Health and Wellness

It's easy being green 🥬

By Amber, Supplements Buyer & Vegetation Enthusiast

This far into February, I am beginning to tire of the 'winter in New England' color palette: misty gray, steel blue, worn-brick red, icy white. My eyes are aching for brighter hues, and I find myself gravitating to the most colorful produce I can find in the grocery store. 

My craving for color as of late got me thinking about the section of products in the Cambridge Naturals Supplements Department that we refer to simply as 'Greens'. It's where you'll find powders, fizzy tablets, and dark-bottled tinctures of green plants of all sorts, from trendy new products like superfood gummies to millennia-old superfoods once used by the Aztecs (!), all bursting with greeny goodness. 

So what exactly gives plants their vivid viridian hue? The answer lies in chlorophyll, a deep-green pigment that enables plants to produce their own food through a process called photosynthesis. Specialized chlorophyll-containing structures called chloroplasts absorb sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide from the air and convert it into glucose, a type of sugar the plants use as food. The process of photosynthesis produces oxygen, which provides fresh air for us all! 

Because chlorophyll absorbs blue and red light and reflects green, it gives plants their green color. It was first isolated and named in 1817 by Joseph Bienaimé Caventou and Pierre Joseph Pelletier, who took its name from the Greek words χλωρός, khloros ("pale green") and φύλλον, phyllon ("leaf"). Green vegetables have been eaten by humans as long as we've existed, but chlorophyll itself has only been used as a dietary supplement since the 1960's. Usually consumed in a liquid form, people take it for allergy support, skin health, and antioxidant benefits, though the science behind it is still in its early stages. (I myself like to mix a dropperful in a glass of water -- it has a refreshing flavor, like how mowing the lawn smells.) But use caution when handling liquid chlorophyll, as it stains intensely. I'm told a bottle of it once smashed on the sidewalk outside the Cambridge Naturals store doors, and the green mark didn't disappear for months.

When you think of green supplements, one of the first things to come to mind is probably spirulina. This blue-green algae (genus Arthrospira) was first used as a food source by the Aztec people of Mexico, who harvested it from the alkaline waters of Lake Texcoco. They called it tecuitlatl, a Nahuatl word meaning roughly 'rock poop', and would make it into cakes along with corn, beans, and chiles as fuel for long journeys. The practice of eating spirulina died off with the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century, but Mexico is seeing a resurgence in interest in spirulina as a way to reclaim Indigenous heritage. 

Spirulina is rich in protein and minerals, as well as iron and B vitamins, and is easy to incorporate into your daily routine. It can be mixed into smoothies, taken as tablets, or even cooked with -- I particularly like mixing a bit with mashed avocado and lime juice and spreading it on toast. Blue spirulina, a type of algae with a unique pigment called phycocyanin that lends it a shocking electric-blue hue, tints many an Instagram acai bowl and chia pudding. As a whole, spirulina has a unique flavor and soft-cheese texture that might not be for everyone, but its reputation as a nutrient powerhouse has made it a staple food for centuries.  

Often paired with spirulina, chlorella is another blue-green algae renowned for its iron and protein content. But while spirulina grows in both saltwater and freshwater, chlorella is a freshwater algae. It's difficult to cultivate on a large scale, which may explain why it hasn't reached spirulina's level of popularity.  But it shows promise in lowering levels of bad (LDL) cholesterol in the blood, as well as reducing inflammation throughout the body. 

Native to the Indian subcontinent, moringa (sp. moringa oleifera) is a green superfood that may be relatively new to westerners, although it has been used by people in South Asia for millennia. It is often called the drumstick tree, and its leaves, roots, and pods are eaten as food. Early science suggests it may aid in lowering blood sugar levels, as well as lowering blood cholesterol. And because it's such a rich source of nutrients, it can be especially helpful for individuals with poor diets. It often comes in capsule form, although the powder form is just as popular. You can even find it as an ingredient in snack bars, gummies, and skincare products! 

But all of this is too complicated, you might be thinking. I can't grow a moringa tree in my house, and my landlord would throw a fit if I started cultivating algae on my fire escape. That, my friend, is when you might turn to wheatgrass. I've written about wheatgrass before as a dietary supplement and fun sensory experience for pet cats, but humans can also reap its benefits. It makes a fresh-tasting juice and is an easy addition to smoothies, where its high levels of Vitamin C and antioxidants really shine. And it's super-easy to grow indoors, giving you a reliable source of superfood nutrition right in your own home! 

The nutritional benefits of green superfoods have been utilized by humans for millennia in the past, and it seems they may also become the food of the future. Early studies suggest they may provide a sustainable nutrition source for food-insecure communities, and they've also been investigated as a potential food for long-term space missions or Mars travel! Could the same farming practices devised centuries ago by the Aztecs one day support humans in space? It's pretty cool to think about! 

The information in this blog post is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.

Sources: 

https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/chlorophyll/ 

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20210111-how-mexico-is-reclaiming-spirulina

https://www.webmd.com/diet/chlorella-health-benefits

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-benefits-of-moringa-oleifera

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/wheatgrass-benefits

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9143897/ 

Cultivating Kindness As A Muscle

By Amber, Supplements Buyer & Tomato Enthusiast

I find myself thinking, quite often these days, about the state of the world. To be honest, it's hard not to. Our obsession with reading about the myriad current tragedies is so novel that the COVID-19 pandemic granted us a new word for it: doomscrolling. There's a fine line between being informed about the state of the world and feeling helpless to do anything about it, and it's all too easy to cross that line. 

One thing that gives me comfort amidst all the chaos is to simply focus on putting a bit more good out into the world, however I can. I've found kindness to be more and more a carefully cultivated act, one that must be initiated with intention. To be nice may be inherent, but to be kind takes work. Kindness is a muscle, one we have to consciously exercise. And like a muscle, the more we use it, the stronger it becomes. 

During the heart of the COVID lockdown in 2020, I embarked upon a mission of conscious kindness -- doing things expressly for the purpose of making other people happy. One of my earliest acts of cultivated kindness was to tie a small note onto the thriving tomato plants my downstairs neighbors were growing on their fire escape, remarking on how beautiful their plants were. A few days later, I discovered a note on my back doorstep: "Your note made our day, thanks so much!", weighted down with a gorgeously heavy, ruby-red tomato. That note hangs on my refrigerator to this day, a small, potent reminder of the delight that can come from simply saying something kind. (The tomato, as you might expect, has long since been devoured.) 

I am a hider of small encouraging notes under bus stop seats and in the knots of trees, a sticker-on of googly eyes to public trashcans, a complimenter of strangers. For a decade now I've kept a jar of spare change on my hallway table, adding to it whenever my pockets chime with coin, and when it's full I take the subway into Downtown Boston and spread my coins into the instrument cases of buskers in the Public Garden. (I've always believed that to create music in public is its own form of magic.) At a concert I attended recently, I noticed a couple taking pictures of each other in the venue's elaborately-decorated lobby; I stepped in and offered to take a photo of them together. A genuinely delightful conversation followed, during which I learned that they were Austrian tourists visiting the US for the first time, and that their mutual appreciation for this musician was what had actually brought them together years ago. 

More than anything, I've found that cultivated kindness gives me a sense of control in this all-too-chaotic world. It's so easy to feel overwhelmed and isolated, especially when so much feels like it's out of our hands. But to deliberately create connection and community where there was none before - there's a gentle power to that like nothing I've ever experienced in my life. To be consciously and deliberately kind without expecting anything in return. There is strength in kindness. It is quiet, but it is a fierce and unstoppable force. 

Collagen For Your Health 101

By Amber T, Supplements Buyer + Joint Health Enthusiast

Of all the supplements that have become trendy lately, perhaps none is as little-understood as collagen. Sure, it's hyped as a way to get glowing skin and luscious hair, improve your flexibility, and turn back the clock on aging, but what exactly is it? And is there any truth to the rumors surrounding this superfood? 

Simply put, collagen is a form of protein responsible for making up many structures in your body including skin, bones, and ligaments. Up to 30% of the body's protein is collagen, and it's often thought of as the stuff that binds your body together. Indeed, the word comes from the Greek κόλλα (kólla), meaning 'glue'. 

There are actually estimated to be an astonishing 28 different types of collagen in your body, but most of it is Types I, II, and II. Type I is mostly responsible for building and maintaining bones, skin, ligaments, and tendons; Type II maintains cartilage, and Type III takes care of muscles and blood vessels. 

As we age, our bodies naturally produce less collagen. But habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as well as sun damage and poor nutrition, can also impact the amount and quality of the collagen we make. In recent years, people have turned to collagen supplements as a way to improve their health and appearance. 

The collagen in most supplements is sourced from bovine (cow) hides as a by-product of meat production, but you'll also find marine collagen from fish (usually the scales and skin). There is unfortunately no such thing as vegan collagen. Research into producing collagen from bacteria and yeast is underway, although there is not yet a commercially-available version. 

There are also supplements called collagen builders, which don't actually contain any collagen (so they're potentially safe for vegans and vegetarians) but rather consist of substances to help your body produce more collagen, such as B and C vitamins; minerals like copper and silica; and amino acids. These come in both powder and capsule. 

When it comes to format, the most common way to consume collagen is as a powder. These flavorless, colorless powders mix easily into your favorite beverage or smoothie, and you can also incorporate them into things like baked goods and oatmeal. For those who aren't sure if collagen powder is right for them, there's also single-serving packets to try it out. Collagen also comes in capsules, which is convenient for many people. Powdered collagen is generally unflavored, but you'll sometimes see it mixed with vanilla or matcha. 

So what does the science say? Many studies are still in their early stages, but initial research looks promising. Some randomized controlled trials have found that taking collagen improved skin elasticity, improved joint mobility, and decreased joint pain. The science does agree that taking collagen internally appears to be more beneficial than using topical collagen skincare products, though. 

Nutritionists are also quick to note that because it contains only some amino acids and not all of them, collagen is not a complete protein and should only be used to supplement your regular protein intake, not replace it. Whatever your reasons for taking it, collagen can be a beneficial addition to your daily supplement regime.

Shop our entire stock of collagen products at Cambridge Naturals online here, or stop by our store to check them out! 

The information in this blog post is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.

Sources: 

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/ss/slideshow-collagen-and-your-body

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/262881

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/collagen/

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Aquarius Season “Tea”

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By Alyssa, CN Buyer and herbalism student

Aquarius is the true wild card of the zodiac. Aquarian’s are distinctly unique- no two you meet will be the same! So in the true spirit of Aquarius, this tea is actually not much of a tea at all… it features Herbal Revolution’s Fire Cider and Topo Chico Sparkling Water. This drink is iced but it will warm you up! It’s tart but it’s sweet! It’s airy but it’s liquid! The sign of Aquarius rules our circulatory system and many ingredients in the fire cider including ginger, horseradish, turmeric, garlic, rosemary, and habanero pepper are known to help boost circulation and increase blood flow.

During the colder months boosting our circulation with herbs like the ones mentioned can help us to fight off that chilled to the bone feeling that can be difficult to shake. Also included in this beverage are both burdock and dandelion root. Many herbalists work with these roots in the springtime (yes, we are almost there!) to assist our organs in their role of filtering toxins from the body. Naturally in the spring time our bodies start to eliminate any toxins that have built up during the winter- burdock and dandelion roots can help to move this process along. Lastly, honey, onions, and hyssop add some sweetness to this otherwise spicy and tart concoction, making it a balanced beverage base. The fire cider is also locally made in Union, Maine, so you can feel great about supporting local farmers.

Fire Cider is based off of a traditional immune-supporting herbal remedy. There is in fact a very similar honey-based recipe traditionally used in the Caribbean, and I’m sure many more around the world! However, the term Fire Cider itself as well as the base recipe was originally coined (or at least popularized) by Rosemary Gladstar, an essential figure in modern American herbalism. Rosemary Gladstar starting using the name and recipe in the late 1970s and taught it to her students for many years. About ten years ago, there was an attempt to trademark the name Fire Cider, which prompted Gladstar and a few other herbalists to form a group called “Tradition Not Trademark” in an attempt to keep the name Fire Cider available for public use. Gladstar and the others’ efforts ended up being successful, making Fire Cider known as a legacy product, which is considered to be a generic term and unable to be trademarked. I thought that this whole ordeal was very Aquarian in nature: putting innovative structures in place with humanitarian intentions. Herbalism at its core has always been by and for the people- just like Aquarians!

To make this beverage, all you need to do is mix 1or 2 tablespoons of the Herbal Revolution Fire Tonic into 8-12 oz of Topo Chico, add ice, stir, and enjoy!

The information in this blog post is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.

More from Alyssa @vrgohrbls on instagram!

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Yeast 101: Everything You Always Wanted To Know

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Once upon a time, long, long ago (okay, three years ago), I interviewed for a job at a certain Cambridge-based natural foods store. And during that interview, I got a little sidetracked talking about how much I love to ferment things. Bread, yogurt, pickles--everything. "I just really like microbes," I said.

Anyway, I got the job. And I'm still super into fermentation. I'm a kombucha maker, a pickled-vegetable devotee, and a sourdough master. And all of this is possible with a friendly little fungus called yeast. 

Yeast is a broad category for a type of single-celled organism in Kingdom Fungi. This little fungi lives everywhere around us--on plants, on surfaces, and even on human skin (more on that later). Historical research shows that yeast is one of the earliest known domesticated organisms from its use in beer brewing and breadmaking; archaeological research sites in Israel bear evidence of cultivated yeast colonies from 5,000 years ago! 

A kombucha scoby - wild looking!

Yeast, as a general rule, is a fairly simple creature. It consumes sugar and converts it to alcohol, carbon dioxide, and other compounds. Early humans realized this and took advantage of it: yeast's fermentation is what's responsible for the tangy flavor and spongy texture of sourdough bread, as well as the pleasant fizziness and acidity of both kombucha and beer. Early humans, lacking microscopes, considered the fermentation process to be quite magical and mystical (check out this book if you're interested in the sacred origins of fermentation)!

But yeast is also particular in that it is also quite temperature sensitive. Its growth can be slowed down by cooling it (such as temporarily keeping a sourdough starter in the refrigerator between uses), but it can also be 'deactivated', or killed, by raising it to high temperatures. This renders the yeast unable to ferment (which is what makes it different from the yeast used in baking) but unlocks some unique health benefits. 

The primary form of deactivated yeast you'll find is saccharomyces cerevisiae, colloquially known as nutritional yeast (or, as its fans call it, 'nooch'). Nutritional yeast is cultivated on a sugar medium (usually molasses or sugarcane) before being deactivated with heat, then washed and dried. It's high in B vitamins (especially thiamin and riboflavin) and iron.With its savory, cheesy flavor, it can be used for a variety of different things, from topping popcorn and pasta to making tasty vegan 'cheese' sauces. 

Sourdough starter yum yum yum

A slightly different type of yeast, saccharomyces boulardii, is sometimes used as a probiotic. Studies have shown it to be beneficial in keeping the balance between 'good' and 'bad' bacteria in the gut microbiome, as well as for preventing gastrointestinal distress caused by improper diet or use of antibiotics. 

Yeast does, however, have its drawbacks. An overgrowth of a certain type of yeast known as candida albicans in the body can cause an unpleasant infection in the mouth or genitals. Candida albicans is quite different from the yeasts used in brewing and baking, and can be kept in check with the help of another friendly bacteria called Lactobacillus. So no, you can't get a yeast infection by drinking too much kombucha--but drinking kombucha may actually help to regulate your yeast balance!

Ahh, yeast. So many things are possible with the help of this tiny, nearly-invisible organism. So next time you enjoy a brew at your local pub, or snack on some tasty sourdough from that phenomenal cafe down the street, give a little thanks to the microbe that makes so many cool (and delicious) things happen. 

Here are some of my favorite yeast-based products at Cambridge Naturals:

Bjorn Qorn: At CN, we're all avid devotees of this solar-popped snack. It comes in a few delicious flavors, but I love the original, topped with salt and nutritional yeast.

Rawmesan: If you're looking to upgrade your pasta game, a sprinkling of Rawmesan may be all you need. Made with walnuts, sunflower seeds, and nutritional yeast, it's a delightful vegan and gluten-free condiment to have in your pantry.

Siete Cashew Queso: Hey, nobody said eating vegan had to be healthy. A classic bright-orange queso to serve with tortilla chips and salsa during the big game, this is one of my favorite indulgences at Cambridge Naturals. 

Revival Homestead Kombucha SCOBY: This strange-looking thing is a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) and can be used to brew a virtually infinite amount of kombucha. While you can technically culture your own SCOBY from scratch, it's a lot quicker and easier to use a premade one. So if you're interested in brewing your own 'booch but don't know where to start, this is a great beginning point. 

Bulk Organic Nutritional Yeast Flakes: The basic and the best. I love experimenting with this stuff in recipes! 

Sources: 

https://www.britannica.com/science/yeast-fungus 

https://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-yeast-and-your-body

https://www.rxlist.com/saccharomyces_boulardii/supplements.htm 

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Sunday Sip - Sweet Birch Herbals

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By Alyssa, CN Buyer and home herbalist

New to our bulk herb shelves are tea blends from Sweet Birch Herbals, a local community herbal medicine company founded by Hannah Jacobsen-Hardy. We currently carry six herbal blends from Sweet Birch- Sip of Sunshine, Digest & Rest, Immune, Sleep Deep, Nourish & Rebuild, and Heart Lifting. These herbal tea blends are carefully crafted using herbs that are grown in the Sweet Birch gardens, sustainably wildcrafted, or sourced from Mountain Rose Herbs (where we at CN get many of our bulk herbs from as well!).

Personally I am excited to try all of these tea blends, but I am starting with the Nourish & Rebuild. This blend in particular is rich in minerals and nutrients and has menstrual cycle balancing properties as well. I have been making big batches of cycle balancing teas throughout the month for a few years now and I always start with raspberry leaf, which is featured in this blend as well! Raspberry leaf is my absolute favorite herb for cycle support and I love that it is high in magnesium as well, a mineral that we could all use more of! (Visit this lovely blog post from Steph Zabel a while back to learn more about raspberry leaf.) I made Nourish & Rebuild as directed, infusing the herbs with boiling water and letting steep for 4-8 hours. The taste of this blend is grassy and refreshing- great to sip on throughout the day. Sip of Sunshine would be amazing for this time of year as well- notes of citrus and bright spice are sure to bring some light and warmth to cold days.

We are so excited to have these thoughtful tea blends here at the store. Let us know what you think!

The information in this blog post is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.

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Sunday Sip - Ginger Zinger Tea

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By Alyssa, CN Buyer and herbalism student

An essential Cambridge Naturals cold and flu season supplement is our house brand Ginger Zinger Syrups. These syrups come in three varieties: Ginger Zinger, Ginger Zinger Immune, and Ginger Zinger Bronchial. They are all soothing, warming, and deliciously spicy. They taste great on their own but I love mixing one into hot water to make a comforting tea. This is especially nice for times when you may feel under the weather as it is a really easy and quick tea to make.

The Ginger Zinger is made with fresh and dry ginger root, organic honey, vegetable glycerin, and water. The Ginger Zinger Immune has all of that plus echinacea and elderberry for added immune support. The Ginger Zinger Bronchial is also based on the Ginger Zinger plus osha root, wild cherry bark, and licorice root- all great herbs for soothing the throat. All you need to do is mix one to two teaspoons of the syrup into 8oz of hot water. You can make it throughout the day as needed, or just when you’re craving something simple and spicy that’s good for you as well.

The information in this blog post is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.

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Capricorn Season Tea

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By Alyssa, CN Buyer and herbalism student

Hello 2023 and hello Capricorn season! Capricorns are known first and foremost for their industriousness and innate urge to build something that will last for many years to come. Although Capricorns are known to work hard, they are much more than their work ethic. Capricorns take laughing very seriously and love to CHILL as well. And frankly, they deserve a calming evening after a day full of inspiring societal contributions! How can they get back to building without proper rest? The star of this tea is kava kava root, a supremely relaxing and earthy herb that can help even the busiest of Capricorns wind down. Also featured is mullein leaf, an amazing herb for this time of year as it is known to help move along and lingering congestion and support general respiratory health. Mullein leaf has proved to be one of the most popular herbs this winter in the store for good reason! Cinnamon chips and licorice root up the earthiness factor as Capricorn is an earth sign, and add a little sweetness as well. Both cinnamon and licorice can be soothing to the throat as well, making this tea generally great for the season. The overall profile of this tea is bittersweet and slightly numbing. Best when drank at night to assist you in winding down for the evening.

Materials

  • Tea kettle

  • Mug of choice

  • Tea strainer or teabag

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp kava kava root

  • 2 tsp cinnamon chips

  • 2 tsp mullein leaf

  • 1 tsp licorice root

Directions

  • Add all ingredients to a tea strainer or teabag. Pour 12 oz of freshly boiled water over the herbs and cover your mug. Let steep for 15 minutes or more.

  • Alternatively, add all ingredients to a pot and simmer on the stove for at least 15 minutes. This is called a decoction and is actually the preferred method when steeping any roots!

  • Strain, sip, and enjoy!

Mullein leaf in a Somerville neighbor’s yard.

The information in this blog post is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.

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Sagittarius Season Tea!

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By Alyssa P

CN Buyer, herbalism student, tea lover

If you know any Sagittarians, you probably know them for their vast knowledge of niche subjects, spontaneity, and their mission to always tell you how it really is. There’s never a dull moment when you’re around a Sagittarius and this tea blend is no exception. Sage is the featured herb in this blend to represent Sagittarians’ sage wisdom and philosophical ideas. Sage is also considered to be an uplifting herb, promoting an optimistic mindset like that of a Sagittarians’. Juniper berries bring memories of woodsy outdoor hikes. Sagittarius rules the thighs and hips, meaning frequent hiking adventures are essential. Adventure is a trademark of this sign, whether it be a physical or flavor quest. A Sagittarius tea also wouldn’t be complete without both zing and spice (if you know, you know), and the lemon peel and black pepper bring just that- brightness and pungency.

Directions:

  • Add all ingredients to a tea strainer or teabag.

  • Pour 8 oz of freshly boiled water over the herbs and cover your mug.

  • Let steep for at least 15 minutes, strain, sip, and enjoy!







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Tulsi Elderberry Syrup

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By Alyssa P

CN buyer, herbalism student, beverage enthusiast

It’s that time of the year again when elderberries become the star of the bulk herbs show. Elderberries are known for their immune supporting properties as well as their delicious taste, especially in syrup form. Elderberry syrup is such a fun way to support your immune system and can be taken every day.

This elderberry syrup is inspired by Mountain Rose Herbs’ recipe, a company that supplies many of our bulk herbs and more. Also included is tulsi rama, aka holy basil. Tulsi can act as an immune supporter and is great for stress support as well. The inclusion of tulsi adds some spice and depth of flavor to the syrup and compliments the elderberries well.

Materials

  • Medium pot

  • Measuring tools

  • Strainer and/or cheesecloth

  • Sterilized glass jar

Ingredients

Directions

  • Add berries. herbs, and cold water to a pot and bring to a boil.

  • Reduce heat and let simmer for 30-40 minutes.

  • Remove from heat and let steep for 1 hour

  • Strain berries and herbs using a funnel overlaid with cheesecloth and squeeze out all the liquid. It may still be hot so use caution.

  • Let liquid cool to a bit warmer than room temperature and stir in honey. Make sure the amount of honey is at least half of the total liquid left (1/2 cup honey for 1 cup liquid). This will help to increase the shelf life. If using vodka or brandy, stir that in as well.

  • Store in a sterilized glass jar in the fridge. You should be left with about 1-1.5 cups of syrup or a bit more if you added an alcohol.

This syrup can be taken daily to support your immune system. It tastes amazing on its own or you could use it as a base for mixed beverages. I love adding a tablespoon or two of the syrup to a Ruby Hibiscus Sparkling Water- a delicious drink that’s only two ingredients!

P.S. Find the Mountain Rose Herbs Elderberry Syrup Recipe (and video!) here!



The information in this blog post is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.