Elderberry Syrup

Elderberry plant medicine and teachings show up in tales from around the world, with numerous cultural variations. Elderberry often takes form in stories as the wise woman; Elder Lady, Elder Woman, or Elda Mor. Elda Mor (my favorite variation) is the mystic mama who has taken the shape of a tree in order to heal her children. She is powerful and she demands respect. If you wish to have her help, you must honor her; she requires gifts and requests that you ask permission. If you abuse her, or fail to ask politely of all she has to offer, Elda Mor will… well… poison you. My apologies for starting so morbidly; however understanding Elda Mor power is very important. The berries and flowers are used as medicine; berries must be cooked before they are taken. Raw berries contain a chemical similar to cyanide (because thats how incredible Elda Mor is).

Elder is one of those plants surrounded by mystery, magic, and superstition. It’s not called “Elder” for nothing! And as many of you already know, if you bought a wand from Ollivander’s (from the brilliant world of Harry Potter of course) you would know that an Elder wand has the most powerful magical capabilities (besides Holly, Harry’s wand was made from Holly).

We know a little lore surrounding elderberry, but what about raw plant value and medicinal components? Elderberry has gained great popularity because it is powerhouse food - a super food with great nutritional benefits and healing components. Talk about antioxidant power: the flavonoid and antioxidant content of elderberries is higher than blueberries, cranberries, goji berries and blackberries!

Health benefits of the elder plant include naturally improving colds, the flu, sinus congestion, nerve pain, inflammation, chronic fatigue, allergies, constipation and even cancer. When used within the first 48 hours

of onset of symptoms, elderberry extract has actually been found to reduce the duration of the flu with symptoms being relieved on an average of four days earlier!

One of my favorite uses for elder is when the elderflower is tinctured; when tinctured, it becomes a wonderful remedy for infant fever. Dosed at one drop per pound (of baby) many fevers have been reduced by this herb, negating the need for other over the counter anti-inflammatories and fever reducers.

Elder gives and teaches us many things. While she (Elda Mor) is a shallow-rooted tree, she is sturdy and strong. While her canopy is airy and light, it is often wide and often growing low to the ground, providing effective shelter from the elements. By comparison of similars, elder reminds us we must learn to embrace multiple perspectives and through the language of flowers; elder emphasizes the need for love, compassion and purification. Elder is powerful medicine with a meaningful message. When it comes to health and healing, elder has an absolute mothering touch.

elderberry syrup ingredients:

2 cups fresh or 1 cup dried elderberries 3-4 cups of water 1-2 cups of honey or sweetener of choice

place berries in a saucepan and cover with water. simmer over low heat for 30-45 minutes. smash the berries in the pan, then strain the mixture through a fine- mesh strainer. sweeten to taste with honey. store in the refrigerator. syrup should keep for 2-3 months.

dosage: 1 teaspoon 3 times daily

Unable to forage your own berries? Purchase dried berries online or pre-made syrup at the grocery store.