However, preppers won't have that problem because there are various herbal plants that have medicinal properties, such as the versatile elderberry.
When you have the flu, it's up to your immune system to protect you from the virus. You can keep your immune system strong by eating a healthy diet.
But if you already have the flu, elderberries can help you feel better. Used by Native Americans for centuries, elderberry tea can treat both the flu and the common cold.
According to studies, the plant's berries can help stop the production of hormone-like material in white blood cells that cause inflammation. Elderberries can also boost the production of non-inflammatory material that fights infection at least 10 times, and they can help cure at least eight different strains of the flu. (h/t to SurvivalSullivan.com)
Aside from being rich in vitamins A, B, and C, elderberries can be brewed into a tea or turned into a syrup that can help you recover from the flu. Below are some easy recipes for effective elderberry remedies.
Elderberry syrup recipe
Ingredients
- 3 and ½ cups water
- 2/3 cup elderberries
- 1 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon (tsp) cinnamon
- ½ cloves (optional but recommended)
- 1 tablespoon (tbsp) ginger root, dried (optional but recommended)
Directions
- Pour the elderberries and water into a pot and add the cinnamon and optional ingredients.
- Let the mixture boil, cover, and reduce to a simmering heat for about 45 to 60 minutes. Once done, the liquid in the pot should simmer down to at least half its former level.
- Remove the pot from the stove and mash the berries with a wooden spoon or another utensil.
- Filter the mixture into a bowl using a cheesecloth or similar strainer.
- Let the strained mixture cool, then add the honey and stir thoroughly.
- Pour the mixture into a one-quart Mason jar. Refrigerate the elderberry syrup when not in use.
Consume the elderberry syrup daily as an immune system booster or preventative. The recommended dosage of the syrup for adults is about one tablespoon and half a teaspoon for children.
Depending on the patient's symptoms, ingest the syrup at least four to six times a day every three to four hours.
Elderberry tea recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces (oz) water
- 2 tbsp dried elderberries
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ tsp turmeric
Directions
- Put the berries, cinnamon, turmeric, and water in a small pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the stove and let the mixture cool down for at least five minutes.
- Strain the mixture into mugs using cheesecloth or a coffee filter.
Add some honey to the elderberry tea and drink it if you have the flu. You can also let the mixture cool and pour it over some ice for cold elderberry tea. (Related: Natural first-aid treatments of old can help you survive off-grid emergencies.)
Plant some elderberries in your garden today so you can have access to an effective herbal remedy for the flu. Using the recipes above, you can strengthen your immune system with some elderberry tea or syrup.
Tips for growing elderberry bushes
Elderberries thrive in moist soil, but they can also grow in dry soil. While the plant prefers full sun, it can tolerate partial shade.
In a typical season, an elderberry bush will grow about two feet. When fully grown, an elderberry bush can grow from six feet (1.8 m) to 16 feet (4.8 m). Wild elderberry bushes can even grow as tall as a whopping 50 feet.
Elderberry bushes usually produce more fruit faster than other kinds of fruit-producing bushes or trees. You can harvest berries within about one or two years of planting elderberry bushes.
Elderberry bushes are also great natural fencing material. In fact, after four years a single bush can turn into a full and dense hedge.
You can read more articles about the medicinal properties of elderberries and other natural cures at Healing.news.
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