Elderberries & Beyond
Fire Berry
raw apple cider vinegar, raw honey, elderberries, rosehips, ginger, nettle, turmeric, cinnamon, garlic, black pepper, cloves
Boosting Your Immune System with Herbs this Cold and Flu Season
Cold and flu season is here, which means many of us are looking for natural ways to boost our immune systems and stay healthy. Fortunately, herbs provide a powerful means of support, helping to strengthen our body’s defenses and ward off seasonal illnesses. One of the most popular immune-boosting herbs is elderberry, but there’s a whole array of herbal remedies, from fire cider to other oxymels like Fire Berry, that can help you feel your best throughout the season.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the immune-boosting power of elderberries, explore the benefits of fire cider, and introduce you to oxymels as a versatile and tasty way to incorporate herbs into your daily routine. Whether you’re new to herbal remedies or a seasoned enthusiast, you’ll find tips, recipes, and usage advice to help keep your immune system strong all season long.
Elderberries: Nature’s Immune Booster
Elderberries (Sambucus nigra) are one of the most widely used herbs for immune support, and for good reason. These small, dark berries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and antiviral properties that help to bolster the immune system and shorten the duration of cold and flu symptoms.
Rich in Antioxidants: Elderberries are high in flavonoids, particularly anthocyanins, which have powerful antioxidant effects. Antioxidants help protect the body from oxidative stress and strengthen the immune system.
Antiviral Properties: Elderberries have been shown to have antiviral properties, making them effective at fighting off common viruses that cause cold and flu. Studies suggest that elderberry extract can reduce the duration and severity of symptoms if taken early in an illness.
Supports Upper Respiratory Health: Elderberries help reduce inflammation in the respiratory system, which can be particularly helpful during cold and flu season when congestion and coughs are common.
How to Use Elderberries
Elderberry is most commonly taken as a syrup, but elderberry concentrates, teas, and tinctures are also excellent options. I make an Elderberry formula called “Elderberry Concentrate” that incorporates the herbs traditionally used in Elderberry Syrup, but in a shelf stable formula. If you’d like to try making your own elderberry syrup, here’s a simple recipe that you can make at home:
Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried elderberries
- 4 cups water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 cup raw honey
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the elderberries, water, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the liquid is reduced by half.
2. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Strain the liquid into a clean jar or bowl using a fine mesh strainer, pressing down on the berries to extract all the liquid.
3. Stir in the raw honey until well combined.
4. Store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to 4-6 weeks. Take 1-2 tablespoons daily for immune support, or up to 4 times a day when you feel a cold coming on.
Fire Cider: A Spicy Immune Tonic
Fire cider is a traditional herbal remedy that combines immune-boosting herbs, spices, and apple cider vinegar to create a potent tonic. Popularized by herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, fire cider is known for its ability to stimulate circulation, support digestion, and strengthen the immune system, making it a must-have during cold and flu season.
The basic ingredients of fire cider include garlic, onion, ginger, horseradish, cayenne, and apple cider vinegar, but many herbalists add their own variations. The heat from these ingredients helps break up mucus, support respiratory health, and improve overall immunity.
How to Use Fire Cider
Fire cider can be taken daily as a preventive measure, or several times a day at the first sign of illness. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:
Take 1 tablespoon straight in the morning to wake up your immune system.
Add it to warm water with a drizzle of honey for a soothing tea.
Use it as a salad dressing or drizzle over roasted veggies for a flavorful immune boost.
Fire Berry Oxymel: A Twist on Fire Cider
Oxymels are a combination of honey, vinegar, and herbs, making them both medicinal and delicious. They’ve been used for centuries as a way to preserve the benefits of herbs while making them more palatable. Fire Berry, an oxymel blend I’ve created, takes the immune-boosting properties of fire cider and adds elderberries and other herbs like rosehips for a powerhouse of nutrition.
Fire Berry includes:
Elderberries: Packed with antioxidants and antiviral properties to support the immune system.
Rosehips: High in vitamin C, rosehips provide an additional boost to the immune system while supporting skin and joint health.
Ginger and Turmeric: Both are anti-inflammatory and warming herbs that help reduce congestion and improve circulation.
Garlic and Cinnamon: Known for their antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Raw Honey: Apple cider vinegar stimulates digestion and alkalizes the body, while raw honey soothes sore throats and offers antiviral benefits.
How to Use Fire Berry
Like traditional fire cider, Fire Berry can be taken daily or when you’re feeling run down.
Practical Tips for Using Herbs This Cold and Flu Season
1. Start Early: For the best results, start using immune-boosting herbs early in the cold and flu season, rather than waiting until you’re already feeling sick.
2. Consistency is Key: Herbs work best when taken regularly. Incorporate elderberry syrup, fire cider, or oxymels like Fire Berry into your daily routine for ongoing immune support.
3. Make It Fun: Herbs don’t have to taste medicinal. Elderberry syrup and oxymels are delicious and can be easily added to teas, smoothies, or even drizzled over pancakes.
4. Consult with an Herbalist: If you’re new to using herbs or have specific health concerns, working with a clinical herbalist can help you find the right remedies for your unique needs.
Boost Your Immunity Naturally This Season
Herbal remedies like elderberries, fire cider, and oxymels are powerful tools for keeping your immune system strong during cold and flu season. Not only are they effective, but they’re also easy to incorporate into your daily life in ways that taste delicious. Whether you’re taking a spoonful of elderberry syrup, sipping on fire cider, or mixing Fire Berry into your morning drink, these remedies can help you stay healthy and resilient all season long.
Looking for personalized guidance on how to use herbs for immune support? I offer consultations to help you choose the right remedies for your needs and craft a plan to keep you and your family healthy. Get in touch today to schedule your consultation!