Elderberry Syrup's Many Benefits

Winter sure came fast this year and, with it, an early cold and flu season.  There is a folk remedy making a recent comeback that may make this year’s sniffles the easiest to conquer yet.  Dating back to Roman times, elderberry syrup has traditionally been used to improve health and promote longevity.  Over the past ten years, various studies have been undertaken to explore these benefits; their findings show great promise. 

 

Ripe elderberries ready for harvest.

Native to Wisconsin, elderberries contain very high levels of the antioxidant, anthocyanin, giving elderberries an oxygen radical absorbance capacity score double that of blueberries.  When absorbed into the blood vessels’ inner membranes, anthocyanin decreases inflammation, improving circulation and decreasing heart disease and stroke risk.

Perhaps elderberry’s most well-known attribute is its ability to ward off viruses.  This comes through the action of a potent antiviral component, antivirin, which affects the properties of viruses, preventing them from entering cells in order to replicate. Add to that more naturally-occurring Vitamin C than oranges, and elderberry syrup defeats the common cold with a one-two punch.

While many Americans are first learning of elderberry’s benefits, people around the globe have been enjoying the effects of elderberry extract for decades.  Because of its immune-stimulating effects, Israeli hospitals use elderberry syrup in treating cancer and AIDS patients.  Studies in Austria revealed that elderberry extract reduced oxidation of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.  When elderberry syrup was given to patients during a 1993 outbreak of H1N1 flu virus in Panama, 90% were symptom-free within 2-3 days.

The recommended dose for elderberry syrup when treating flu symptoms, and the one commonly used in studies, is one tablespoon four times per day for 3-5 days.  Children can also benefit from taking elderberry syrup; their recommended dose is one tablespoon twice daily for three days.  The syrup can be taken straight from a spoon, mixed with hot water to make a tea, or even blended into smoothies. 

At Morning Star Family Farm in Hartford, Wisconsin, we not only grow elderberries without chemicals, pesticides, or herbicides, we also handcraft our own elderberry syrup.  Available at the farm and at limited local stores, our syrup is as delicious as it is immune-stimulating.  It is one more way we provide a link from our farm to your table.

Merry Christmas!

The Christmas season is fast approaching.  During this special time of the year we seek to prepare our hearts to celebrate the beautiful feast.  Often, however, we find ourselves distracted by other obligations.  If it isn’t shopping for the perfect gift for a loved one, it is time spent fretting about the special meals that must be prepared.  

Here are some suggestions to help keep Christmas preparations from taking over.

1. Delegate.  If you are hosting a big dinner this year, start asking the other families you have invited to bring a dessert or side dish.  Your bachelor brother doesn’t cook?  That’s alright; ask him to bring a package of dinner rolls or a bottle of wine.

2. Try one-stop shopping.  No, not at the big box store.  Bring a little extra meaning to your gifts this year and support local artisans at the same time.  The Milwaukee County Winter Farmers’ Market is held at the Mitchell Park Domes every Saturday from November until April.  With selections ranging from freshly made cheeses to seasonal flavors of kombucha and all points in between, you are sure to find something for everyone on your list.  While you are there, be sure to pick up something special for Christmas dinner.  How about a leg of lamb this year, or maybe a more traditional, but still locally grown, ham? 

3. Stop and savor the season.  Fix some hot cocoa, turn on a little Christmas music, and enjoy the Christmas lights with someone you love.  Spend time with those old friends you haven’t seen for a while.  Above all, remember to celebrate the real reason for the season and share the love of the Christ Child with one and all.

Merry Christmas from all of us at Morning Star Family Farm.