Elderberry Tonic
Sunday, January 2, 2011 at 11:35AM 
Elderberry flowers and berries have a long history of use in folklore medicine, as well as its use in making preserves, wines, and for adding flavor and color to other wines. Elderberries are rich in vitamin C, iron, and potassium.
Native Americans knew of the medicinal properties of Elder and used the flowers, berries, and bark of elderberry trees to treat fevers and joint pain for hundreds of years. But elderberry's most incredible healing properties are for colds and flu virus. The fruit of elderberry has been clinically proven effective with 8 different strains of influenza.
Research has shown that elder stops the production of hormone-like cytokines that direct a class of white blood cells known as neutrophils to cause inflammation, especially in influenza and arthritis. This is what is referred to as a Cytokine storm.
In addition, elderberry increases the production non-inflammatory infection-fighting cytokines as much as 10 fold. This research suggests that elder is far superior to vaccines in preventing flu, because flu vaccines are only effective against known strains of flu, with many possible side effects. Elderberry disarms the enzyme viruses use to penetrate healthy cells in the lining of the nose and throat. Taken before infection, it prevents infection. Taken after infection, it prevents spread of the virus through the respiratory tract.
As this research is coming into light, many people are adding Elderberry to their winter herbal medicine routine.
From my personal experience, elderberry tonic or syrup sooths and relieves sore throats, reduces inflammation in the mucous membranes, and calms down coughing. Good to keep this amazing tonic handy.
Some recipes may vary. I purchase some of my herbal preparations from other Master Herbalists in my area, if I don’t make them myself. You can use fresh, frozen, or dried elderberries for this mixture. Some herbalists add cinnamon, honey, and other herbs. The elderberries need to be cooked before eaten.
Here is a video from Learning Herbs with step by step instructions on how to make Elderberry Syrup at home.
This information is not intended to replace your regular health care provider.
Reader Comments (2)
Great article Mom! I think it's wonderful that you included the video of how to make elderberry syrup! Gonna have make a batch! ; )
Although the game is now "one hundred new people it is no longer a low paper, but the face of a group of physical persons only ten, north face jackets on sale one hundred can already be considered a reach of height. However, despite the the north face of the basic properties than these small Tai Mei Shannan sisters who will be stronger than a star the slightest, "but after all, over seventy opposite good, if entirely physical strength to fight, not so good solution, so the north face the decision or compared with the north face good fighting skills a little better, at least this will save a lot of effort.