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Herbal Medicine

June 12, 2017 by Joycelynn

My Best Dried Elderberry Syrup Recipe

Best Dried Elderberry Syrup Recipe

I’ve tried several, but with my own tweaking, I’ve come up with what I feel is the best dried elderberry syrup recipe. If you have fresh elderberries, I’ll share how to use those too. I don’t have an elderberry bush nearby, so I rely on dried elderberries. You can find dried elderberries at Mountain Rose Herbs, Starwest Herbs, and Frontier. It takes almost two weeks to get an order from Mountain Rose Herbs, but I recently found that Frontier has most of their products on Amazon. I’ve got Prime, so it takes only two days to get what I’m needing! (the last time I checked a few days ago in 2018, Mountain Rose Herbs was out of Elderberries!)

NOW is the time to start buying your stock of Elderberry though. When it’s gone for the season, it’s very hard to find quality Elderberry.

The Best Dried Elderberry Syrup Recipe

best dried elderberry syrup recipe

I buy my herbs in bulk for projects like this. These were purchased at Mountain Rose Herbs, but I also buy from Amazon. I’m very picky about my herbs though. They need to be organic, but I also have to trust the company. I’ve been burned before buying things from Amazon that were less than quality, related to herbs.

You will need dried elderberries (unless you are blessed to have access to fresh elderberry); cinnamon sticks, bark, or chips;  and cloves. From the grocery, you will need fresh garlic, fresh ginger, and bottled water. I purchase my honey raw from a local grower, but you can also find that on Amazon.

best dried elderberry syrup recipe

I measured and added the dried elderberries,  cinnamon chips (is what I had), and cloves to my stainless steel pot.  (do not use aluminum) I chopped up the garlic and fresh ginger then added it in my water.

best dried elderberry syrup recipe

This is then brought to a boil, and reduced to a gentle simmer. I let it simmer until the mixture has reduced by about 1/2. This is called a decoction.

best dried elderberry syrup recipe

I then use this potato ricer to make sure I’m getting all the juicy goodness out.

best dried elderberry syrup recipe

Next, you add the honey and stir well. I add this mixture to a large mason jar and keep it stored in my fridge. I drink a “shot” (about an oz) daily, or more if I have cold symptoms. Sometimes it turns into a loose jellied type of mixture. I just shake it well.

Recipe

1 Cup Dried Elderberries (2 cups fresh)

5-6 Cinnamon Sticks, or about 1/4 cup Cinnamon Chips

5-6 Whole cloves (you can crush those a little if you like because you will be straining this out)

Fresh Garlic (I love a lot, but you can start with 3-4 cloves)

Fresh Ginger (I love a lot of this, but start with about a fingers length, chopped or cut up)

4-5 cups bottled water

Raw Honey (around 2 cups)

Place all in a stainless steel pot. Bring to boil, and then reduce heat to moderate, to a simmer. Let this cook down about 1/2.  Mash the mixture a little bit with a fork or other kitchen utensil after the berries start getting soft.

After the liquid has reduced, then carefully start straining the mixture. I love to use the potato ricer because it gets all the juice out. Be very careful with it though. You can let the mixture cool just a little, but not all the way. You want the honey to mix well.

After you get this all strained, measure, and add equal amounts of honey. This should make about 4 cups of Elderberry syrup. Store in a large mason jar, and keep in your refrigerator.

This is awesome to use as pancake syrup too! It goes along with my philosophy of letting food be your medicine!

Benefits of Elderberry Syrup

I will just share as a nurse, I’m pretty sure there are not any double-blinded studies related to the benefits of elderberry syrup. Elderberry syrup has been used for years by herbalists as a way to nurture the body with ingredients full of antioxidants and immune support.

The benefits of using elderberries may include being supportive of the immune system, help with inflammation issues, reduce symptoms and time to heal after contracting a cold or flu, supportive for sinus issues, allergies, and constipation.  (this does not take the place of consulting your medical doctor, and is in no way attempting to diagnosis or provide treatment guidelines)

The Sloan Kettering Memorial Site which provides wonderful information on all types of herbal use shares there have been limited studies to suggest elderberries may reduce flu and cold symptoms.

Safety issues are to never use elderberries uncooked as they contain compounds that may promote cyanide toxicity. So you ALWAYS need to cook your elderberries. Other cautions are to avoid if you have autoimmune issues, are on antidiabetic medications, or are on a diuretic or laxative (as the elderberries may increase the action of those medications). Also a caution that pregnant or lactating women have a potential for gastrointestinal distress.

Of course, you also need to look for any allergic reaction when introducing a new food into your system. There was a case reported of 11 people getting nausea and vomiting from a juice made with the elderberries, but they had juiced and injected RAW elderberries and leaves. So, do not make juice from raw berries and drink it. It must be cooked.

All in all, this is an awesome way to add nourishment through food!

It’s one of my favorites, and I always have it made up in my fridge! I keep this on hand year-round. Buying the supplies as I listed, (getting the elderberries in bulk), you will have enough supplies to last all fall and winter. I make another batch up as soon as we are out!

Be Well!

~ Authentically Joycelynn

 

Filed Under: Apothecary Tagged With: apothecary nurse, elderberry syrup, Herbal Medicine

August 23, 2014 by Joycelynn

10 Ways to Naturally Combat Sniffle Season this Crazy Winter

 

Just how do you prepare yourself for the flu/cold season? Do you get a flu shot? I am a natural health sort of person, and take natural/healthy measure to guard myself during this time As a health care professional, I am required to obtain a flu shot. Follow up with your health care provider for more information.

So what can you do to prepare for the flu/cold season? Actually these principles can be used year round. I have provided 10 + tips that I use and I recommend for my family and friends.

1. Good hand washing! There is NO substitution for good hand washing. I don’t use antibacterial soaps. Just soap, water, and good hand washing techniques. Lather up and wash with good friction for 15-20 seconds. Your hands have normal flora to protect the skin. Repeated harsh use of antibacterial products strip your skin of this natural protector. (and make them dry and vulnerable to little cracks)  Just make sure you are washing for at least 15 seconds. This is longer than you think!

woman hands

2. Don’t fight it. Many times becoming sick is the body’s way of saying it has had enough. So, instead of loading myself down with every OTC on the market to hide the symptoms, I decide to allow my body to rest and recover. I do use herbal preparations, essential oils and silver solutions though. (all natural).  Have your plan in place ahead of time. Having supplies on hand, ready to go, or already in use is key! I’ve just made elderberry syrup, and I have an Echinacea tincture in the works right now! Rest, relax, rest, relax. This can be tricky if you are the caregiver of small children. This may be the time to call on family and friends for some help. Rest is needed for the body to restore. Children need rest too though. Make sure they don’t have schedules so full they are not able to catch up.

herbal medicine

3. Drink plenty of fluids. Keep your body hydrated. I don’t buy sugary fruit juices. Water, and herbal teas work for me. I love to drink herbal teas that support the immune system and those that have special properties to support whatever my body has need of. I will also add lemon essential oil to my water to make it tastier and to add special supporting properties.

4. Herbs/Vitamins:

a. Ginger.  It’s great to use fresh ginger and steep it in hot water. This is really great for  congestion. It’s a bit hot for children, so I keep this one for adults. You can add a drop or two of lemon essential oil. It’s helps add to the taste, and provides an extra healthy boost.

b. Nettles. This herb is awesome for it’s mineral boosting properties. I create a tea with this generally. I also have made a vinegar boost with nettles, by using a pint jar.. Fill will dried nettles and pour vinegar over it… Keep it in a cool dark area for about 4 weeks. Then strain it.  This is great to take a tsp a day for added health support. And you can use it as a dressing for salads.

= smoothies

c. Elderberry syrup. You can buy in a health food store, or make your own. It’s SO easy to make your own! I just made some. I’ll post a recipe soon!

d. Ginger and honey: A cup of raw honey (local has nice properties to help with local allergens)  and chopped up fresh ginger.  Mix it together and infuse for about 2 weeks. You can take the ginger out. Then a tsp-tbsp/day for immune building properties.

e. Thyme steam inhalation: This is great to create and inhalation with either fresh/dried thyme in a bowl of steaming water, or use a few drops of thyme essential oil. Great to help for the respiratory system. Not for small children, or pregnant women generally.

f. Garlic… not so much an herb.. but a very important natural tool to use. Most people say a clove of garlic/day.  This is pretty strong, but you can take garlic capsules, or even mask the taste some with mincing garlic and mixing with honey.

garlic on a white background

g. Vitamin C and Zinc… Not herbs… but really important and will help during flu/cold season.

h. A Good multivitamin.

5. Stay away from heavy foods. I allow my body some fasting time.I take good supplements including antioxidants to help my body’s natural immune system. Fresh fruits and light food. Nothing greasy or fried. Some people like to eat foods with hot spices, garlic or horseradish can help with congestion. Warm bone broths… or warm veggie broths.

6. I use essential oils with immune support properties both for inhaling, and applying as directed to areas like my chest if I have a head and chest cold. Aromatherapy is a great natural resource if you use therapeutic grade oils. Invest in a quality book on essential oils to learn about this ancient natural therapy. I have a recipe blend for “flu shot in a bottle”, and I use this frequently and start it with the onset of any cold/flu type illness. I also have oils I use specifically to help improve my breathing!

Lemon

  1. Immune supporting oils: a combination of cinnamon, clove, rosemary, wild orange, and eucalyptus. This has been for me the #1 help in help guard against all the invaders! You can create a roller ball of this to rub on the bottoms of your kids feet. You can create non-toxic hand sanitizing sprays. I love to inhale it deeply when I’ve been around sick people. It’s great to gargle with.
  2. Oregano oil: This is a really strong/hot oil.  Not for pregnant women. Use on the bottoms of your kids feet. This is also strong taste wise. Most children aren’t going to want to gargle with it, but this can be gargled for adults.
  3. Lemon essential oil: great to add a drop to a tsp of honey and swallow for a sore throat.

4. Fever;  peppermint and lavender drop to bottoms of feet, every hour. And you can create leg wraps using cotton or wool fabric strips and cooled water infused with fresh squeezed lemon or lemon essential oils. Wrap around feet and legs, and when they get warm, remove, re wet and wring out the fabric strips and do it again!

Essential oil with orange peel

7. Ears: Melaleuca oil behind the ears.

I create my own nasal inhalers and nasal sprays. I use colloidal silver and eucalyptus essential oil in the nasal sprays.

8. Set your TV channel to the spa station. They are always playing soothing relaxing music, and for me I like not watching intense movies at this time.

9. Do not cough or sneeze into the air. Keep a supply of tissues and then you are reducing the spread. These types of viruses are so contagious. (if you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve.)

Tissue box10. I love a Neti Pot. If you don’t know what this is, just do a Google search. You can find these at any drug store and even Walmart. This is a nasal irrigation device. Use saline packets that can be purchased for the pot Follow the directions!. Also, if you have swollen nasal passages, I  use a drop eucalyptus. This helps reduce nasal passages. Caution: Do not use tap water, and make sure you keep the unit really clean. DO NOT USE TAP WATER!

11. Eat as many raw foods as possible. These are packed with so many nutrients! I love green smoothies during times like this. So packed full of nutrition! Also, you can make really health vegetable broth by getting a large pot and placing lot’s of healthy veggies like celery, onion, carrots, garlic, greens, and whatever you want to add! Stay away from sugars and sweets as much as you can. Remember NOURISHMENT is the key here… Plenty of healthy smoothies as prevention… Try the warmer broths and soups when you are sick…

***FREE Herbal and Aromatherapy books: At least 1-2 times/week I’m able to find completely FREE kindle ebooks from amazon.com.  I get this newsletter to my email, and these books are listed under non-fiction.  You don’t have to have a kindle. You can download a kindle app to your nook or computer…

http://jungledealsandsteals.com/

Disclaimer: I don’t give these tips as medical advice or suggest that you don’t consult your physician. There are times medical intervention is necessary. Many times we just need to rest. Nature’s store abounds with things to support us during times when we need to heal. I’m signing off now.

Time to make some tea!

I also love Rosemary Gladstar’s book and Demetria Clark’s book on herbal and aromatherapy preparations that you can get off of Amazon.com.

 

Be Well! Be Whole!

Joyce

Filed Under: Apothecary Tagged With: Herbal Medicine

November 9, 2012 by Joycelynn

Essential Oils for the Caregiver’s Soul

I love the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. The uplifting stories are so inspiring and encouraging. Words can create an environment of peace and healing. Essential oils can have this same affect. At this very moment, I am diffusing an calming and uplifting blend of wild orange and a proprietary blend called Elevation. There is a vibrational energy associated with oils. To explain what I mean by vibrational energy, this is a scientific principle which defines all matter with a frequency level. By using essential oils with a calming or uplifting frequency, we can actually create this environment in our own bodies. Currently I am reading Valerie Wormwood’s book Aromatherapy for the Soul. She does a wonderful job exploring essential oils and sharing how properties of the oils are so much more than the smell.I am enjoying exploring the different vibrational energies of the oils. My favorites right now are the grounding, meditative oils.

 QUIET TIME

  During prayer and meditation for me, it is often easy to get distracted and allow sporatic thoughts to overtake my mind. This is a great use of essential oils because when you use oils that are more grounding and meditative, you usually aren’t sidetracked with other memories associated with some smells like cookies baking or grandmother’s perfume. I use meditative oils like Frankincense and Myrrh, and grounding oils like Sandalwood and Patchouli. Healing Oils of the Bible by David Stewart is another favorite of mine. There are over 188 references to essential oils in the Bible. Essential oils have been around the world from the beginning of time, and only in the past few years have these precious oils been explored in North America for their holistic healing properties.

HOLISTIC HEALING

  As a holistic nurse, I believe our health is more than our physical bodies. It is my belief that only when we approach health from a physicial, emotional, and spiritual framework can true healing begin. Healing doesn’t always mean curing. Healing can be an emotional letting go, even in times of transition from this life through the doors of leaving this world. Another favorite book of mine is Emotional Healing with Essential Oils.

SET UP YOUR SPACE

  Create a space for healing, prayer, meditation, and worship. This area needs to be clean, cleared, and de-cluttered. Set up your diffuser with a nice meditative or grounding blend. You can contact me directly at joyce@theessentialnurse.com  to discuss the oils I use and what is suggested for your particular need. Create a peaceful environment by placing a comfortable chair and soft lighting system. I am adding a waterfall fountain table top piece to my room where I write, pray, have my Bible study.

 HEALING PROPERTIES

 Properties of essential oils can can include relaxation, emotional release, stress reduction, energy, spiritual healing, balance, meditative, focus, grounding, centering, releasing, any many more. Don’t you feel overwhelmed many days by the hustle and bustle of responsibilities and duties? Taking time to step back, breathe, and become still for even a few minutes can often times bring balance to your energy that will enable you to continue without all the stress and disruption in your spirit.

 

Filed Under: Apothecary Tagged With: caregiver, Herbal Medicine, self care, wellness, wellness solutions

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