Elderberry, for flu and cold season? Yes, that’s right. Before COVID raised its ugly head, elderberries were used for flu and cold season to help keep you healthy. Are there any of you that don’t know what elderberries are?
Just in case, Elderberry – Sambucus – is a flowering plant, that’s packed with antioxidants and vitamins that are known to help boost your immune system. They’re known for helping to tame inflammation, lessen stress and protect your heart. They also help in decreasing cholesterol levels.
There are many Sambucus plants worldwide. It’s the dark purple berry from the European elder tree that we are most familiar with.
Most of you know it best for helping to prevent or at least ward off, cold and flu symptoms. You only want to use the berries, every other part is considered toxic or poisonous.
Are You Familiar With the Many Uses of Elderberries?
Elderberry along with other plant medicines, have many uses. However, three come to mind: a Spread, Liquor and Vitamin Supplement. When I say a spread, I’m referring to jelly, jam or marmalade.
What’s the difference. Jelly is made from the fruit or berry juice and sugar. Jam is made from the whole or cut pieces of a fruit or berry with sugar. Marmalade is more like a preserve made with citrus, using the whole fruit as well as the rind.
Then there’s liquor. For the most part, I know this as elderberry wine. How so? My Grandmother used to make elderberry wine and store it under the kitchen sink or in the pantry.
Although we weren’t allowed to touch it, we knew it was there. It was used more often during the winter months than any other time of year.
Vitamin supplements have become very popular since the pandemic. It’s being kept in pantries and on vitamin shelves alongside vitamin C and others.
Can You Eat Elderberries Straight From the Vine?
Eating raw elderberries is not a good idea. They are actually poisonous if eaten raw. They can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Cooked ripe elderberries are fine to eat, plus cooking improves their flavor.
Elderberry syrup has become very popular since the onslaught of COVID. You can actually order packages direct from companies or from Amazon. When they arrive, you’ve got the ingredients for the makings of elderberry syrup.
For those of you with time on your hands or you just like gardening, you can grown your own.
So …
How do you use elderberry to help you through flu and cold season?
- Take your supplement daily,
- A table spoon of elderberry syrup,
- Enjoy a glass of elderberry wine, preferably one made by your grandma
- Savor a hot buttered biscuit topped off with elderberry jelly, jam or marmalade
That’s it for this week. As always …
Dedicated to Your Beauty,
Juliette Samuel,
Esthetician/Author/Publisher,
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