It used to be that we’d only pay attention to elderberry syrup or supplements when struck with a nasty cold and wanted to boost our immune system naturally. We used to hear from our grandmothers as children that elderberries would make us well again after suffering from sneezes for days. But it seems now that every store stocks elderberry products front and center in their medicine and supplement aisles – what changed? Why are people paying more attention to natural alternatives to medicine?
Read on to learn more about why everyone seems so obsessed with elderberry, and why you should be, too!
Health Benefits of Elderberry
It goes without saying that the health benefits of elderberry are the primary reasons for the berry’s appeal amongst consumers. We’ve written before on the efficacy of elderberry. For example, we know now that scientists have identified a chemical compound in elderberries that immediately attacks viruses before they can breach cell walls.
Elderberries are rich in anthocyanin, which gives the berry its signature dark purple color. Research shows that this antioxidant improves the body’s immune system by fighting free radical damage. Anthocyanin has boosts production of cytokines that regulate immune responses. Elderberry is very high in vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system to prevent unwanted attacks – which is especially beneficial now as we remain in the Covid-19 pandemic.
Elderberry Tastes Delicious
Elderberries can be used in many different recipes to extract its full range of health benefits. But what does elderberry taste like? It’s both earthy and tangy, with a mild sweetness much like blackberries. It pairs well with sweeter berries like strawberries or blueberries in smoothies or other recipes.
We’ve had customers ask us how to use elderberry in mocktails, cocktails and tea, which is why we’ve put together our Guide to Mocktails and Tea eBook! It’s full of recipes with information on the health benefits of each. You can snag your free copy here [link]! We’ve also curated a YouTube playlist of step-by-step instructional videos so you can easily follow along with each recipe.
Many grocery stores offer elderberry gummies as a tasty supplement, but if you read the labels you’ll find they’re full of harmful chemicals and preservatives like xanthan gum (which is used in wallpaper glue, by the way). Making elderberry gummies yourself is an easy and tasty way to get all the health benefits of organic elderberry syrup into your daily routine without ingesting any of the adverse chemicals. All you need to make elderberry gummies at home is beef gelatin, a gummy mold, and elderberry syrup to make them. We offer a convenient DIY Elderberry Gummy Kit [link] complete with a recipe card to help you get your daily dose of elderberry in a fun way.
Sustainability of Elderberry Farming
Finally, as we grow more aware of the world around us and the impact humans have on the environment, eating foods from sustainable farms that also improve the surrounding ecology has become an important factor in many of our purchasing decisions. Elderberries can be found at the crossroads of sustainable farming, nutrition and economic viability, making them a popular food and supplement choice for many health- and eco-conscious individuals. Elderberry plants can be found across the world and are an easy and cost-effective crop to grow. These plants also have advantageous effects on the local environment.
For example, elderberry bushes attract beneficial insects and pollinators to assist with “biocontrol of pests and pollination of plants in adjacent crops.” It is estimated that planting a hedgerow of elderberries near other crops would save hundreds of dollars in pesticide costs every year for the average farm, and prevent many of those harmful pesticide chemicals from leaking into our food.
As social media makes us more conscious of ways in which we can improve our health and environment, elderberry has gained something of a cult following. We are more concerned than ever about our health, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, which is part of the reason why elderberry syrup and supplements have become so popular. This inexpensive, tasty, and healthy berry can be found everywhere, but it’s important to shop local to receive the full range of benefits that elderberry can offer. High-quality, small batch elderberry syrup will contain the most potent concentration of anthocyanins and vitamins.
Andi Lynn’s Organic Pure Elderberry Syrup is a potent, handcrafted formula with certified organic Black Elderberry juice, certified organic honey, and is loaded with vitamins, minerals and anthocyanins. Our limited edition SpringBerry black elderberry syrup acts as a pollen defense and provides sinus support during springtime, when the air contains more pollutants from trees and flowers beginning to bloom.
Here at Andi Lynn’s, we’re proud to create handcrafted, traditional herbal remedies that taste great and increase your wellbeing. Always talk to your doctor before use, as our products are not intended to diagnose, prevent, or cure any disease.
Stay healthy, y’all!