02/25/2018 / By Zoey Sky
Elderberries, the fruit of the flowering plant known as Sambucus, is often called elder or elderflower. The full scientific name of the most common variant, which is the major source of elderberries, is Sambucus nigra.
Elderberries have many health benefits, and they can improve respiratory health and boost immunity. Both elderberry tincture and elderberry syrup help decrease “the viral load of the influenza virus.” Many believe that elderberry and star anise prevents the replication of the virus. (h/t to TheSurvivalistBlog.net)
Influenza is often treated with Tamiflu, an antiviral medication. Star anise is the active ingredient in Tamiflu, which is also an ingredient in elderberry cough syrup.
However, herbal remedies are a more affordable alternative to Tamiflu, and they don’t require a doctor’s prescription. (Related: Elderberry is an Effective Treatment for Colds and Flu.)
Elderberry cough syrup ingredients:
½ cup elderberries
12 star anise pods
4 cinnamon sticks
8 cloves
2 cup water
1 cup honey
Dosage: For adults, one tablespoon must be taken every hour until the coughing subsides. For children, use at least half to one teaspoon every two to three hours as needed if they have a cough.
You can also include licorice root and ginger in the cough syrup. Licorice root can boost the immune system while ginger can ease the pain caused by coughing and it can help ease nausea.
Elderberry tincture doesn’t have to be refrigerated, and it has a long shelf life. But do take note that the recipe includes alcohol. If you are allergic to alcohol or if you want an alternative, make the cough syrup mixture instead.
Elderberry tincture ingredients:
1 cup elderberries
100 proof vodka
Dosage: Include one tablespoon of the tincture in some tea. You can also add some honey and lemon juice. You must stay hydrated if you have the flu, so drink a lot of water and other clear fluids. Try to drink a cup of tea every hour.
Here are some interesting facts about elderberries:
You can read more articles about the benefits of elderberries and other natural cures at Herbs.news.
Sources include:
Tagged Under: botanicals, Cough, cough syrup, elderberries, Elderberry, elderberry cough syrup, elderberry tincture, Flu, herbal medicine, herbal remedies, Herbs, influenza, natural cures, natural healing, natural medicine, natural remedies, remedies