Elderberry for Flu -- Who Knew?

photo source - Wikipedia

Rabbi Jem and I believe it's important to heed the advice of the CDC and President Trump during this time of combatting the Corona Virus.  We decided to stop all gatherings at the synagogue until this pandemic is over.  We're encouraging our congregation to listen to the warnings and stay at home if at all possible.  It's the wise and common sense thing to do.

It's also important during this time to remember this verse:  

"Be still, and know that I AM God." 

(Psalm 46:11)

Since we're all supposed to be staying out of public places in order to slow/stop the virus, it's a perfect time to:

• be prayer-full - pray for your loved ones, neighbors, family, and leaders 
• be thank-full - make a list and add to it daily.  I'm thankful for Walmart's online ordering with curb service and for the "senior shopping" hours started by our local grocery stores
• be worship-full - I love music and keep it playing all day long.  I have a large list of songs here on my blog -- on the right, under Labels.
• be thought-full - I'm reading the Word and keeping that foremost in my mind. Last week's POST - My Corona Virus Safety Plan has some wonder-full scriptures to focus on (instead of the news on television)
• be help-full - often, in stillness, God will bring someone to my mind. I pray for them, and then if they keep coming to mind, I'll contact them.  I'm trying to remember to reach out with a kind offer to help my neighbors, friends, family and congregation members.
• be grace-full - this is a stress-full time for people.  Some people are very fear-full. I'm mind-full of being kind and patient with those I come in contact with.  I want to be an encourager.

I think it's also wise to use the things God made for our health and healing.  I'll be talking about two of those today. 

In the fall of 2019, I learned about elderberry and started making and using it.  A friend gave me a bag of dried berries, and I made both the syrup and tincture. This is the recipe I used for the syrup:

Elderberry Syrup:

• 3/4 cup dried elderberries
• 3 cups water
• 1 teaspoon dried cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon dried cloves or 4 whole cloves or 1 drop clove essential oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger or 1 teaspoon dried ginger or 1 drop ginger essential oil
•  3/4 - 1 cup raw honey (depends on your tastebuds for sweetness)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring the elderberries, water, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger to a boil.
2. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer till liquid has reduced by half (40-45 minutes).
3. Let mixture cool, then drain the liquid using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
4. Press all liquid out of the berries with the back of a wooden spoon.
5. Add the raw honey and mix well. 
6. Store in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to four months.        

This is a small batch of elderberry tincture - made in November

The elderberry tincture is different and is easier to make, (just add 80 proof brandy or vodka to the berries) but takes longer. I made some in November and it's now ready to use.  I found some great information about the syrup and how to make the tincture at Deep Roots At Home, which is a lovely blog that I highly recommend.  Jacqueline is a former nurse and writes great articles about health and natural healing remedies.  

We've been taking elderberry syrup since November, and have not had any colds or flu.  If we feel a sore throat or cold symptoms, we take a tablespoon of the syrup and the discomfort goes away. 

I'm a big believer in essential oils for health, too.  We've been using DoTerra's On-Guard blend daily.  I use the oil on my big toe and thumb at bedtime, in hand soap, and I keep a roller bottle in my purse.  Before I go out, I roll the oil on my throat and upper chest so that I'm breathing it in while around people.  I also use it in my diffuser as well as at the synagogue.  Here's the link to my website.  Click on Essential Oils 101 to read about the benefits of using On-Guard during cold and flu season.  

Are you using any herbals or oils during this season?   And, are you finding any specific scriptures use-full during this time?  Please share in the comments.

Stay safe, Gail-Friends, and have a blessed "stay-cation."

 ~~~

Medical Disclaimer:

I am not a doctor or a nurse. I'm a beginning student of herbal remedies and natural health. The things I am using are my own personal health choices.  Be sure to consult your physician or health professional about your own personal health choices and decisions.  NO information on this site should be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition without consulting your health professional.