I have terrible allergies and asthma which always leads to me getting sick. I actually went to the allergist recently to find out what I was allergic to and they told me if there was a prize for being the most allergic I would win. Sad right? You may remember a post I did a little while back about a natural allergy relief drink. Well this one is very similar but has another added benefit, elderberries. My friend Jordan from LilyWhite. designs told me about elderberries. A lady from her church told her about how her daughter had bronchitis and doctors kept giving her prescriptions and they weren't working so she tried this concoction and it went away.
Benefits of Elderberries
Helps prevent the flu
Full of antioxidants
Helps treat the flu, bronchitis, colds, viral, and bacterial infections. (Use as a cold/flu medicine)
Can help treat asthma and allergies
Ingredients:
1/2 cup dried elderberries
3 cups water
1 cup local or raw honey (I chose local to get the allergy relief benefits)
2/3 cup raw organic apple cider vinegar ACV
Directions:
Fill a pot with water and dried elderberries. Bring to a boil and let boil for 30 minutes. Take off heat and mash elderberries up well (I used a potato masher). Strain out the liquid into a separate bowl using cheese cloth, coffee filter, or something similar. Once strained add honey to the elderberry liquid and stir well. Then add ACV. Place in a jar and put in the fridge for up to 6 months.
To use: Adults 1 Tbs a day
Children: 1 tsp a day.
You can take this straight or mix it with some water.
If your using it as a flu/cold medicine you can take same dose but every hour instead of just once a day.
This did not cost me very much to make, maybe $7 dollars for a lot and it makes me feel better that I am not taking a bunch of chemicals. I know exactly what is in it! I would love to hear of any other herbal treatments you take when you are sick!
This was part of the Homestead Barn Hop, the Morris Tribe, Sew Chatty, Sew Can Do, Craft-O- Maniac, Homemaker on a Dime, Frugally Sustainable, Thrifty Decorating, Living Green Link up
Amy, I too suffer from allergies and asthma. I've been using elderberry syrup for over a year and it has really made a huge difference in the number of times I've had to go to the doctor and the amount of antibiotics I've taken. Good stuff!
ReplyDeleteThat's so wonderful that it has worked for you! I hope it works for others as well as it has worked for you! Thanks for sharing!
DeleteWhere can I find dried elderberries?
DeleteI found them at my neighborhood coop in the bulk sections by the tea and spices! I'm guessing you can find them at a health food store or Whole Foods around those areas! hope that helps!
DeleteFor really bad sore throats, I use currant juice.
ReplyDeleteIf you have fresh currants, put them in a pot with a little water and then cook them until the colour is gone from the berries. Strain.
1 tbsp as many times a day as needed - it's like magic.
This year, I have tried canning it to see if it will last through the winter, but I haven't opened one up yet.
Thanks Natalie for sharing that I will have to try that!
DeleteHi Amy. Nice to know of someone who knows allergies can be serious. Last time I went to an allergist (shots didn't work for me so I haven't been to one in 40 years, literally) he said if it could be inhaled I'm allergic to it and since I live near where they made space suits I should go and tell them I needed one so I could negotiate school, etc. Funny guy. I'm really sorry to hear what your doc said to you and I applaud your courage to try this recipe. If I can find elderberries maybe I'll give it a go. I take so much medication now it's ridiculous and I'm wearing oxygen because I spent time outdoors Sat. and it set me way back. Have you been to the Whole Mom blog? She has a lot of natural treatments for allergies.
ReplyDeleteJanet
P.S. Like the new blog look! I get your email so it's been a while since I've seen the site.
That stinks that the doctor said that to you that wasn't very nice! I knew going into it I was very allergic and I asked the doctor if my response was normal so he was more just having a little fun. You allergies are so much worse then mine that is really terrible that you have to wear oxygen Im sorry! I found elderberries at a local coop thats kind of like whole foods near the bulk spices and teas. You can also find them at mountainroseherbs.com. I hope you can get them and this will help you!
DeleteI am planning on trying this for my husband in the fall. He has seasonal allergies only, thankfully. I wish I could grow my own elderberries, it would be nice to have them on hand for making these types of remedies :0) Your post was so easy to read and understand. Would you mind sharing this at my link-up? I am sure my readers would appreciate it :0) Thanks! Jasmine aka Happy Mrs Bass
ReplyDeleteIt would be great to have your own bush! Maybe when I get a house I can get one to plant that would be great! I would love to share it thanks for the invite!
DeleteAmy... I am featuring this post on this week's party! Thanks again for linking up! :)
DeleteWow really? Thank you I feel honored!
DeleteI too suffer from allergies and asthma. I will be looking for dried elderberries. It's funny you would be writing about this today. My dad who is eighty-one was talking about picking and eating elderberries yesterday when he was a boy. They are super good for you.
ReplyDeleteCoincidence I think not haha! You can find them online at mountainroseherb.com or probably whole foods.
DeleteGreat Information!!! I also have allergies and severe asthma, and I need to try this recipe. I have a Blog Hop, and I would love it if you would link this post. You can find it at
ReplyDeletehttp://www.adornedfromabove.com/2012/06/natural-hair-gel-and-wednesdays-adorned.html
It is called Wednesdays Adorned From Above Blog Hop.
I hope to see you there. Have a great Day.
Debi Bolocofsky
Adorned From Above
Thank you for the invite! I will share it tomorrow!
DeleteThanks for the info Amy! My youngest is only one but I am already afraid he is going to have asthma. He starts wheezing at the drop of a hat. I noticed you said you could give it to children but would 1 be too young? Maybe hubby and I will have to give this a try first for our allergies!
ReplyDeleteI would be a little nervous with a 1 year old only because of the honey. I would ask a doctor if it would be ok! Good idea trying it first!
DeleteThis is nice blog and unique information related to Natural Remedy for Allergies, Flu, Asthma.Thanks for sharing such information.Beclovent
ReplyDeleteThank you for the encouragement!
DeleteI think that if you keep it sanitized and cleaned regularly it should be fine. Personally, I’ve found that when I use it for my kids, it really cuts down on their coughing at night, but if you don’t notice much of a difference and the maintenance is too much of a pain, you could skip it. I’ve just found it to me really effective and haven’t had to deal with mold, so it works for me! ED help
ReplyDeleteWhen honey and vinegar are used to make a syrup it can be called an "oxymel". This looks like a terrific combination :) Urban Herbwifery has a very nice post on this. See: http://urbanherbwifery.wordpress.com/2011/02/20/herbal-preparations-honeys-oxymels-and-elixirs/
ReplyDelete~Barefoot Yankee Gal
hello,
ReplyDeletecan you tell me please how much water did you ue for boiling the dried elderberries?
thanks
Hi Uca I am not sure actually i just filled up a medium sized saucepan/pot. I would save at least 4 cups. Hope that helps! Thanks for coming by!
DeleteHow do you store this? In a jar on the counter? In the fridge?
ReplyDeleteIt must be refrigerated and I put mine in a mason jar!
Delete