TIME TO MAKE YOUR ELDERBERRY SYRUP
Simple recipe below
The Elderberries (Sambucus nigra) are abundant this year. Great bunches of them are hanging off the branches, bowing down almost begging to be picked and made into an Elderberry Cordial Syrup.
As humans we can benefit a lot from Elderberry culinary delights. In folklore Elderberries have been used as a protection against influenza.
World renowned Israeli virologist Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu has dedicated her life to researching the health benefits of Elderberry extract, and has established a clinically proven treatment against flu (including swine flu and avian flu).
Antiviral Effectiveness of Elderberry
Randomized Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Oral Elderberry Extract in the Treatment of Influenza A and B Virus Infections.
Elderberry flavonoids bind to and prevent H1N1 infection in vitro.
Inhibition of Several Strains of Influenza Virus in Vitro and Reduction of Symptoms by an Elderberry Extract (Sambucus nigra L.) during an Outbreak of Influenza B Panama.
Elderberry flavonoids bind to and prevent H1N1 infection in vitro.
Elderberries are particularly rich in flavonoids, especially anthocyanins which are responsible for their deep purple (almost black) colouring. These powerful antioxidants work to keep the immune system strong and resilient. Dr Gerhard Rechkemmer is the President of Germany’s Federal Research Institute for Nutrition and Food. His research has shown that the anthocyanins in elderberries boost the production of cytokines – proteins that act as messengers within the immune system – thereby enhancing the body’s immune response. Cytokines play a crucial role in the immune system’s response to disease and work in ways very similar to hormones. They can be both inflammatory or anti-inflammatory depending on what is needed and are released by immune cells either directly into the blood stream or locally into body tissue during an immune response.
Cystitis/Urinary Tract/Bladder Infections
Most commonly affecting women (although men are certainly not exempt), UTI’s, cystitis and bladder infections cause a world of misery and pain. The constant urge to urinate, accompanied by a burning sensation can leave the sufferer feeling housebound and depressed. Elderberry tea may bring significant relief from this debilitating condition – first and foremost acting as a diuretic. This is important as it causes the kidneys to continually flush out toxins whilst increasing urination. This in turn helps to flush out the bacteria that cause cystitis, reducing the likelihood of the infection spreading to the bladder and/or kidneys and may also help to reduce its duration. Its anti-inflammatory properties may help to reduce inflammation, potentially reducing the burning and pain that accompanies urination.
Allergy Relief
Elderberry’s immunostimulating and anti-inflammatory properties make it a great natural remedy for allergy symptoms. Inflammation of the sinuses, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, swelling and a runny or stuffy nose can all benefit from this potent herb. It is thought to be particularly good for hayfever and strengthening the upper respiratory tract.
Elderflower's anti-catarrhal action is also effective in clearing congestion and runny noses caused by seasonal allergies.
Digestive Health
The high fibre content of elderberries can help to eliminate constipation, reduce excess gas and generally increase the health of the gastrointestinal system. The dietary fibre contained in these berries can also increase nutrient uptake efficiency, especially in the gut, helping you to get more out of the food that you eat.
Elderberry Cordial Syrup Recipe Ingredients
Bucket of Elderberries
Granulated sugar
Cloves
Elderberry Cordial Syrup Recipe Instructions
Cut the Elderberries just below the stalks.
Use a fork to remove the Elderberries from the stalks into a bowl.
Place the Elderberries in a saucepan with enough water to cover them.
Simmer for 20 minutes.
Strain the Elderberry mixture through a muslin or straining bag, squeezing to make sure you get all the juice out.
For each pint of juice you get, add 1lb of granulated sugar and 12 cloves.
Boil the mixture for 10 minutes.
Allow the Elderberry mixture to cool, and then bottle in sterilised glass bottles, making sure that the caps have a plastic seal.
Add an equal amount of the cloves to each bottle you make up.
The Elderberry cordial syrup will last up to two years.
