Springtime can mean sick time
Springtime! The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, pink blossoms are unfurling from their buds. Tis' the season of glorious change. This seasonal transition, however, can be hard on our immune systems as our internal climates adapt to the changing external environment. In fact, as I write this, a cough is creeping in, and my lymph nodes are swelling a bit. Good thing I've got my Elderberry Extract on hand!
Fluctuations of our bodies' ecosystems during seasonal transitions can easily go unnoticed. I find it fascinating just how impressionable our bodies are to our external environment. As springtime encroaches, our cortisol levels quietly rise, activating our internal security system, as it detects the increased activity of animal and plant life outside, and alerts our immune response to stand at the ready in case of invaders.
Many of us use Elderberry for preventative health, and it is especially useful during seasonal changes. Its berry sweetness also makes it a yummy treat for kids (three cheers for healthy and delicious!). If you haven't yet added Elderberry to your arsenal for kids' health, consider the experience of Janine, mother of an energetic toddler and a natural health enthusiast:
"Elderberry syrup is one of my go-to secret weapons against fighting sickness. Every time. Because he is in day-care, I can't tell you how many times my little boy starts having symptoms of various children colds. I dose him with Elderberry, along with children's goldenseal, and symptoms always quickly disappear or the sickness moves extremely fast. There's never been a side effect and he loves the taste, so I don't have to mix it with anything sugary. So happy to have this product in my cabinet!"
If your kids are lovers of gummy snacks, consider these Elderberry Gummies as a replacement for the store bought brands. These gummies are made from grass fed gelatin, which, according to the Weston A. Price Foundation among others, aids in: cell regeneration; joint recovery; gut health; skin, hair, and nail growth; sleep quality; and is a unique source of dietary collagen and protein. The amino acids found in grass fed gelatin are those found in animal bones, fibrous tissue, and organs, which as a culture we do not consume regularly anymore. Many folks use grass fed gelatin for arthritis and other joint ailments for immediate relief and long term recovery. Others find it extremely effective in healing the gut lining and in addressing food and other allergies.These gummies are also free of refined sugar, preservatives, and colorings. They're a great way to get immune system supporting nutrients into your child's diet, but don't expect them to last long: you'll be gobbling them up, as well! I just polished off my stash this morning.
Below you will find two recipes: the first is made strictly from Elderberry Extract and is more elderberry potent, while the second is a blend of Elderberry Extract and other juices and may be preferred by the little ones due to the vanilla and honey.
Pure Elderberry Gummies
Ingredients
- 1 cup Elderberry Extract
- 1/2 cup hot water (not boiling)
- 1/4 cup grass-fed gelatin powder (I use this kind)
- Silicon candy/chocolate mold or glass pan
Directions
- Pour 1/4 cup of the elderberry extract in to a measuring cup, and add the gelatin powder, quickly whisking together to disperse the powder (or else it will clump).
- Add the half cup of hot (not boiling) water and stir quickly until smooth.
- Add the remaining Elderberry Extract and stir together until completely smooth.
- Pour into molds.
- Place in the fridge for 1-3 hours, or freezer for 15 minutes, until set.
- Pop out of molds and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Take daily as needed for preventative care, or every few hours to more quickly overcome a cold.
Mixed Elderberry Gummies
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups Pure Tart Cherry Juice or Pure Pomegranate Juice
- 4 Tablespoons grass-fed gelatin powder (I use this kind)
- 1/4 cup Elderberry Extract
- 2 Tablespoons raw honey (local is best, if possible)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Silicon candy/chocolate molds or glass pan
Directions
- Heat 1/2 cup juice until lightly bubbling and set aside.
- Sprinkle gelatin powder into remaining juice and allow to bloom, whisking together until smooth.
- Combine the hot juice with the juice/gelatin mixture and add the Elderberry Extract, honey, and vanilla extract, whisking together until combined.
- Pour into molds.
- Place in the fridge for 1-3 hours, or freezer for 15 minutes, until set.
- Pop out of molds and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.