Elderberry syrup

​Elderberry syrup 🥣 Sorry it’s a bit topical at the moment and I’m sure like me you’re sick of hearing about virus’! But whilst a certain pandemic is doing the rounds (or preparing to) and panic and fear-mongering are rife by the media, it’s sometimes good to take a look at ways we can be proactive against illness. Obviously proper hand washing is one of the biggest and best defences we have against the transmission of virus’. But sometimes it’s also great to work in advance, supporting our bodies immune systems through the autumn and winter months when colds, flu and other virus’ are rife. Elderberry is an age old remedy (which does in fact have clinical studies to back it up) for cold and flu and can reduce the severity and length of infection, inhibit viral replication in cells and strengthen a persons immune response to the virus. {Just to caveat that this can’t be proven for this strain of Coronavirus, obviously medical treatment is needed in this event!} But taking elderberry syrup as an preventative extra immune boost can certainly do no harm. It’s extremely high in vitamin C - as we all know one of the best vitamins vital for immune health - and has lots of lovely antioxidants in the form of flavonols, anthocyanins, phenolic acids. You can buy elderberry syrup from lots of smashing retailers - Neals Yard, Pukka and Sambucol are three that I have bought from regularly (and my children LOVE the taste). But I’ve also made my own adapted from an @wellnessmama recipe which I really rate.

​Ingredients:
3½ cups water
2/3 cup dried black elderberries (Bristol and London people available from Neals Yard!)
2 tbsp grated ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup raw honey (or 1/3 cup sugar) Method:
Bring everything to the boil (except the honey) then simmer for 45mins. Sieve out the elderberries and once cooled add the honey. 1 teaspoon for children 1 tablespoon for adults. ENJOY and keep well people 🙏🏻 #elderberrysyrup #elderberrybenefits #elderberry #healthandwellness #antiviral #immunesupport #foodasmedicine #naturopathicmedicine #eatwellbewell #nutritionaltherapy #gingerandpicklesnutrition