It is officially cold and flu season (sad face).  The controversial flu shot is offered practically everywhere and nasty remedies like Theraflu are also widely available, but have you ever wondered if there is a “natural flu shot” (other than taking very good care of yourself and not leaving your house)?  Read on, you are in luck.

Black Elderberries (Sambucus Nigra) contain large amounts of antioxidants, potassium, beta carotene, calcium, phosphorus, and are high in vitamins A, B and C.  They have been used for hundreds of years in European medicine to boost general immunity, treat colds, the flu, sore throats, allergies and improve overall respiratory health (read: mucus).

I don’t do DIY beauty products, but I do cook.  And as Socrates said, let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.  Here is a recipe for Black Elderberry Syrup, which, by the way, is delicious enough to pour on your pancakes:

Ingredients (makes about 16 oz):

• 2/3 cup dried black elderberries
• 3 1/2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger root
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup raw honey

Pour water into a medium sauce pan and add elderberries, ginger, cinnamon and cloves – do not add the honey.  Bring to a boil and cover, reducing to a simmer  for 45 minutes to an hour, until the liquid has reduced by about half.  Smash the elderberries with a wooden spoon to release any remaining juice.  Remove from heat and let cool enough to be handled.  Pour into a strainer over a glass bowl.  Discard the elderberries and let the liquid cool to lukewarm.  Once mixture is no longer hot, add the honey and stir well.  Pour into a glass jar or bottle and refrigerate.  The syrup will last 2-3 months.

Dosage: adults should take 1 tablespoon daily to maintain health and children should take 1 teaspoon daily.  For those already sick, take the same dosage as above, but every 3 hours.

*Note: Heating raw honey kills phytonutrients along with its antibacterial and antiviral properties.  However, children under the age of one year should not ingest raw honey as there is a rare possibility of being infected by the bacteria that causes botulism.  (After the age of one year, their digestive system is strong enough to kill any botulism germs.)  If you plan on giving your baby Black Elderberry Syrup, there are store-bought varieties suitable for those under 1 year of age at Whole Foods.*

Now, let’s just say you are sick, your kids are sick, you are desperate, and you can’t wait for dried elderberries to arrive via Fedex.  You are still saved.  While not as optimal as the homemade stuff, Black Elderberry Syrup also comes prepackaged and you can find it at many drug stores and most health food stores.  Even though you don’t care, because you are as sick as a dog, it is about twice as expensive as making it yourself, FYI.  Cost: about $16 for 8 oz.  Purchase it here.

Has anyone else made elderberry syrup?  What about elderberry tea, does anyone find that helpful?

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