Feel a cold coming on? Is a coworker sick and you just KNOW you are next?
Have no fear, taking this herb can boost your immune system and even shorten your cold by (an average of) 4 whole days. Grab a kombucha and read on to learn more.
Elderberry is an herb that can naturally improve colds, the flu, sinus issues, inflammation and more (Per Dr. Axe). It is so effective that during the flu epidemic in 1995, the Panama government used elderberry to combat the issue. Convinced yet?
Nadia Quraishi, a sweet friend + holistic nutritionist, recently started creating her own elderberry kits (find them here) because although she knew that the benefits of elderberry were evident, alot of the products she found in stores had additives, sugar, and alot of junk. She explains,” I started making my own syrup using carefully selected organic ingredients and local raw honey. I also created an elderberry kit for those who like to make their own syrup or want a kit on hand. The kit has all the ingredients you’ll need except for water and honey. “
When selecting a honey, she advises you to use a local raw honey as it is great for allergies but you can swap out honey for a good maple syrup if you are vegan or have a baby under age 1.
What else is in the elderberry kit? Her kit includes ginger and cloves which are known to reduce inflammation. She also adds a ceylon cinnamon stick to each kit which has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. The elderberry combo kit has a blend of amazing immune boosting properties. After making the combo (which is SUPER easy by the way – instructions are on the packaging!), it can be stored in the fridge for up to three months. There are no preservatives in the combo so it is important to keep it fresh!
When is it appropriate to take elderberry you ask? Nadia recommends taking elderberry as a preventative measure. Use it anytime you need an immune boost like before traveling, to stabilize blood sugar, and it may also be beneficial for blood pressure.
“I recommend taking 1 tbsp a day for adults, and 1/2 -1 tsp for children. At the first signs of a cold, take that dosage 3-4 times a day”
You can find Nadia’s elderberry kits HERE (Not an ad, I just love supporing small businesses + healthy ventures!). Stay tuned because she will be launching organic gelatin free elderberry gummies soon! Stay tuned.
And head over to my instagram at BYOK to enter a giveaway to win one of Nadia’s elderberry kits!
