Elderberries

Herbs With Barbara – Elderberries

Autumn has arrived and it’s harvest time!

Fingers crossed, September will bring some lovely sunshine filled days – but the darker nights are approaching and it will be winter before we know it.

With this in mind, there’s never been a better time to think about boosting your immune system and discovering what natural remedies are available from nature.

This month on Herbs with Barbara we discussed Elderberries.

This magnificent tree has been valued since ancient times and is now one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in the world.

Packed with Vitamin C, rich in anthocyanins and a good source of flavonoids, Elderberry has immune system boosting properties, helping to address cold and flu symptoms, inflammation and infection.

In this month’s episode, Barbara served (in a crystal glass, no less!) a delicious home-produced Elderberry syrup, enriched with herbs and spices including Cinnamon and Star Anise.

Sweet on first taste, it was a bit like drinking room-temerature mulled wine.  Actually, better.

Though this health-boosting syrup tastes great on it’s own, it would also be lovely used in a spritzer or as an alcohol free substitute for Port.

A word of caution though.  Elderberries shouldn’t be eaten raw – and too much of the syrup can have a laxative effect!

Be inspired to make and try some Elderberry syrup for yourself!

You can find a whole host of information and recipes on the Herb Society Website.

The Springfield Clinic of Natural Healing

For personal consultations, you can contact Barbara at the Springfield Clinic of Natural Healing in Hale.  Email: barbara_wilkinson101@hotmail.com

Barbara will next be with us at 10.30am on Thursday 6th October 2022.