Elderberry Cordial - for colds & flu
Elderberry Cordial - for colds and flu
To make juice
1kg elderberries - or as much as you can pick preferable on a dry day
Place thin small stalks in the pot but not the thick ones with berries on them.
Place enough water in the pot to cover the berries.
To each 1000ml (or 1 liter) add
250g (1 cup) of sugar, honey or maple syrup - choose one not all and don’t mix the sweeteners together. This could alter the taste
12 cloves or 1 cinnamon stick
Juice of one (1) lime or lemon
Method
Place elderberries on or off stalks into large pot, and cover with cold water. Stew the fruit for about 20mins or till soft. Strain through muslin, squeezing hard to get out all the juice
Measure strained liquid into clean pot and for each 1000ml or 1 liter add the above ingredients. Bring to the boil for 15 minutes take off the heat and allow to cool
When cool, strain and bottle and store in the refrigerator
Use - for adults and children take 1-2 table spoons in warm water sipping slowly at night before bed.
As a cordial place one part to four parts water into a glass add bubbled water or simple filtered water. And enjoy
Some health benefits of Elderberry also known as Sambucus nigra) are:
Elderberries contain organic pigments, tannins, amino acids, carotenoids, flavonoids, rutin, viburnic acid, vitamin A & B and a large amount of Vitamin C. Flavonoids, including quercetin, are believed to account for therapeutic actions of the elderberry flowers and berries. According to test tube studies, these flavonoids include anthocyanins that are powerful antioxidants and protect cells against damage. Elderberry anthocyanins enhance immune function by boosting the production of cytokines. These unique proteins act as messengers in the immune system to help regulate the immune response (https://herbalconnection.com.au).
Its history dates back as far as 400 BC, and Hippocrates, the “Father of Medicine,” called the elder tree his “medicine chest.” In folk medicine today, the elderberry is considered one of the world’s most healing plants. (Neha Pathak, MD) It’s a valuable asset in the home medicine cupboard in every household.
It’s been used as a treatment for:
Constipation
Flus and Colds
Coughs
Cholesterol
Joint and muscle pain
Skin health
Infections that affect how you breathe
Headaches
Fever
Kidney problems
Epilepsy
Minor skin conditions
Stress
Hay fever
Swelling
