It Is Time To Plant Elderberry Bushes

Fresh Batch Of Elderberries Ready To Pick

Elderberries are one of the must haves in your medicinal garden. Elderberries grow everywhere, from the mountains to the tropics. They are easy to harvest and the syrup is easy to make. It is excellent to give to children over the age of one for colds and flu. We normally make ours with nothing but water and honey, but if you want to use for younger children, make with sugar. Remember to always consult your doctor. 

The elderberry can not be eaten raw, or added to food that is not to be cooked. You must cook elderberries first. They can make you seriously sick in their raw form. When cooked into a syrup, and either made with sugar or honey, they are one of the best cold and flu remedies.  I get really large pots and grow in very large pots on our porch. If you prefer, you can also buy in any drug store for 20.00 for about an ounce and up. Very effective, very expensive, and so easy to grow and make your own.  Strictly Medicinal in Williams Oregon sells nice seeds of three different varieties for a reasonable amount. If in a warm climate, plant under the covering of the taller plants. They love a canopy. 

If you have some bushes and want more, you can also grow from the canes of your existing plants. You may have some berries the first year, but the second years crop will be a lot more. 

It is an easy ratio of ! cup cleaned berries to 3 1/2 cups water. Add 2 tablespoons of fresh ginger, a couple sticks of quality cinnamon, and two teaspoons of fresh cloves or clove power., We bring to a boil and then lower to a simmer for about 1 hour. You should have about half of the liquid left in the pan. Take off burner and let cool some and then mash the berries. Then run through a strainer lined with cheese cloth. Let sit until lukewarm and add honey. You can use any raw honey, but for a double punch, use Maunka Honey. It is the best for medicinal purposes. 

Keep  in the fridge and use 4-5 times a week to prevent getting sick. It will help you load up on immune boosting factors.  

The usually recommended dose is 1/2 to 1 tsp for children daily. Check with your doctor first. Adults take 1 Tbsp daily. Again, check with your doctor.

For those with active flu, take the standard dose recommended by your doctor every 2-3 hours until symptoms are gone. 

Enjoy the adventure of preparing for the cold and flu season from plant to syrup.  Remember, a little work today,  a little care, and then it is time to make your syrup. It is a labor of love.