We are now into our “normal” flu season and along with the drum banging on the Chinese corona virus many of the “health professionals” are suggesting that everybody over the age of six years should receive this year’s flu vaccine.
Many will take this advice and then come down with some kind of illness. The reasoning behind this is simple. The vaccine stimulates your body’s immune response which temporarily actually reduces your system’s ability to fight off other viral agents, (technically, it is called a cytokine storm).
Understand that I am not a medical professional and the following is not in any way to be construed as medical advice.
For many years our forebears practiced “folk medicine” based on plants and herbs. My maternal grandmother was one such person. One of her “home remedies” was based on the berries of the elderberry shrub which she would harvest in the early autumn and dry for the purpose of making an elixir to ward off the influenza.
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 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 with dried 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: Take within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. 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.
WARNING: This stuff tastes awful… almost like a cross between varnish and shellac… but it WILL kill the flu virus.
It is amazing what is found in nature for medicinal purposes. My Mom was a career nurse but, she used many natural remedies. I too was taught by a tribal medicine man. I really detest drugs for reasons of my own.
Expensive & so many are not what they advertise.
Good post! Thank you.
2med