Elderberries

Description

Elderberries

Elderberries have been used for hundreds of years as a folk remedy for many illnesses. They are also mentioned around 400 BC in the writings of Hippocrates, the “Father of Medicine”, referring to them as his “medicine chest”. They are also used in cooking to make syrups, jams, jellies and as a food coloring and dye. You will also find them used in liquors and other cordials.

Many of these uses are traced into Europe where they are still used for medicinal uses. While we aren’t doctors and none of these uses have been approved by the FDA, we can only relate what we have read in folk medicine journals, how our customers use them and what we receive from our tea suppliers. You should check with your doctor before using them for a herbal regimen.

Since they are used in many commercial cough medicines and other compounds, there have been studies which show even more of these properties. Here is some information from one of our tea companies regarding some of the basis for using Elderberries. As with all herbal supplements, even teas taken as a medicinal supplement, check with your doctor first.
High in Nutrients – Elderberries are a low calorie food packed with vitamin C, dietary fiber and antioxidants in the form phenolic acids, flavonols and anthocyanins.
Antiviral Cold and Flu Properties – Studies show that compounds from elderberries can directly inhibit the virus’s entry and replication in human cells, and can help strengthen a person’s immune response to the virus.
Fights Harmful Bacteria – Elderberries have been found to inhibit the growth of bacteria and may improve symptoms of sinusitis and bronchitis.
Support Immune System – Elderberry polyphenols were found to support immune defense by increasing the number of white blood cells. White blood cells are the cells of the immune system that are involved in protecting the body against both infectious disease and foreign invaders.

Other folk uses for elderberries are to fight sinus pain, back & leg pains, toothaches and forms of inflammation.

We have a couple herbal teas which are blended with large amounts of elderberries. They are our Berry2 (Squared) Tea, and Strawberry Tart Tea. Both herbal and both very popular and delicious.

Steeping Instructions
Hot Tea Steeping Instructions: Put 1 heaping teaspoon of loose tea for each 8oz of water in your tea cup or teapot. Using a tea infuser to hold the tea makes it easier. Pour boiling water over the tea. Steep for 10-15 minutes. Longer steeping will results in a fuller flavor without any bitterness.

Iced Tea Instructions: For a Liter or quart use 2 heaping Tbsp. of loose tea into teapot. Pour 1 1/4 cup boiled water on tea. Steep 10 – 15 min. Strain tea into pitcher, adding water and/or ice to complete the liter or quart. Garnish & sweeten to taste.

Other than steeping as a tea, one of the most common ways to use Elderberries is to make them into a syrup. Here is a simple recipe:

Elderberry Syrup
Ingredients:
¾ cup dried elderberries
3 cups water
1 teaspoon cinnamon chips or ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground clove or 4 whole cloves
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup raw honey or agave

Directions:
1. In a pot, bring the elderberries, water, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger to a boil.
2. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the liquid has reduced by half, about 40-45 minutes.
3. Allow the liquid to cool, and then drain the liquid using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
4. Add the raw honey and mix well.
5. Store in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to two months.

Contains: Elderberry