The last two weeks I have been quite sick. Coughing, sneezing, fevering...you name it, I had it. I eventually went to urgent care and was given antibiotics for a sinus infection, but the meds didn't stop me from reaching out to friends and family via Facebook for their favorite natural remedies to kick the common cold.
I received so many great suggestions and many of them I tried. Some were familiar recommendations (gargle with salt water, drink hot lemon water, eat local honey, toss back a shot of whiskey....), while others were new. One of my favorite new suggestions came from a friend who recommended elderberry syrup. I didn't know what it was, but it sounded soothing and delicious. When my husband came back with the bottle of Sambucus Black Elder Berry Extract* from the health food store, I immediately measured out a teaspoon as the directions indicated. I couldn't help but think of Mary Poppins, dispensing medicine to her charges after a day out in the rain. Do you remember that scene? When I was a kid, I imagined that medicine to taste delicious. When I tasted the elderberry syrup, it was as if I was tasting what I had always imagined! Best of all, this gluten free syrup did indeed help my throat, and stifle the cough that came with the head cold and sinus infection.
I did a little research and apparently one can make her own homemade elderberry syrup. My bottle is still full, but when I run out I am intrigued to try this recipe. How cool would it be to make my very own Mary Poppins Elixir. ;-)
In (better) health,
Francine
*Tip: Check all your vitamins, supplements and cold medicines to be sure they are gluten free. Most bottles are labeled these days, but if you have a doubt, I recommend contacting the manufacture or visiting the product website. Often a FAQ page will address the question of additives.
I received so many great suggestions and many of them I tried. Some were familiar recommendations (gargle with salt water, drink hot lemon water, eat local honey, toss back a shot of whiskey....), while others were new. One of my favorite new suggestions came from a friend who recommended elderberry syrup. I didn't know what it was, but it sounded soothing and delicious. When my husband came back with the bottle of Sambucus Black Elder Berry Extract* from the health food store, I immediately measured out a teaspoon as the directions indicated. I couldn't help but think of Mary Poppins, dispensing medicine to her charges after a day out in the rain. Do you remember that scene? When I was a kid, I imagined that medicine to taste delicious. When I tasted the elderberry syrup, it was as if I was tasting what I had always imagined! Best of all, this gluten free syrup did indeed help my throat, and stifle the cough that came with the head cold and sinus infection.
I did a little research and apparently one can make her own homemade elderberry syrup. My bottle is still full, but when I run out I am intrigued to try this recipe. How cool would it be to make my very own Mary Poppins Elixir. ;-)
In (better) health,
Francine
*Tip: Check all your vitamins, supplements and cold medicines to be sure they are gluten free. Most bottles are labeled these days, but if you have a doubt, I recommend contacting the manufacture or visiting the product website. Often a FAQ page will address the question of additives.
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