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One of nature’s most effective antivirals, the humble and powerful Elderberry.

One of nature’s most effective antivirals, the humble and powerful Elderberry.

Posted by PUKKA on 22nd Feb 2022

Elderberry, you might have heard about this powerful tree and its berries. The berries have been especially sought after, especially since 2020, when the majority of the UK got stuck inside their homes and we started to look into more natural ways to stay as healthy as we possibly could. Lots of natural alternatives were found to be incredibly potent and beneficial such as oregano oil, andrographis, echinacea and of course elderberry.

Guest Post by Pukka

To start, what is an elderberry? The elder tree has a rich and varied history of culinary, medicinal and folklore uses. The ‘black elder’ is native to Europe, North Africa and Western Asia. Traditionally, almost every part of the tree is used to prepare remedies, tonics and drinks, including the flowers, berries, bark and leaves and it is known as a ‘complete medicine chest’.

How does elderberry works? Elderberries are a rich source of vitamin C, anthocyanins and flavonoids, which all have antioxidant effects. Elderberries have been shown to prevent viral proliferation, neutralising 10 strains of flu virus and they also have anti-inflammatory effects.

Elderberry Ayurvedic Energetics

  • Taste:Bitter, astringent
  • Temperature: Cooling
  • Doshic effect: Reduces kapha and high pitta inflammation and helps to balance irregular vata. Pukka’s Elderberry Syrup formula balances all three doshas.
  • Energetic actions: Soothing, restorative

Our top Elderberry Picks form Pukka:

Pukka Organic Elderberry Syrup with Manuka Honey: Elderberry Syrup is a delicious organic blend including Ginger and Thyme. This concentrated broad-spectrum syrup contains the highest organic grade, sustainably cultivated herbs, carefully selected to bring you the full potential of nature's goodness.

Pukka Elderberry & Echinacea with Elderflower Tea: Pukka Elderberry & Echinacea with Elderflower is a rich organic tea with fruity warmth that is full of Antioxidative properties and helps boost the immune system.


Elderberry at home - Make your own elderberry syrup

Ingredients

  • 400ml water
  • 100g black
  • Elderberries (dried, or 1 1/3 cups fresh or frozen available on UK hedgerows in September)
  • 2 tbsp ginger (grated)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • 100ml honey

Method

  1. Pour the water into a medium saucepan and add the elderberries, ginger, cinnamon and cloves. Bring to a boil and then cover and reduce to a simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour until the liquid has reduced by almost half.
  2. Remove from heat and let cool until it can be handled.
  3. Mash the berries carefully using a spoon or other flat utensil. Pour through a strainer into a glass jar or bowl.
  4. Discard the elderberries and let the liquid cool to lukewarm. When it is no longer hot, add the honey and stir well.
  5. When the honey is well mixed into the elderberry mixture, pour the syrup into a sealable jar and store in the fridge. 
  6. Use within 2-3 weeks