Every once in a while I like to spend some time highlighting one of my favorite herbs. While technically Elderberry isn't an herb, it is used by herbalists everywhere and is used in many delicious herbal remedies.
The Benefits
Why do herbalists love this berry so much? Other than the fact that it tastes great, there are many other things to love about it. Elderberries are high in antioxidants and have strong anti-inflammatory effects. Studies show that elderberry extracts and infusions help reduce the severity of cold and flu symptoms as well as improve symptoms of sinusitis and bronchitis. Elderberries support the immune system by increasing the number of white blood cells. There are also studies showing that elderberries have some cancer-inhibiting properties as well as antidepressant properties.
Now these studies don't support ditching your chemotherapy or antidepressant drugs for elderberry extracts, they do support bringing elderberries into your kitchen regularly as part of a preventative, healthy living lifestyle.
Watch Me Talk About Elderberries
Words of Caution
All good things have a downside, right? Well, that certainly is the case with elderberries. If you do a little research, you won't have to dig far before you find mention of the fact that bark, unripe berries, and seeds contain small amounts of lectins, which can cause stomach issues. The plant and berries also contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can sometimes release cyanide. (Note, that these substances are also found in almonds)
However, keep in mind that there are only trace amounts of these substances and the easiest way to remove them is by cooking the berries. Therefore, I never recommend eating the berries raw, even though you have to eat a lot of them to feel ill. Also, avoid harvesting the stems, leaves, and unripe berries.
How to Use Elderberries
You can harvest fresh berries and cook them down to create an herbal remedy or dry them in a dehydrator. I prefer to dehydrate them, then I have them at my fingertips all year long.
My favorite ways to use elderberries:
Elderberry Syrup - make a strong elderberry tea by simmering dried berries in water for about 20 - 30 minutes. Start with about twice the amount of tea you want and allow to cook down until reduced by half. Add additional spices as desired (cinnamon stick, ginger, peppercorns, cardamom). Allow to cool slightly, then strain. Measure the tea and then add equal amounts of raw honey. Stir until well combined.
Elderberry Shrub - make a strong elderberry tea by cooking liquid down to a small amount making a very strong tea. Add raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Add enough raw honey to sweeten. A typical batch might be 2 TBSP strong tea, 1 cup ACV, 1/4 - 1/2 cup honey.
(*note this method for making shrub differs from how I would make it using fresh fruit. This is because I am cooking the dried berries to remove harmful components but I don't want to cook the vinegar or the honey.)
Elderberry Jam - follow the instructions on the fruit pectin packaging.
Elderberry Tea - the beginning steps of making syrup or shrub. After simmering berries for 20 minutes strain. You can drink the tea as is or blend it with other herbal teas.
Disclaimer
The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please be sure to research herbs and consult your medical care provider before using herbal medicine, particularly if you have a known medical condition or if you are pregnant or nursing. The information provided should not be considered health advice. You are responsible for consulting a medical professional before implementing a new herb or herbal remedy. Allergic reactions and interactions with prescription and over-the-counter medication can occur and can be serious.
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