Elderberry Syrup Benefits
Photo: (RD Naturals https://rdnaturals.com/)
Elderberry is a flowering plant that has long been used medicinally. Native to Europe, the berries are high in vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin A, potassium, iron and antioxidants. Anthocyanin, an antioxidant found in elderberries has been shown to fight cell damage, support the immune system and even fight cancer. The vitamin C in elderberries has also been shown to fight infection and promote a healthy heart and skin. An extra boost of antioxidants and vitamin C can be beneficial for adults and children, especially during the cold weather and flu season months. Research has also shown that elderberry syrup can help keep you from getting a cold and can lessen the symptoms of a cold and influenza A and B.
There are so many benefits to elderberry syrup, even more than I have mentioned above but it is also important to find a high quality, trusted source. Charleston-based company RD Naturals offers a tasty, low-sugar syrup that is made from organic elderberries. RD Naturals was founded by Registered Dietitian Sara Gail. All of her products are inspired by evidence-based science and are lab tested and formulated to provide immune support. RD Naturals’ elderberry syrup can be taken on its own or added to recipes. It is safe for adults and children 12 months or older.
Since I have been using RD Naturals elderberry syrup in recipes, I have personally seen my skin become clearer! My little one has also tried it in several of the below recipes and seems to love the taste. The RD Naturals brand does contain raw honey, so make sure to be careful and only give it to babies 12 months and older. It tastes of the holidays with notes of cinnamon, cloves, ginger, rose hips, and hibiscus and I am so looking forward to adding it to some yummy holiday recipes. Seriously, it tastes so good that I am excited to share a coupon code with you, so you and your family can try it out too. Visit RD Naturals and at check out use the coupon code MOMMA&CO for 20% off.
If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of elderberry syrup for adults and children, Sara has some great articles that go into more detail.
Elderberry Syrup Recipes
Elderberry and Pear Overnight Oats
Elderberry and Pear Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1 cup organic oats
- 1 cup organic almond milk
- 2 teaspoons RD Naturals elderberry syrup
- 2 organic pears
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon organic cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon organic cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon organic vanilla
Instructions
- Make overnight oats by placing oats and milk in a glass storage container. Mix together and place in the refrigerator overnight.
- In the morning cut pears into bite size pieces, about ¼ of an inch, add water and cook in a saucepan over medium heat until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Add spices and vanilla and stir.
- Top oats with pears and enjoy.
Notes
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics it is not recommended to feed babies solid foods before 6 months of age, because it contains honey RD Naturals elderberry syrup is only safe for babies 12 months and older.
Elderberry Mocktail
Elderberry Mocktail
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon RD Naturals elderberry syrup
- ½ cup organic ginger kombucha
- 1 cup fizzy water
- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed organic orange juice
Instructions
- Pour all ingredients into a glass and stir.
- Enjoy!
Elderberry and Lemon No Bake Cheesecake
Elderberry and Lemon No Bake Cheesecake
Ingredients
- 2 cups organic walnuts
- 1/2 cup organic oats
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon organic cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon organic coconut sugar
- 4 tablespoons melted organic, grass fed butter
- 1, 8 ounce package organic cream cheese (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup organic, grass fed greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons RD Naturals elderberry syrup
- 1/2-1 tablespoon honey
- zest from 1 organic lemon
Instructions
- Pulse walnuts and oats in a food processor until fine.
- Add butter and all other ingredients to the processor and pulse until combined.
- Press mixture, evenly into a 9x13 glass dish and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes.
- In a stand mixer whisk together cream cheese, yogurt, elderberry syrup and honey until smooth, about 1-2 minutes, making sure to scrap the sides of the bowl half way through.
- Spread the cheesecake mixture on top of the crust and use a spatula to evenly distribute.
- Allow to chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Once chilled, top with lemon zest, serve and enjoy!
Notes
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics it is not recommended to feed babies solid foods before 6 months of age, because it contains honey RD Naturals elderberry syrup is only safe for babies 12 months and older.