Yesterday I made my first batch of Elderberry syrup this year. I’ve been making it the past 3 summers now. It’s funny because when I moved here and saw the tree in my yard, I didn’t even know it was Elderberry. I’d posted a picture once saying the little white budding flowers looked like Dippin’ Dots and a friend (I would say she’s a flower queen) told me what they were and how useful the plant is. I’m forever grateful for that. This became the plant that really sparked my interest in homemade remedies and the usefulness of plants as medicine. When I noticed Blackberries, Honeysuckle, and Passion flowers also growing along the same fence next to the tree, I knew I had so much to learn, and I was really lucky.
I think the process of making syrup yesterday was the most soothing and easy one so far. It takes about 3 hours to do in all, the harvesting, picking berries off stems, taking out unripe berries, then boiling, simmering, adding other herbs, straining, cooling and portioning. It was like a meditation for me, listening to beautiful music, stirring with intent, watching the steam, smelling the aroma – I really enjoy cooking and making things myself.. I never knew I could until I tried.
My homemade Elderberry syrup
In my Elderberry syrup, I added freshly picked Mint leaves from my herb garden, then raw local honey and a squeezed lemon once it cooled. The result was delicious and the color is just so amazing. I filled 2 mason jars – they’ll last me for the next 3 months. I’ll probably make another batch to share with family once more berries ripen in a few weeks.
Elderberries are an ancient medicine that protect against viruses. I can honestly say that since I’ve been making and drinking my own Elderberry syrup I haven’t gotten sick at all – no colds, coughing, runny nose, congestion, stomach issues, and my skin is healthier. I just take a spoon full in the morning, or add a bit to my lemon water or any juice I drink, even tea, carbonated water or cocktails. I would take this before taking any pill or pharmaceuticals. Everyone has different needs and approaches their health in a unique way. Personally, I wouldn’t have ever known how to help myself until I looked to nature.
To me, nature is the ultimate healer. Everything we need as humans is provided in nature, and everything occurring naturally comes from God. My life journey has revealed to me the value of self-healing through natural remedies, and the pathway nature helps me walk towards the Divine. I have never loved myself more than I do now, I’ve never had so much faith. I’m practically bursting with light and not even sure how to share it or if anyone even wants to know my secrets to happiness.
On my lowest and saddest days, the only thing that helps me is nature. I thank God every day for the miraculousness of nature. Pushing further away from nature only brings imbalance. The only way to know or be more in tune with what’s really going on in the world is by looking at nature and understanding natural processes.
I hope wherever you are, that you see something beautiful in nature today and everyday! Something that makes you curious, that eases your pain, that inspires you to make a necessary change. Only you can bring yourself into nature to realize its power. Maybe you’ll find some wild Elderberries!
Channeling Passions 