With cold and flu season approaching (or some would say it’s just a lack of vitamin D) it’s so important to take the proper steps to ensure a healthy home. Our bodies are incredibly magnificent and if we take care of them, they will take care of us. When a pathogen invades, our body knows what to do to protect us. So often, we treat these illnesses as an inconvenience. We try to mask symptoms by giving fever reducers and cough suppressants so we can carry on with our day, but we prolong the illness by not allowing our body to do what it needs to do. The feeling of exhaustion that’s often associated with an illness is not caused by the infection itself but instead, it’s our bodies way of saying it needs rest. Rest allows the body to heal by focusing on destroying the invader. Likewise, fevers actually help heal the body by heating up the internal temperature to destroy the virus. By treating a fever below 104 degrees with a fever reducer we actually inhibit our bodies natural ability to heal. The best way to keep from getting sick is by building the bodies immune system before the pathogen tries to invade. I tell my boys that they have soldiers fighting for them on the inside of their body to protect them and keep them safe. It’s our job to train those soldiers and keep them healthy. We do this by eating foods that contain vitamins and minerals, drinking plenty of water to replenish cells and flush the toxins (giving the soldiers a bath), getting outside for fresh air and sunlight, getting to bed on time, etc. Taking preventive measures by training your army of soldiers before a battle, is much easier than fighting a battle with half of your men already down!

Elderberry syrup is a great way to boost the immune system during cold and flu season. It has certain antibacterial and anti-infectious qualities and is very commonly used to ward off influenza. Several studies have demonstrated that it is highly effective in mitigating flu-like symptoms. A study published in the Journal of International Medical Research showed that when it is used within the first 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms, it shortens the duration of flu symptoms by an average of four days.

Its also a great way to improve respiratory health. When it comes to clearing up a sore throat, a cough, cold, bronchitis, or any other issue that affects your respiratory system, elderberry syrup might just be your best choice. The syrup also acts as an expectorant and clears out phlegm that can trap foreign agents in your glands.

Historically, elderberry is known as a cure-all and has been called “the medicine chest of country people.” During the 1995 Panama flu epidemic, the government employed its use to fight the flu. The berry’s juice greatly reduced the time of the flu as well as the severity, thus helping end the epidemic.

You can purchase elderberry syrup over the counter but making it is much more economical, and it’s really easy to do!

Elderberry Syrup:

3 1/2 cups of water

3/4 cup of dried elderberries

2 Tablespoons of fresh ground ginger

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon of clove

1/3 cup of raw honey

Instant pot method

Add water, elderberries, ginger, cinnamon and clove to the instant pot. Give it a quick stir. Cook for 9 mins. Release the vent and allow to cool. Once cooled, smash the berries (I used the bottom of a cup as well as my hands!) and then strain the syrup into a jar. Stir in the honey and store in the fridge.

Stovetop method

Bring water, elderberries, ginger, cinnamon and clove to a boil in a pot over the stove. Reduce heat and cover allowing to simmer for 45 mins – 1 hour. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Once cooled, smash the berries and then strain the syrup into a jar. Stir in the honey and store in the fridge. Can be kept in the fridge for up to 6 months.

Dosage:

For maintenance take 1 tablespoon (kids take 1 teaspoon) once a day.

During cold or flu take every 3-4 hours until symptoms improve.

* Do not consume raw dried elderberries