If you’re focusing on natural, homeopathic alternatives to traditional medicine, then elderberry syrup is a perfect supplement to roll into your healthy lifestyle. Why? Because elderberries contain phenolic acid, flavonols, and anthocyanins, which are powerful anti-oxidants. They also are high in Vitamin C and fiber. Many people take a tablespoon daily to help boost their immune system, while others take it only at the first signs of the flu, a cold, or allergies. Some add in Oscillococcinum (which you can buy at any local pharmacy in the cold and flu section) because when used along with elderberry syrup, it can help reduce the duration and severity of flu symptoms.
Why buy local?
I’d definitely find a local vendor. The Little Beekeeper, which produces a high-quality elderberry syrup, explains why. “People frequently message to ask, ‘What’s the difference in elderberry syrup products that don’t require refrigeration?’ Shelf stable products with ‘raw honey’ have to be heated (so the honey isn’t raw anymore), and the honey has to be cooked. If not, once left at room temp for more than 5 hours fermentation starts … Anyone can put anything on a label, but if it’s ‘shelf stable,’ the honey isn’t raw. And the honey has most certainly been heated.” She also added that if the shelf-stable products aren’t heated, then preservatives have been added. In other words the elderberry syrup you buy off the shelf at your local pharmacy does not contain honey that is as good and pure as what’s found in a local vendor’s syrup. A word of caution: raw honey should not be consumed by children less than a year old.
Local raw honey helps maintain optimum health because of the following:
- Blend of local pollen can strengthen your immune system and fight against specific local allergens.
- Antioxidants and phytonutrients can help protect your body’s cells from damage.
- B6 and folate help your body function properly.
- Acts as a natural cough suppressant and soothes a sore throat
But maybe you’re already converted and just looking for a local supplier. Here are a few.
The Little Beekeeper Elderberry Syrup
This local woman-owned company adheres to the strictest standards. It is also home to a girl who at age nine was the youngest certified beekeeper in North Carolina. The Little BeeKeeper prides itself in small handcrafted batches that it personally sees from starting point to end. Made from elderberries, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, citrus, and local raw honey.
You can find it at these locations.
Huntersville
First Float
Mooresville
Cannon Pharmacy
Denver
The Red Barn Marketplace
The Elderberry Syrup Lady
Wherever you are in Lake Norman, The Elderberry Syrup Lady has got your covered. Her syrup contains elderberry, rosehips (supports respiration and circulation), ginger (anti-inflammatory), cloves, star anise (viral buster), lemon, cinnamon, and local raw honey. According to her Facebook page, “The elderberries we use are wild crafted which means they are forged in their wild terrestrial habitat, untouched by pesticides and chemicals. They are also grown in their natural soil which is perfectly balanced with the right nutrients for the plant to thrive.”
You can find it at these locations.
Cornelius
Brow Lounge LKN
Mooresville
Josh’s Farmers Market
Sweet Grass
Evervital MD
Denver
Wellbody Chiropractic/ Acupuncture and Wellness Center
Sweet’s Syrup
Sweet’s Syrup grew out of a family’s journey to be more proactive about wellness: “I made elderberry syrup for my family using local honey and the best ingredients available. We quickly discovered that the syrup not only eliminated our need for over-the-counter cold medicines when we were sick, it also helped us stay healthy,” (via website). Enjoy its simple and tasty syrup made from organic elderberries, organic ceylon cinnamon, organic ginger, organic cloves, and local raw honey.
You can find it at these locations.
Huntersville
Benton Integrative Medicine
Old Store Produce
The Bradford Store
Davidson
The Pickled Peach
Mooresville
Reckless Running
Langtree Chiropractic
Denver
Black’s Produce
Cover image courtesy of Via Sweet Grass’ Facebook page
