Elderberry Syrup. Is it worth the hype?
Every fall, many of us stock up on elderberry syrup to strengthen our immunity. In truth, it has that effect, but it's often lower than you may know.
First, here's what science has revealed about elderberries. The berries of the elder plant (Sambucus nigra) have been a folk remedy in America, Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa for centuries. Elderberries are known for their ability to help prevent upper respiratory infections. These pretty reddish-blue berries contain vitamins A, B, and C and have strong antioxidant properties. As a result, they can help you recover from a cold or the flu quicker and protect cells from damage.
Elderberries are also anti-inflammatory, helping with minor aches and pains. Their antimicrobial properties kill or inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms, making them useful for bacterial infections. For these reasons, elderberries are helpful at the onset of a cold or the flu. Sounds great, right?
Elderberries (Sambucus nigra)
On the face of it, yes. However, many elderberry syrups are loaded with refined sugar because it preserve syrups for longer without refrigeration. However, refined sugar leads to inflammation, which worsens cold symptoms. Others contain unnatural preservatives that defeat the purpose of taking it.
In addition, while elderberries are popular, there are stronger immuno-modulators - herbs that keep your immune system in balance - that can help in more ways. For example, some immuno-modulators are excellent at protecting you from the negative impact of stress that weakens your immune system.
The best elderberry syrups include complementary herbs that produce deeper, longer-lasting benefits. For this reason, Eden's Leaves Elderberry Syrup + Immune Boost is worth checking out. It is an herbalist-formulated blend of five herbs that work together beautifully to provide robust immune support.
Astragalus Root (Astragalus membranaceus)
Astragalus is a darling in Western herbalism and Traditional Chinese medicine. It's an adaptogen that protects the body from the impact of stress. Astragalus is an immunomodulator with antiviral and antimicrobial properties, making it an extraordinary herb for many conditions.
Cinnamon Bark (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
cinnamon from as far back as 4,700 years ago. In the 1st century A.D., cinnamon was worth 15 times the value of silver because of its many uses. As an herbal antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-tussive, it helps combat the common cold and flu while suppressing coughs. It is also antibacterial and helpful if your symptoms result from strep throat or another bacterial infection. In addition, it relieves gas and bloating, relaxes smooth muscles, and is used to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, among other benefits.
Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale)
The Spaniards introduced ginger to the Americas, and it is now cultivated extensively in the West Indies. Traditionally used to warm the stomach, help digestion, and dispel chills, ginger is a potent anti-inflammatory for coughs and bronchitis. Ginger also helps decrease headaches and lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Orange Peel (Citrus sinensis)
In addition to its refreshing taste and high levels of vitamin C, orange peel helps lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. It also helps our bodies make collagen so we can more readily absorb iron and boost our immune system. It's excellent for eliminating mucous that makes breathing challenging and leads to other infections. Also, orange peel is a stimulant for other herbs, making the entire formula more effective.
Rose Hips (Rosa canina and Rosa rubiginosa)
Rosehips are the round portion of the rose flower just below the petals. They are well known for having an extremely high amount of vitamin C. Rosehips reduce inflammation while decreasing pain and support heart health.
Natural Honey
Honey is the only sweetener used in Eden's Leaves syrups. Honey boosts the immune system and is incredibly beneficial when suffering from seasonal ailments, including allergies, coughs, or a sore throat. When prepared properly, it retains its natural enzymes, vitamins, and antioxidants. We use a combination of four wild varieties from a small honey farm in Georgia.
You can take elderberry by the spoonful, in lukewarm tea, or even a cocktail, and it's delicious!
With lots of water, sleep, and a balanced diet with lots of fruits and veggies, a well-formulated elderberry syrup can be your best friend in the winter. You can visit edensleaves.com to learn more about our organic products and order our Elderberry Syrup + Immune Boost. You'll soon find out why customers order 32oz bottles every year!
Kim Violet is a mom, wife, herbalist, and the founder of Eden's Leaves, an herbal products company with medicinal blends for immunity and emotional wellness. She studies, writes, and teaches about herbal medicine. She is also the founder of Simply Brilliant, a consulting practice for organizations creating the world we want to leave for our great-grandchildren.