Elderberries grew all around us when we moved to the canyon, but it wasn’t until we asked others forging along the road what they were that we figured out what the sweet miniature white flower clumps that turned to purple berries were. After that we were eating Elderberry everything until I stumbled on one of it’s main functions as a natural flu killer. (So much for jams and desserts, this is golden!) It turns out that Elderberries are one of those natural remedies that need to be shared. Because it works. The Elderberry has simply stopped the flu virus for us, or shortened it if not caught in time…and so now I must capitalize the word Elderberry forevermore.
It works so well for us that I didn’t even need to know that research by the University of Maryland, in London and Israel, Germany etc. confirmed what Hippocrates knew about Elderberries or “Sambocul”. Elderberry’s natural properties inhibit the growth of influenza (we’re talkin’ 99% effective against even swine flu and avian flu).
But that’s just one of it’s many uses. In 1644, a book entitled The Anatomie of the Elder, by Dr. Martin Blockwich listed over 70 uses every part of the Elder can be used for. (Never read it, but just sayin’.)
This picture was taken this week showing the late in the season dusty look, at the prime of their ripeness, dripping with higher doses of vitamin C than oranges or tomatoes.
In the early summer I pick the delicate white blossoms and dry them for tea during winter’s cold season. They are effective for treating upper respiratory infections and fever. Later in the summer we pick the Elderberries to either freeze for later use, cook with, or immediately bottle all the goodness of these berries in a tincture, not a word commonly used in my upbringing.
Tincture Defined
A tincture is the liquid extract, it is basically transferring all the medicinal qualities and nutrients of the herb into a liquid, usually vodka or other clear alcohol base, which effectiveness will last for years. This is taken orally as needed, either by spoonful or mixed in a tea.
Making the Tincture
Fill a glass jar with the berries and cover with vodka.
Date, label and shake. Store in a dark cool spot 4-6 weeks.
Shake it every once in a while.
After the berries are spent, strain them out (discard) and store that precious liquid in a glass container, continue to store away from light and high temperatures to preserve it’s healing potency.
Other Options
Glycerin can also be used, but it is not as stable as the alcohol and is really too sweet even for my sweet toothed offspring. Last year I made separate tinctures out of both vodka and glycerin, then mixed them when administering. The extra step didn’t seem worth it, so I’m sticking with just the former, longer lasting one now.
Another idea is to make a simple syrup with the berries and honey. Refrigerator shelf life is limited to just a couple weeks though, but if using on pancakes that is not an issue!
Dosage
These colored glass containers with droppers are a great way to serve a tablespoon for adults. if using the colored glass containers with the dropper lid, one dropper full is 30 drops, the usual recommendation on tinctures for 150lb. person, 4x a day if getting sick.
For smaller children, 7-10 drops, they may prefer theirs in 1/4 cup water, juice or tea. If doing a tea I usually choose peppermint for its own tummy soothing properties.
Our personal experience is if a child feels like they are going to throw up, we Elderberry Up, and by catching it at the first sign, within 4-6 hours they are back in the land of the living.
We take it periodically if simply exposed, and I, the flu queen, stayed WELL last year.
My children who dislike the cough syrup taste but now know personally how effective it is, actually ask for Elderberry Tincture when they have even a tummy ache or begin to feel ill. No one wants to be sick.
Even if you are not able to forge or even plant an Elderberry pair of “trees” (the bushes grow up to 30′), you can make an effective tincture or tea with dried Elderberries purchased online, or buy ready made tinctures; two ounces range from $12-21, but to stop the flu…I think it’s worth it.
To your health…
kains on the creek 
This is very interesting, as well as educational. You are continually teaching me!
We also make pontack sauce with elderberries. It’s a wonderful fruity vinegary sauce a little bit like worcestershire sauce. It needs to be left to mature for a few years to be at its best but you can use it from day one. There are plenty of recipes on the net if you google it
I’m intrigued Gillie! Thanks for letting me know.
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