Good medicine

 This morning I decided to make a batch of Elderberry syrup with fresh berries from our black lace Elder mama tree. 

Elder tree mother and herbs

I looked up several recipe/ tutorials, and decided to add other adaptogens (herbs that protect us from stress and disease): several large Rose hips, ahandful of Ivan's Belle berries (Rowan/hawthorn cross) ginger, astragalus, Cinnamon and licorice. Adaptogens are tonic herbs which can be used daily, and boost our bodies' general health and immunity. 

Elderberries and rose hips

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is high in phytonutrients, vitamin C, flavanoids and fiber, acts as an antioxidant, promotes heart health, lowers inflammation and stress, helps the respiratory system and lungs, boosts the immune system, aids blood sugar and pain management. 

Astragalus is an antioxidants that inhibits free radical production, and has long been used in TCM. It can help protect us from colds and influenza, and can help the liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs, heart and circulatory systems, and can lower BP and blood sugar.  (Astragalus and / or Elderberry shouldn't be used by those on immuno-suppresents unless recommended by their health care provider)

Elderberries and adaptogens

I striped the berries off the stems, simmered 20 minutes, then strained the mash, added sugar, and am shimmering it down to 'reduce' it, and will add honey after it's cooled. 

A teaspoon to a Tablespoon of the syrup taken daily boats the immune system, and it's a great winter tonic. My daughter's doc has recommended it for years, for all ages. 

Do you have favorite fall tonics and supplements?

Comments

  1. AnonymousOctober 12, 2023 at 3:15 PM

    This sounds delicious and amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  2. MarthaOctober 12, 2023 at 5:51 PM

    We have taken Elderberry to boost our immune for a few years and hopefully that's why hubby and I haven't had colds, flu or covid! How great that you make your own!

    ReplyDelete
  3. NadyaOctober 12, 2023 at 11:20 PM

    You're welcome!!
    It turned out so good, it's hard just to have a spoonful!

    ReplyDelete
  4. NadyaOctober 12, 2023 at 11:22 PM

    There's a lot of research pointing to Elderberry being great for the immune system! I'll make it earlier next year! (And I have frozen berries a friend harvested, for more batches)

    ReplyDelete

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