Hedgerow Harvests- Winter Wellness Remedies with Elderberry
- victoria ward
- Aug 29, 2024
- 4 min read
Natural Immune Support
Autumn is fast approaching and with it the end of the holidays and the return of students to schools, colleges and universities. As a season changes there is often a surge in respiratory infections and it is a good time to consider boosting your immune system. Elderberry is one of those autumn berries provided by nature that is packed with immune-boosting phytochemicals that will help reduce the discomfort of respiratory infections. Read on to learn what these wonderful berries have to offer and discover a great recipe that produces not one, but two delicious medicines.
Is There Any Proof Elderberry Works?
One recent review found that Elderberry may not prevent viral infections but there was evidence that its use may reduce the duration and severity of colds and flu [1]. This review also noted that Elderberry were unlikely to overstimulate the immune system and cause a cytokine storm.
A 2024 trial recorded great success in treating influenza patients with Elderberry syrup, the group taking 15ml, four times daily for five days reported resolved symptoms four days sooner than the placebo group [2].
Why Are Elderberries Good For Health?
There are certain compounds found in Elderberries that demonstrate some excellent health benefits, these include [3]-
Polyphenols include proanthocyanins and anthocyanins which are responsible for the colour of Elderberries and are antioxidant in action and also modulate the gut microbiota.
Quercetin is an example of a flavanol found in Elderberry which is highly antioxidant and associated with numerous health benefits including anti-obesity and antibacterial actions.
How Do I Harvest Elderberries?
From the end of August you will begin to see the wonderful Elderberries gleaming in the late summer sun, they hang from the common Elder in glorious bunches and are very common.
The picture on the right shows ripening Elderberries hanging from the Elder tree with typical dark purple berries and red stems.
When harvesting look for ripe, juicy berries and try to avoid getting too much of the stems (some is unavoidable).
How To Prepare Elderberries
Place your harvested elderberries in a colander and wash. Once washed put them into a saucepan, to do this use a fork to gently tease the berries from the stems.
Elderberries always need cooking for 10 minutes or so before use. Raw elderberries can cause stomach upset as contain toxic substances including cyanide.
Elderberry Recipes 2 in 1
Elderberry Rob Recipe
Ingredients
Two cups of elderberries
Enough water to cover
One-two cups of sugar
Cupboard spices - whatever you have to hand such as 2-3 cloves, cinnamon stick or tsp powder, ginger
Method
Place stripped elderberries in a pan on the hob.
2. Cover with water and bing to the boil, then simmer for 10-12 minutes with your chosen spices
3. Strain the liquid through a sieve, set the elderberries to one side as you will need them for the second part
4. Add the stained liquid back to the pan with the sugar and heat until all the sugar has dissolved and you are left with a syrup
5. Decant into sterilised bottles, label and store in the fridge for 2-3 months. Take when you feel a cold coming in, 2-3 tsps daily.
Elderberry Oxymel
What is a Oxymel?
The second part of this recipe is to create a lovely Elderberry Oxymel, but you might be wondering what an oxymel is and what it may be good for.
Oxymel are an ancient Greek medicine preparation, 'oxymel' translates as 'acid and honey' as an oxymel is a way of extracting herbs in a honey and vinegar solution.
The result of this kind of extraction is a very healthy mixture, combining the benefits of the vinegar (usually cider vinegar) with the benefits of raw honey and the herb chosen. A 2023 review looked at many studies of oxymels and concluded that oxymels were a valuable functional food [4].
If you are making a oxymel, choose raw apple cider vinegar and raw honey for the most health benefits. The Elderberry Oxymel recipe coming up next would be an excellent remedy for winter illnesses but oxymels are great ways to extract other herbs such as Berberis. A Berberis oxymel would be potentially helpful as part of a weight loss regime.
Elderberry Oxymel Recipe
Ingredients
Strained elderberries from the syrup recipe
1 cup of raw honey
1 cup of cider vinegar
Method
Take your strained elderberries from the first recipe and place in a sterilised kilner jar
Add the cider vinegar to the jar
Add the honey to the jar
Shake the sealed jar well
Place in a cool, dark place and leave to infuse for 4-6 weeks, shaking well daily
Strain the oxymel into sterilised bottles and label.
Keep in the fridge for up to a year or in a cupboard for six months
Take 2-4 tsps daily, add to water if you prefer
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