Elderberry has become one of the popular superfoods due to its impeccable health benefits. However, with health benefits, it also has a few drawbacks that few people are aware of. Folks in Europe use elderberries as a medicine for treating infections and treating colds.
Considering how elderberry is in such limelight, we are exploring elderberry syrup benefits, drawbacks and how to make it. This article will come in handy if you want to incorporate elderberries into your routine. Jump right in to know all about elderberry syrup and much more!
Benefits of Consuming Elderberry Syrup
You are missing out if you don’t know about elderberry benefits yet. Elderberry has great health benefits that will provide you with a boost in energy. If you are skeptical about making or getting elderberry syrup, you should continue reading. Here are some of the elderberry benefits:
1. Acts as a Laxative
One of the common benefits of elderberries is its ability to improve digestion. Most people like to have elderberry syrup as a laxative as it significantly improves digestion. It has a great antioxidant level which helps repair your gut and support it efficiently.
On the other hand, it has anti-inflammatory properties that help it work faster. It is best to have two teaspoons of elderberry syrup every morning for faster digestion. You may not see immediate results after having an elderberry. Hence, if you suffer from bad constipation and need immediate relief, you should take laxatives.
2. Helps Treat Viral Infections
Elderberry is quite famous in European countries because of its medicinal properties. It is a rich source of antioxidants which helps strengthen your immune system. The antioxidants help in providing faster recovery and also help in protecting you against cold.
On the other hand, its anti-inflammatory properties are great in providing recovery from redness and itchiness. It is best to have one to two teaspoons of elderberry syrup daily. You can start having elderberry syrup in the cold weather to increase your immunity. It helps in keeping you warm and relieves congestion.
3. Beautiful Skin
Elderberry is not great for your health, but it has skin benefits also. If you want beautiful and glowing skin, elderberries can contribute to it. One of the best things about elderberries is its potent compounds that boost the skin’s natural glow.
Many skincare products have elderberry extract in them to promote faster cell regeneration. However, having elderberry syrup can show a much faster result than applying its skincare. Adults can have two teaspoons of elderberry syrup daily to boost their immunity and skin radiance. Besides having elderberry syrup for skin care, you must also improve your diet and drink water.
What are the potential Drawbacks of Having Elderberry Syrup?
Elderberry has quite a few benefits that will help you achieve good health. However, if you don’t have enough elderberries, it can harm your health. Here are a few potential risks of having elderberry syrups:
● High Blood Sugar Levels
One of the potential risks of having elderberry syrup is a hike in your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, having a high elderberry dosage can harm you. The sudden rise in your blood sugar level can make you feel dizzy. Hence, it is best to consult your doctor before having an elderberry, especially if you have diabetes.
● Diarrhea
Elderberry is not something you should have in its raw and natural form. People who have had elderberry raw reported nausea and diarrhea. If you want to prevent getting a stomach bug after having elderberry, it is best to have it as a syrup.
On the other hand, your consumption of elderberry syrup should not be too much; having too much elderberry syrup can cause diarrhea. People use it as a laxative, but it can give you diarrhea if you don’t have constipation.
● Kidney Issues
If you are wondering who should not take elderberry, kidney patients should avoid it. It is diuretic in nature which can cause you to urinate frequently. Hence, people with kidney issues should not have an excess dose. On the other hand, if you are willing to try it, have it in smaller portions.
How to Make Elderberry Syrup at Home?
If you want to make elderberry syrup at home, you need a few ingredients. The process is very easy; here are the ingredients you need:
- Handful Dried elderberries
- 2 cups of water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Small ginger piece
- 2 teaspoons of honey
To make elderberry syrup, you must boil dried elderberries in two cups. Once the water boils, use a wooden spoon to crush elderberries. Add one cinnamon stick, ginger piece and two teaspoons of honey to the boiling mixture. Let the elderberry syrup cool before straining it. Store the mixture in a glass jar and have up to two weeks.
Final Verdict
Elderberry is quite beneficial and has a great impact on one’s health. However, it would help if you always had elderberry syrup in moderation to avoid its potential risks. If you live in a colder climate, start having elderberry syrup before colder months arrive to dough viral flu.
