sown & uprooted

Growing up, we had a majestic elderberry tree in my grandma’s garden. This tree wasn’t just a centerpiece; it was the heart of her home remedies. Every late summer, my grandmother would concoct her legendary elderberry syrup, a remedy passed down through generations. The aroma of simmering berries and spices would fill the house, a comforting promise of health and warmth. I truly cherish those childhood memories but it wasn’t until much later in life that I learned about its health benefits and the true power of the elderberry plant.

In recent years, black elderberry has surged in popularity as a formidable natural remedy, celebrated for its remarkable health benefits. This potent berry is brimming with antioxidants and vitamins, offering robust support for immune health, inflammation reduction, and illness prevention. I will not bore you by talking about the nutritional complexity of the fruit – think amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, fibre fractions, vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. Most important for you to know is that the elderberry has a myriad of benefits, most of all it has a positive effect on your immune system and protects your cells from cell damage.

What is Black Elderberry?

Black elderberry, scientifically known as Sambucus nigra, is a small, dark-purple berry native to Europe. It has been revered for centuries in traditional medicine for its healing properties. Today, black elderberry is widely available in various forms, including syrups, gummies, capsules, and teas, making it easier than ever to enjoy its benefits.

But before we dive any further into the black elderberry’s super powers, here is:

A Delicious Black Elderberry Syrup Recipe Idea:

I have a delicious black elderberry recipe for you that I prepare at the end of the elderberry season, usually sometime around August and September. This syrup is perfect to season your food or to aide your recovery from the flue. Never has adding an extra healthy goodness been so simple.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of black elderberries, washed and stems removed
• 3 cups of water
• 1 cup honey
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tablespoons of grounded fresh ginger
• You can also add some mulled wine seasoning, about 1/2 teaspoon

Directions

1. Make sure you have all the ingredients washed and ready
2. In a pot, add all ingredients – apart from the honey – and bring to boil.
3. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes or until the mixture has reduced by roughly half. Do not add a lid as you want the water to evaporate.
4. Strain the mixture either through a fine mesh strainer or a cloth. Mash the berries to get the juice out. Remember to catch all the liquids.
5. Once the liquid has cooled down and is only lukewarm, stir in the honey until it has completely dissolved.
6. Pour the mixture into a sterilised glass jar and store in the fridge for up to six to eight weeks.
7. Just a few hints on sterilising your jars. For me it works best if I take the jar and the lid out of the dishwasher and place it into the oven for about 15 minutes by 200 degree Celsius. Careful – it’s hot to the touch!

Serving suggestion: pour into your cold drink, add a splash to your tea, or serve it on top of dessert like semolina porridge or rice pudding.

Drizzle it on your yoghurt or into your smoothie, on pancakes. Flavour your salads or cakes. The options are endless.

And if you want to bolster your immune system, have a stressful day ahead or feel a cold is creeping up: take 1 tablespoon per day

Enjoy and share it with your loved ones.

The three best health benefits of black elderberries:

Incorporating black elderberry into your daily routine is effortless. You can take it as a supplement, enjoy it as a soothing tea, or use elderberry syrup as a natural sweetener for your beverages and desserts. By incorporating it into your daily routine, you can fortify your immune system, reduce inflammation, and shield your body. Besides having an array of health benefits, here are my favourites:

Superpower #1 – Immune System Fortifier: Black elderberries are like the caped crusaders of the berry world. Packed with antioxidants and vitamins A, B, and C, they supercharge your immune system, giving it the strength to fend off invaders. Studies have indicated that elderberry extract can dramatically reduce the duration and severity of colds and flu, making these berries your immune system’s ultimate sidekick.

Superpower #2 – Inflammation Fighter: Black elderberries are mighty anti-inflammatory agents, that combat inflammation throughout the body. This power can for example help to alleviate symptoms of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

Superpower #3 – Antioxidant Shield: Elderberries are loaded with antioxidants, creating a powerful shield that protects your cells from damage caused by free radicals. This superpower helps for example to slow down the aging process and can play a role in decreasing cancerous cell growth, keeping you healthier and younger for longer.

Embrace the healing power of this extraordinary berry by trying our homemade black elderberry syrup recipe and experience its transformative benefits for yourself.

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Get in on the action and drop us your favourite berry recipes and stories in the comments below.

Go ahead and discover more on this topic:

• Grapefruit – a powerhouse of wellness.
• Goutweed – a never ending (love) story and a never ending source of salad-y kitchen staple
• Greek Mountain Tea – to revitalise your brain cells

Last but not least, dear reader, in case nobody tells you today:

We, from sown & uprooted, love you, we believe in you, and we believe in your ability to find more vitality, resilience and fun in your life.

– with love – 

sown & uprooted

for-a-better-living.com

Disclaimer: Please note - As with all things in life, some things will have ripple effects and the amounts make the difference. So please don’t overdose on herbal teas or plant-based remedies either. Especially if you are on medication, suffer a medical condition, are prone to allergic reactions and during pregnancy it’s recommended to seek medical advisory before starting any self medication.