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Elderberry tincture has long been known as the ‘poor man’s medicine chest’ for its usefulness, but especially its efficacy in treating cold and flu symptoms. Long used throughout Europe and the Americas, elderberry has a long and respected history as an herbal remedy. Both Pliny the Elder and Hippocrates mentioned and recommended elderberry as a medicinal herb in their writings.
Elderberry (Sambucus) flowers and berries are used in herbal medicine to treat colds and flu, coughs, constipation, hay fever, mouth ulcers, sore throats, tonsillitis, rheumatism, herpes, wounds, bruises, and muscle sprains. The berries are also used in syrups, jams, teas, juice, vinegars, and wines. Elderberry juice is available in most health food stores and tastes delicious.
Elderberries are considered a powerful expectorant and make useful additions to cough syrups. They reduce phlegm, stimulate the circulatory system, promote sweating, increase urinary flow, and when applied topically, are anti-inflammatory.
Elderberry syrup is used in the treatment of coughs and colds.
Elderberry Vodka Tincture
Dried elderberries enough to fill quart-sized jar 1/3 full or fresh berries to fill jar -100 proof vodka, (DO NOT use a lower proof or other liquor. You will NOT get the results you are looking for.)
Directions: Fill quart-sized jar 1/3 full withdried elderberries (or completely full for fresh). ). Fill jar with 100 proof vodka. Place the lid on the jar, label with date, and keep in a cool, dark place. Shake the jar at least twice a day for 10-12 days, (leaving it longer does NOT make it stronger). Strain the mixture using a cheesecloth. Be sure to squeeze all of the liquid out of the berries. Store in an airtight container on the pantry shelf for up to 2 years.
Use: For adults and older children: Administer 1-2 tablespoons daily for prevention and up to 4 times daily at the first show of cold/flu symptoms. May be administered in a cup of hot warm, sweetened to taste.
Elderberry Syrup
-1 cup of fresh or 1/2 cup of dried elderberries -3 cups of water -1 cup of honey -2 tablespoons grated ginger (optional as a warming agent but not necessary for effectiveness) -spices such as whole cloves and cinnamon are optional add-ins as well
Directions: Place berries, ginger (if using), and water in a pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and then simmer over low heat for 45 minutes. Smash the berries. Then strain the mixture through a cheesecloth. Add honey. Bottle syrup and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
Use: Child: Administer 1 teaspoon per day for prevention or 1 teaspoon per waking hour at the onset of cold/flu-like symptoms. Adult: Administer on same schedule, however increase dosage to 1 tablespoon.
Note: Not suitable for children under one year of age.
The berries can look a lot like the Poke berries. Poke can kill you. Poke is more like a weed with very wide leaves. The Elderberry is more like a tree or shrub. It has “woody” hollow stems. Poke has no woody stems. Hope this clears up any confusion between elderberry and poke.
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