewarm, add honey to taste. You can start with 1/2 cup of honey and adjust to your desired level of sweetness. Stir well to combine and keep adding the honey until it's to your desired consistency.

6. Bottle and Store: Pour the elderberry syrup into clean, airtight glass bottles or jars. Make sure they are thoroughly clean and dry before filling. Store the syrup in the fridge. It should last for several weeks to a few months, depending on the freshness of the ingredients and how well it's sealed.

Usage:

• Take 1-2 teaspoons of elderberry syrup daily as a preventative measure during cold and flu season. If you feel a cold coming on, you can increase the dosage to 1-2 teaspoons every 2-3 hours.
• Elderberry syrup can also be drizzled over pancakes, added to smoothies, or used as a sweetener for herbal teas (my favourite way of taking the syrup is melting it into a lovely mug of warm water and drinking it as elderberry tea!).

Note: Consult with a healthcare professional before using elderberry syrup if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications, especially if you plan to use it medicinally. Additionally, do not give elderberry syrup to children under the age of 1.

That's really how easy and simple it is. I always triple the measurements, as I make large batches so that I can give a jar to all of my loved ones at the beginning of autumn. Hence, I have reduced the measurements for a regular jar size (you can adjust accordingly). When I make the larger batches to last longer, I often add raw sugar into the boiling mixture, to create more of a lasting syrup. You can also add any other ingredients of your choice to the mixture. In the past, I have added cranberries, goji berries and oranges to the pot. The options are endless but the medicinal value remains top tier. Nothing makes me feel more prepared for the winter months than knowing I have a big, freshly-cooked batch of sweet elderberry syrup in the fridge waiting to give my immune system a good boost, all gifted by the magical bounty of nature via the enchanting elder tree.