Blog – Page 4 – GreenDesert

Jun7

Health

Lavender

Lavender is one of the most well known flowers for it’s scent and color. But lavender also has loads of medicinal properties and can be used as a remedy for quite a few ailments. It is best known for its soothing abilities, and there are not many issues it cannot soothe. The most common uses for lavender are as a remedy for stress and anxiety, insomnia, and headaches and migraines. It can be consumed as a tea, used topically as an essential oil or used as aromatherapy.

While some of the benefits from lavender are not studied and proven, the widespread use of the flower and the positive results support its effectiveness. But that’s not to say it has not been tried and tested. According to the American Cancer Institute, lavender can help patients deal with the side effects of cancer treatments. Internally it can be used to alleviate digestive issues, and consumed periodically to strengthen the immune system. Lavender tea is even an approved treatment for sleep disruption, restlessness and stomach irritation in Germany.

Lavender has long been used as an additive to bath water as well to calm the body and mind, dating all the way back to ancient Greece and Rome. Its topical uses are well documented also. Lavender has antibacterial properties that can be used to fight bacterial infections externally. It also soothes many skin irritations like sunburn, acne and eczema. Lavender oil could even be kept next to the stove to quickly treat flesh burns. Perhaps the greatest part about this miracle flower? It is not only very inexpensive and available online, but quite easy to grow yourself!

Lavender is a hearty plant that does not require methodical or delicate care, and it does especially well in arid climates, like Arizona. Lavender should be planted in the spring and somewhere that it can get a lot of sun. Your seeds should be planted about 12 to 18 inches apart in well drained soil. Giving your plants some compost to get off to a healthy, hearty start is always a good idea. Lavender does well in dry areas so constant watering is not necessary. When your plants reach full bloom, you can harvest the flower to make your own oils, to put in your pillow case for a better night’s rest, or drop in a cup of tea.

We have an entire page of natural remedies. If you have natural remedies you choose, please share them — it takes a community!

Apr5

PEPPERMINT

How to use peppermint for health

Peppermint isn’t just a classic holiday flavor – there are so many benefits to peppermint that I was shocked to find out! Most of us see peppermint flavored snacks and treats everywhere – gum, candy canes, peppermint bark, peppermint mochas, and so many more mint items! But nothing beats fresh, authentic peppermint. Let’s break it down.

Peppermint is in the mint family and is actually the result of a cross between watermint and spearmint. Peppermint is indigenous to the Middle East and Europe, but is now grown all over the world because of its popularity. It has even been used for thousands of years in homeopathic medicine as well as to garnish and flavor food. In fact, peppermint itself contains menthol and limonene, which are natural essential oils. (They are to thank for mint’s cooling and refreshing taste and scent!) Peppermint’s properties are what makes this little green, leafy perennial herb so powerful.

If you struggle with gas, bloating, indigestion, or frequent stomach aches, peppermint is for you! Studies conducted with animals have shown that peppermint extract can relax the muscles in the digestive system from contracting, which causes gastric pain and gas. Another study was done on humans with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) who saw symptom relief from taking peppermint oil capsules more so than patients who received a placebo. In both of these cases, enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules were given to the patients because they allow the oil to pass through the stomach so it can later be dissolved in the intestines, where it really gets to work! Try to stay away from non-enteric tablets of peppermint oil, because some people have experienced heartburn and nausea after taking them, likely because the tablets dissolved in the stomach before reaching the intestines. While very little research has been done on tea, scientists say that peppermint tea should have similar effects on the body.

But that’s not all!

Feeling sick? Well, peppermint can help with that too. Having clogged sinuses and a sore throat are no fun, especially this time of year. Peppermint actually has antiviral and antibacterial properties that can help clear your sinuses and relieve inflammation due to infection. The menthol in warm peppermint tea will soothe your scratchy throat and ease coughing. So, drink some peppermint tea when you have a cold or flu for less throat irritation and clearer nasal passages. Plus, it’s caffeine free so you can get better rest!

HOW TO GROW IT

Now that you know the benefits of peppermint, you need to know how to grow it! Peppermint is an adaptable plant, but will grow best in a cool, moist climate. It is best suited with partial or full sunlight, but if it is above 85 degrees where your peppermint is growing, you will need to make sure to shade it for up to 2-3 hours. Peppermint also needs a lot of water to keep itself and the soil moist. Keep in mind, peppermint does have a tendency to spread and take over, which is great for me because I like to dry the leaves so I have it all year long for tea. But if you want a little more control, it may be best to plant in a small pot or contained area.

To grow peppermint from the seed, lightly press the seeds into moist soil (spaced 18-24 inches apart if growing multiple bundles). Typically, the seedlings will emerge within 7-20 days. Happy planting!

Let us know if you use peppermint & stay healthy!

Don’t forget, we have an entire page of natural remedies to treat all sort of ailments.

Apr5

Garden Health

BLACK EYED PEAS

How to Grow Black-Eyed Cowpeas

Black-Eyed Cowpeas, also known as a “Southern Field Pea” or “Crowder Pea are one of my favorite legumes to grow because you get sooooo many and there are multiple ways to eat them.

One way is to let the beans dry and cook them… your traditional black-eyed peas. For this method it’ll take anywhere between 80 – 100 days til harvesting time… and you have options; You can let the pods stay on the plant until they are brown and dry, or you can pull the plants and hang them to dry. Either way, I usually leave a few plants in the garden beds to dry so that I have an abundance of seeds for planting and sharing.

If you choose to dry them for cooking that traditional black-eyed peas dish, you will simply remove the beans from the pods (shell them), and you’re ready! I don’t do anything special with cleaning… but I do soak all of my beans for at least 6 hours before cooking them.

You can also pick the pods while they are green, like a snap pea, as soon as they are well-filled out with seeds, about 70 days after planting. For this method, I chop the pods and add onions, bell peppers and whatever else I have in the garden. So you can really get creative.

The pods are 6″ to 8″ long and can have up to 15 peas on each one. That’s a lot of beans! And the vines are resistant to wilt and nematodes. They are cream or tannish-colored with a small black spot. They love heat and are a great source of fiber and protein.

So how do you plant them?

I plant my seeds directly into my garden beds with lots of compost. But many experts suggest you first soak the seeds for up to 12 hours. The idea is that since the seeds like a lot of moisture in order to germinate, this will speed up the process because they will already be soft and moist. Then plant them directly in the soil, after your last chance of frost (ideally above 70 degrees. You don’t need to plant them deep, about an inch into the soil. They are heavy yielders, so give them some space. I plant the seeds about three inches apart and I space the rows about two feet apart. Also it’s best to give them some support, like trellises. It helps keep the plants off the ground, which gives them more circulation and it should minimize disease. It also makes it easier to harvest.

As for when you will see your babies popping out of the soil… My experience has been within a week, but other gardeners say 7-14 days. So be patient.

20+ seeds for $5

All of our seeds are GMO-FREE, open-pollinated and untreated.

Mar31

Garden Health

Shishito Peppers

Shishito Peppers – Why all the hype?

Some of my favorite things in the GreenDesert garden are shishito peppers! I tasted them years ago in a restaurant and I was hooked! They were blistered, had a sweet and smoky flavor and were snack sized, making it too easy to eatJ I had to have more! The problem was I couldn’t find them in most restaurants or even grocery stores. So of course I had to grow them… for so many reasons.

But before I share how easy they are to grow, let’s talk about what all the hype is about.

Shishito pepperes are a Japanese heirloom pepper variety. I can’t write enough about how addicting they are, and extremely easy to make. But if you eat enough of them, you’re bound to run across a hot one. The rule of thumb is one in every ten of the peppers will be spicy… except if you eat them with me; For some reason I seem to get all of the hot ones while my family enjoy the rest, and I am still addicted to the peppers! It’s not like you can look at them to tell which are spicy. And although some people say the spice isn’t really hot, that has not been my experience, so be prepared. The hot peppers that I experienced have been really hot, hot enough to make my nose run and my eyes burn. Granted, I am not a huge fan of spicy… so perhaps my extreme spice is mild to others. But again, in general, they are not hot. It’s like a sweet, smoky bell pepper.

HOW TO EAT THEM

And you can eat them so many ways. I add them diced and raw to my salads, eggs, even sandwiches. But they can be one of your simplest, healthy snacks to make. You really don’t need much prep because you can eat the entire pepper — seeds, stems and all. I like to coat them in avocado or olive oil, throw them in a pan, and let them brown and blister. Sprinkle with a little salt and you’re done. I often add a little lemon and/or some red wine vinegar to spice it up. Or even stir-fry it with other veggies from the garden, like onions, garlic and bell peppers.

Obviously it was the flavor that first got my attention; it helps that the heirloom peppers have lots of health benefits including being high in vitamins A and C, fiber, potassium and folic acid. They’re also loaded with antioxidants, among other benefits!

HOW TO GROW SHISHITO PEPPERS

First you want to choose a place in your garden that gets full sun for about 6 – 8 hours per day. You can grow shishito peppers directly in soil, pots or raised beds.
I’ve been successful planting our shishito peppers directly into my garden beds. But most experts suggest you start the seeds indoor 6 to 8 weeks before you transplant them to the garden. Keep in mind, the seeds will germinate faster in warm soil so you can use a heat mat, put them on top of your fridge or whatever method you use to keep the soil warm.
Once the seeds have sprouted, which can take as little as a few days, you’ll want to move them to a sunny spot… but not yet outdoors. So you can use a windowsill that gets some sun, use grow lights, or again, whatever creative methods you choose.
Keep the soil moist, but not soaked.
Next, about a week before transplanting, you’re going to want to harden your plants, to get them ready for their new outdoor home. To harden them, just set them outside for a few hours per day. Basically it gives the plants stress-free transition.
After about a week of hardening, your plants are ready for their big move! Remember, choose a spot that gets 6 to 8 hours of full sun per day.
As for harvesting, it varies. Usually they are harvested while they’re still green. But you can leave them on the plant until they turn red too. Either way, don’t ignore the abundance of peppers! The more you pick, the more the plant will keep producing. If you neglect her and the plant gets overloaded with peppers, that tells the plant to stop producing.

NEED SEEDS? We sell shishito pepper seeds, along with other medicinal sees on our Etsy site.

Don’t forget, whatever ailment you have, I’m sure there are several natural remedies that can help! We have an entire section of natural remedies on our page.

Mar25

Health

ARMENIAN CUCUMBER: MORE THAN A FRUIT

WHY ARMENIAN CUCUMBERS ARE UNDER-RATED

There are so many types of cucumbers… everything from English, Persian, lemon and one of my favorites – Armenian cucumbers. They’re also known as yard-long melons, which makes sense when looking at its appearance.

The fruit grows up to 36 inches… but it’s most flavorful at about 15 inches. The inside of the cucumber resembles more of a cantaloupe than a cucumber. And not only are they crisp and refreshing, they are great hydrators. In fact I think they are under rated for their health benefits.

Since they consist mostly of water and electrolytes, they can relieve dehydration, which is also great at helping prevent constipation. The high water content is also a bonus if you’re trying to lose weight… along with its low calories.

One of the things we do on hikes is we pack hydrating fruits and veggies… like cucumbers and oranges. We snack on them throughout the hike, with small sips of water. This hydrates our bodies and keeps me from having to go to the bathroom more often from drinking so much water.

Did you know that some people get as much as 40% of their total water intake from food.

I use Armenian cucumbers for my pickles and relish. I add them to sandwiches, wraps, salads, water or just snack on them raw. There are so many ways to enjoy any type of cucumber, but Armenian cucumbers are still one of my preferences.

They are refreshing and have so many health benefits including being high in antioxidants, a range of B vitamins, along with vitamins A and K. And don’t toss the peel, eat it all because that’s where you’ll get your maximum nutrients… benefits that also extend to your skin. Remember when I mentioned the high water content in cucumbers? That makes it great for reducing skin irritations and helping with aging. The old sliced cucumber over your puffy eyes work for a reason. The high water content hydrates the skin around your eyes while the antioxidants and flavonoids in the cucumbers reduce swelling and soothes inflammation in the eye area.

All you have to do is slice two pieces of a cool cucumber from the fridge. Close your eyes and place the slices on them for about 15 minutes. Then just pat your eyes dry when you’re done. Try this routine morning and night and watch the puffiness melt away.

According to the USDA, one 142-g cup of unpeeled, raw, chopped cucumber contains the following nutrients:

water: 137 g
calories: 17
protein: 0.8 g
fat: 0.2 g
carbohydrate: 3.1 g, including 2.0 g of sugar
fiber: 1.0 g
calcium: 19.9 g
iron: 0.3 mg
magnesium: 17 mg
phosphorus: 29.8 mg
potassium: 193 mg
sodium: 2.8 mg
vitamin C: 4.5 mg
folate: 19.9 mcg
beta carotene: 44 mcg
lutein + zeaxanthin 22.7 mcg
vitamin K: 10.2 mcg

Unfortunately you don’t often see Armenian cucumbers at local grocery stores. You’re more likely to find them in farmers markets. Another option — GROW THEM! They’re pretty easy to grow. In fact they thrive in hot summers, great for us in Phoenix. The high temperatures do not stress them.

We sell our seeds in our Etsy shop!

All of our seeds are NON-GMO, untreated and open-pollinated.

HOW TO GROW:

The two main ingredients for a high yield of Armenian cucumbers are hot days and lots of water.

The best time to plant is after the last chance of frost. The ideal temperature range for germinating the seeds is between 65 and 90 degrees. The warmer temps will yield faster sprouts, in as little as three days.

Once the temperature is right, decide how many plants you can handle. They love to vine and can easily take over a garden… and you can continue planting through the heat. Just a few plants will give you almost more than you can handle.

Now it’s time to plant! I make a hole with my finger about a half inch deep, with about a foot in between each plant. Then I place two to three seeds in each hole. Next I sprinkle soil to fill the holes and cover the area. Then I water the area with a light shower immediately.

Remember, try not to overcrowd the plants because that makes them more susceptible to pests and diseases.

It’s best to pick the plants once they’re about a foot and a half. Although they can grow over three feet long, and are still fine to eat, they don’t taste as good. Also, leaving the fruit on the vine for long periods tells the plant it no longer needs to produce, so you will slow down your production.

Finally, when you’re harvesting your fruit, I like to cut it from the vine versus pulling it, to make sure I don’t damage the whole vine.

More benefits and other natural remedies at GreenDesert.org.

Mar17

Health

Egyptian spinach

I am so excited to introduce you to molokhiya, also known as Jew’s mallow, jute mallow, and Egyptian spinach… among other titles depending on what part of the world you’re in.

It isn’t your typical spinach. It originated in Egypt but has since spread all over the world.

And for good reason; Egyptian spinach has a powerhouse of nutrients that can benefit your whole body.

It’s touted to have more Vitamin E, C, potassium, iron and fiber than any other vegetable!

More benefits… it has nine times more calcium than spinach, nearly five times more carotene, B1 and B2 than spinach.

According to the International Journal of Research, Egyptian spinach has more than 30 vitamins and minerals.

So what does this mean?

It’s an excellent food to boost your immune system; it’s known to regulate digestion, help fight acne, help build strong bones, improve circulation, protect heart health, and reduce inflammation. The magnesium in Egyptian spinach is supposed to even help you sleep.

And you can do so much with it.

I add it to my salads, beans, stews, even tea. In fact, many people use it in their soups because when you boil it, it makes sort of a broth. And making a tea is supposed to help reduce pain for things like arthritis, headaches and belly aches because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

You can enjoy the benefits of the leaves raw or cooked.

Fun Legends:

It’s said that Cleopatra saw the soup as her secret for maintaining her youthful appearance. Legends say she used to eat a soup of the leaves daily.

It’s also said that consuming the vegetable was once limited only to pharaohs.

NOT ANYMORE!

In fact, not only are there no restrictions to how much you can buy; you can plant it yourself!

And one thing I love about planting it is that it likes the heat. It’s one of the few green vegetables that thrive in the Arizona summers.

So that means if I’m growing outdoors, I can enjoy my regular spinach in the winter, and my Egyptian spinach in the summer.

HOW TO PLANT

Egyptian spinach is fairly easy to plant, even here in the desert.

It’s so easy that we planted it once and it comes back every year, all over my yard.

So I save the seeds and offer them on our Etsy site.

If you’re planting outdoors, you’ll want to plant in the spring, after all chance of frost has passed.

I plant the seeds about ¼ inch deep and about two inches apart. The seeds are so small that I just draw a line in the soil, drop the seeds and sprinkle soil on top. So that tells you, you don’t need to bury the seeds deep. When deciding how close to plant, keep in mind that the plants tend to grow outward, like a shrub.

The plants prefer full sun, and well-draining soil.

I love using ollas for all of my plants because it allows the plants to take the exact amount of water they need, so you don’t have to worry about over or under watering. Plus we use rainwater in our ollas.

When the temperatures reach 100 degrees in the summer, we often turn on the sprinklers to water once per day for 20 minutes.

If you plant Egyptian spinach, we’d love to see the progress. And of course if you have recipes, send those our way as well.

Don’t forget, we have natural remedies for everything from heart health, indigestion, acne, blood pressure – the list goes on.

Mar16

Health

Frankincense

What you didn’t know about Frankincense

When many people first think of the word “frankincense,” they might think of its reference in the Biblical tale. For thousands of years, frankincense has been regarded as a healing fragrance that promotes peace and meditation. Now, more recent studies about frankincense may back this claim! It’s part of the reason its earned the reputation as the “king of oils.”

So, let’s break it down. Frankincense is an aromatic resin (or dried sap) that comes from the trunk of the Boswellia tree that grows in dry regions of the Middle East, India, and Africa. Frankincense has been used in Ayurvedic medicine, which is an alternative medicinal system that began in India. The smell of frankincense is what might be most distinctive. It has a very spicy, sweet, woody fragrance to it which is why it typically comes in an oil form so that it can be diffused. Frankincense can be taken as a supplement, inhaled, absorbed into the skin, and infused into tea. Frankincense essential oil is recommended by most… and for good reason!

For people, a notable benefit is that it can help ease anxiety and stress. Frankincense has been shown to improve breathing and have a calming effect on the respiratory system. Some research suggests that there are compounds that can prevent leukotriene production, which is what causes bronchial muscles to constrict and therefore making it harder to breathe. The aroma of frankincense relaxes the diaphragm, encouraging slower, more controlled breaths. This ultimately helps ease stress and anxiety, and prevent the onset of panic attacks. Frankincense is commonly used in aromatherapy for this reason.

Frankincense is also claimed to be anti-inflammatory. Research did show that boswellic acid, an active compound in frankincense, reduced inflammation in patients with arthritis and osteoarthritis. The boswellic acids may also help prevent cancer from spreading and help with toothaches and bad breath. It’s also been known to reduce inflammation in the gut. Even more, rejuvenating damaged skin… which means its great for wound healing.

This next thing I read excited me… frankincense can be used for pets! Yes, really! Frankincense oil is safe for pets – dogs, cats, horses, cattle, etc. – when used in moderation. Frankincense can be used in animals for wound care, behavioral improvement, and easing anxiety. The same benefits that it has for humans, it has for animals. However, frankincense should be heavily diluted if you’re giving it to your pet. And it’s still best to check with your veterinarian first to make sure it’s safe for use on your animal!

After hearing this, you know how had to get in the kitchen. Our family at SoFreshSmells, came over and we got to work… excited to try out frankincense on our pets. We made a Pet Anti-Anxiety Spray and was amazed at how quickly it worked.

We brought the dogs in the house during our storm and of course they were all over the place, anxious and loud. We sprayed the Spritz in their beds and the back of their necks and we literally had to check on them… because they were so quiet and calm. So I’m a believer!

How to use frankincense essential oil:

For humans – You can put 3-4 drops of frankincense essential oil in a diffuser and then inhale the aroma.You can also mix it with lavender essential oil for even more relaxation. To directly ingest it, dilute 1 drop of frankincense oil in 4 fl oz of liquid. For topical use, apply 1-2 drops to the skin in your desired area along with a carrier oil, like grape seed oil, and then massage into the skin.

For pets – As animals have a much stronger sense of smell than humans, only put 1-2 drops of frankincense essential oil in the diffuser for them to breathe, and pay attention to make sure they don’t negatively react to the smell. For oral use, use 1-2 drops of the oil diluted in your pet’s water bowl or in their food. For topical use, only use 1-2 drops of oil diluted in a carrier oil so as not to irritate your pet’s skin.

Here is a scale from essentialoilvet.com:

“For horses and cattle, apply 4-6 drops along the spine from tail to head, topically directly over the area of concern, or you can give 2 drops twice daily with feed to give internally. This is helpful over the poll of these animals as well.

For dogs, dilute 1 drop in 20-50 drops of carrier oil and give one diluted drop internally mixed with food, or apply topically along the spine or directly over the area of concern or between the paw pads of the back feet.

For cats, water diffusion is preferred, if applied topically dilute 1 drop per 100 drops of carrier oil prior to applying to the area of concern or by petting along the spine.

Frankincense is safe to diffuse around reptiles and small mammals as well.”

Below are most effective dosages, according to The National Institutes of Health

Asthma: 300–400 mg, three times per day
Crohn’s disease: 1,200 mg, three times per day
Osteoarthritis: 200 mg, three times per day
Rheumatoid arthritis: 200–400 mg, three times per day
Ulcerative colitis: 350–400 mg, three times per day
Gingivitis: 100–200 mg, three times per day

Let us know if you’ve ever tried frankincense!

We have an entire page of other natural remedies here.

Mar9

Health

Lemon

I am positive you and lemon have already met but allow me to reacquaint you.

Squeezed over anything and into anything, lemon does not disappoint in adding that

sour sweetness into our lives. And your taste buds do not fool you so let’s take a look at everything besides flavor that it nourishes our life with.

One average lemon provides about 30 mg of vitamin C, that’s about half of what’s recommended we take daily.

Keep in mind, some of that Vitamin C is stored in the lemon peel… about 7 grams, so don’t toss that goodness.

Our ancestors knew its benefits, in fact for centuries, sailors took lemons on long voyages to help treat and prevent scurvy.

Scurvy is a condition that killed millions of explorers, due to a Vitamin C deficiency.

That shows you how vital Vitamin C is for our health! It plays a huge role in the formation of collagen, the support system of the skin. It is an antioxidant and also helps maintain our skin, bones and blood vessels.

So lemons give you all of those benefits and more! They are also an excellent source of flavonoids, which are antioxidants.

The whole fruit, from peel to pulp, is good for you!

Unlike many fruits, lemons do not ripen or improve in quality after picking.

So the best time to harvest is when they are ripe and you’ll want to store them at room temperature away from direct sunlight.

In high enough quantities, the various nutrients in lemon are known to produce even more health benefits including:

1. Support Heart Health

2. Help Control Weight

3. Prevent Kidney Stones

4. Protect against anemia

5. Reduce cancer risk

6. Improve Digestive Health

I add lemon to my food, tea, water… you name it!

How do you use lemons? I’d love some yummy recipes! Email me.

We have an entire page of natural remedies to help with whatever ailments you’re experiencing, everything from gas, to sore throats, allergies, even weight loss.

Mar5

Household

Recycling 101

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but…there’s a good chance you’re recycling wrong. But don’t worry, you’re not alone and that’s why we’re here to push you towards the right direction.

The following are just a few things

you probably didn’t know about recycling:

Most coffee cups are not recyclable because they are lined with plastic. The best alternative is to go ahead and buy a reusable coffee mug to enjoy your cup of joe.
Used cardboard pizza boxes are also not recyclable because the amount of grease left on them prevents the paper fibers from being able to be separated from the oils during the recycling process.
Plastic bags don’t go in your curbside recycling bin because they can get stuck in the conveyor built at the recycling center. Your safest bet is to take them to your local grocery store that has a plastic bag drop-off box and if you don’t know where you can find one you can visit PlasticFilmRecycling.com to help you find a location near you.
A lot of cities and states have websites that list locations to recycle anything you can think of, all you need to do is a quick online search wherever you are. Here in Arizona we have azrecycles.gov that gives you a hand finding a place to go.
Plastic forks, spoons and knives come in a variety of low-grade plastics that are impossible to identify and are too small so most places won’t take them.

The Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers says to crush plastic bottles because it can prevent bottle caps from shooting all over the place when the bottles are crushed at the recycling center.

Term to know:

Wishful Recycling: Recycling items when you are unsure if they’re truly recyclable but hoping someone somewhere will figure that out for you. When non-recyclable materials are mixed in with your recycling, it can ruin the entire batch of recycling. So if you’re ever not sure if something can be recycled, give it a quick google before tossing it into a bin.

Mar4

Health

Elderberry

The Truth About Elderberry

Elderberry has been gaining popularity recently with claims that it helps fight COVID-19, is a potent cold and flu remedy, and can help reduce upper respiratory irritation. You may have seen more elderberry supplements at the grocery store or even cough syrups with elderberry added as an ingredient. I am intrigued by all of the claims that this berry has so many benefits and I wanted to find out more!

First things first: Elderberry’s scientific name is sambucus and is the product of the European elder tree, which grows in warm areas of Europe, Northern Africa, Asia, and North America (that’s us!). Elderberries are very dark purple – almost black – in color and are edible. The use of medicinal elderberry dates back thousands of years and is still used today by so many people who say it is the best remedy for the cold and flu season.

The most common use of elderberry is for helping treat symptoms like congestion, cough, and fatigue that accompany the cold and flu. The reasoning behind this is that elderberries contain hemagglutinin protein which has been shown to limit a virus’s capability to replicate in the body, making you feel better more quickly because production of those icky germs making you sick are slowed, if not stopped. A study performed by Norweigan pharmacists and doctors showed that patients with flu-like symptoms who were given elderberry syrup had relief of their symptoms 4 days earlier than those who were given the placebo! Next time you feel like you may be coming down with the cold or flu, try taking some elderberry syrup right away and you may notice your symptoms are much more manageable!

Another claim that has been circulating is that elderberry is an effective remedy for COVID-19. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the National Institutes of Health officially says not to rely on elderberry for prevention or treatment of COVID-19. However, while elderberry may not be the magic “cure” for COVID-19, its antiviral properties may help curb symptoms. But, there is not yet much research to support a definitive answer on if elderberry really does help fight COVID-19.

Yep, there’s still more! Some people with asthma or who experience frequent airway irritation have said that elderberry relieves their symptoms. Elderberry syrups are antioxidant rich and can actually reduce inflammation in the airways, and improve lung function when experiencing allergies.

If you’re like me, you’re probably now wondering how you can get your hands on some of this! It appears that the best and safest way to consume elderberries is in syrup form. Some people say they have experienced nausea or vomiting by eating the whole, fresh or dried berries due to the raw seeds. You can make your own elderberry syrup at home or buy it from most health food stores. It is recommended to take ½ to 1 tablespoon of syrup once a day for mild symptoms, or this same dosage every 2-3 hours for more severe symptoms.

If you’ve ever used elderberry as a remedy please email us and let us know if it worked for you!

And if you’re having any other unpleasant symptoms, check our natural remedies page for some relief.