Elderberry Syrup; Is It Worth The Cost?

Elderberry syrup is the nectar of the Earth. It's deliciousness is only topped by it's benefits for your immune system!

Elderberry has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries in Greece, Scandinavia, Portugal, and Morocco. It’s one of the most common medicinal plants in the world and has been used to treat fever and rheumatism, sciatica, infections, and to boost the immune system. Today, elderberry supplements are mainly used to treat cold and flu symptoms because they are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.

What Is It?

Elderberry syrup ingredients vary by brand. But here at Jamison Pastures we use no spray hand picked elderberries grown on our farm, no spray hand picked rosemary grown on our farm, organic echinacea, organic cinnamon, organic cloves, organic ginger, organic turmeric, organic garlic, organic lemons, and local raw clover honey. We take all of these ingredients (minus honey), add distilled water and boil it to get all the nutritious benefits extracted. After boiling, stirring, and boiling some more, we allow it to cool to just under 100°F, strain it, then add honey. We then bottle it and refrigerate it.

What's So Important About Adding Honey After It Cools?

Honey has naturally occurring antioxidants which have antibacterial and healing properties. Heating honey to high temperatures – generally above 100-110°F – eliminates these benefits by killing the bacteria, enzymes, and antioxidants that make honey so powerful.

How Is Elderberry Syrup Beneficial?

There's 10 major reasons why elderberry syrup is super beneficial.

High in Vitamin C

-supports immune health, prevents illness, aids in tissue repair and to reverse oxidative damage, maintains cellular function, and promotes healthy skin.

High Antioxidant Properties

-contains protocatechuic and chlorogenic acid, and various phytonutrients (nutrients found in plants) like the flavonoids quercetin and rutin. Flavonoids have anti-inflammatory effects and protect cells from oxidative damage that can lead to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia

Increases Heart Health

-antioxidants lower inflammation as well as cholesterol by the phytonutrients binding to the cholesterol and expelling it from the body

-reduces blood pressure by lowering the amount of uric acid in blood

Lowers Inflammation and Stress

-Polyphenol flavonoids may reduce inflammation in the brain and support gut health, both of which can positively impact mental health

Boosts Immune System

-may reduce the duration of the common cold, as well as upper respiratory infections and influenza

Increases Respiratory and Lung Health

-contain quercetin, which is a flavonoid and antioxidant that’s known to support lung function, especially in those who suffer from asthma and chronic obtrusive pulmonary disease

Improves Gut Health

-prebiotics, a form of fiber, which feeds probiotics, the good bacteria, within the gut

Good For Blood Sugar Management

-phytonutrients and polyphenols help the body to process glucose more efficiently

Eases Sore Throats and Coughs

-Ingredients such as lemon and ginger naturally ease rough, irritated throats and honey coats it to reduce coughing and additional irritation

Improves Skin Appearance

-Antioxidants reduce oxidative damage in the body, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, improving elasticity and skin tone

Dosage Recommendations

Adults: Take 1 Tablespoon once per day for immune support

Take 1 Tablespoon up to four times per day during illness

Child: Take 1 teaspoon once per day for immune support

Take 1 teaspoon up to four times per day during illness

Infants: Do not use due to honey

Storing Elderberry Syrup

Always keep elderberry syrup refrigerated. It will last in the fridge up to 3 months. You can also pour it into ice cube trays and freeze it. Once frozen transfer to air tight bags and it can last in the freezer for up to 6 moths.

Legal Disclaimer

Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health conditions.

Studies

Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4848651/

Randomized Study of The Efficiency and Safety of Oral Elderberry Extract in the Treatment of Influenza A and B Virus Infections

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15080016/

Advanced Research on the Antioxidant and Health Benefits of Elderberry (Sambucus Nigra) in Food-a review

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464614002400