Comments on: 10 Reasons to Love Elderberry Elixir http://bearmedicineherbals.com/10-reasons-to-love-elderberry-elixir.html Traditional Western Herbalism with Kiva Rose Fri, 11 May 2012 17:26:51 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Kiva Rose http://bearmedicineherbals.com/10-reasons-to-love-elderberry-elixir.html/comment-page-1#comment-15115 Kiva Rose Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:25:10 +0000 http://bearmedicineherbals.com/blog/?p=111#comment-15115 Nope, not entirely true, as even the leaves are used internally as a diaphoretic, although it may cause nausea in some people. There's toxins in elder like there's toxins in Peach leaves, may look that way isolated in a lab but doesn't work that way in our digestive system. If you crush and eat the seeds raw you can end up with nausea or vomiting but I've never seen anyone consume enough elixir to have any problem whatsoever, and I've often used it with infants and pregnant women. Elderberry in pretty much any form is considered by most midwives and herbalists and textbooks to be safe for pregnant and nursing women, which probably tells you the "toxin" thing isn't based in reality. Nope, not entirely true, as even the leaves are used internally as a diaphoretic, although it may cause nausea in some people. There’s toxins in elder like there’s toxins in Peach leaves, may look that way isolated in a lab but doesn’t work that way in our digestive system. If you crush and eat the seeds raw you can end up with nausea or vomiting but I’ve never seen anyone consume enough elixir to have any problem whatsoever, and I’ve often used it with infants and pregnant women. Elderberry in pretty much any form is considered by most midwives and herbalists and textbooks to be safe for pregnant and nursing women, which probably tells you the “toxin” thing isn’t based in reality.

]]> By: Mel http://bearmedicineherbals.com/10-reasons-to-love-elderberry-elixir.html/comment-page-1#comment-15114 Mel Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:21:04 +0000 http://bearmedicineherbals.com/blog/?p=111#comment-15114 Hey guys, thought elderberry uncooked was toxic, and the rest of the elder in any form toxic, if taken internally. Does strong alcohol 'cook' the toxin? Hey guys, thought elderberry uncooked was toxic, and the rest of the elder in any form toxic, if taken internally. Does strong alcohol ‘cook’ the toxin?

]]> By: Kiva Rose http://bearmedicineherbals.com/10-reasons-to-love-elderberry-elixir.html/comment-page-1#comment-10338 Kiva Rose Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:06:53 +0000 http://bearmedicineherbals.com/blog/?p=111#comment-10338 Linda, mucus is a product of the immune system and aids in clearing pathogens from the resp. tract, so it is certainly possible that in hypoimmunity, elder has the capacity to somewhat increase mucus production in a helpful way. In general, it's a somewhat drying herb though, so it tends to balance itself out and if it does increase mucus, it usually seems to be needed. I tend to think it's a very bad idea to try to dry up or eliminate mucus in acute viral situations, as it's there to help, not just as an evil byproduct of the illness. And I have often used Elderberry in lung tonics and formulas for asthmatics and it seems to be very helpful in almost all cases. Hope that's helpful :) Linda, mucus is a product of the immune system and aids in clearing pathogens from the resp. tract, so it is certainly possible that in hypoimmunity, elder has the capacity to somewhat increase mucus production in a helpful way. In general, it’s a somewhat drying herb though, so it tends to balance itself out and if it does increase mucus, it usually seems to be needed.

I tend to think it’s a very bad idea to try to dry up or eliminate mucus in acute viral situations, as it’s there to help, not just as an evil byproduct of the illness.

And I have often used Elderberry in lung tonics and formulas for asthmatics and it seems to be very helpful in almost all cases.

Hope that’s helpful :)

]]> By: linda http://bearmedicineherbals.com/10-reasons-to-love-elderberry-elixir.html/comment-page-1#comment-10337 linda Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:00:12 +0000 http://bearmedicineherbals.com/blog/?p=111#comment-10337 my almost daughter-in-law told me that she heard that elderberry increases mucous. i've not found that to be the case, but she says she was sick and had some lung-gunk (she has asthma) and would not use the elixir i gave her. she opted for musinex instead. i'm curious if you've ever heard/noticed this? my almost daughter-in-law told me that she heard that elderberry increases mucous. i’ve not found that to be the case, but she says she was sick and had some lung-gunk (she has asthma) and would not use the elixir i gave her.
she opted for musinex instead. i’m curious if you’ve ever heard/noticed this?

]]> By: Dee http://bearmedicineherbals.com/10-reasons-to-love-elderberry-elixir.html/comment-page-1#comment-9530 Dee Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:59:10 +0000 http://bearmedicineherbals.com/blog/?p=111#comment-9530 1 Oz is approx 29.5 ml ... so basically I have been giving my older daughter (15) and myself 1 oz per day. My younger one has been getting 1/2 that so that would be about what you are reccomending. The baby only got 1 ml per day because I was scared of the honey lol. Ill cut the dosage back to what you suggest. I think everyone here is pretty much over the H1N1 now, just me to go:) mothers always take care of themselves last lol. 1 Oz is approx 29.5 ml … so basically I have been giving my older daughter (15) and myself 1 oz per day. My younger one has been getting 1/2 that so that would be about what you are reccomending. The baby only got 1 ml per day because I was scared of the honey lol.
Ill cut the dosage back to what you suggest. I think everyone here is pretty much over the H1N1 now, just me to go:) mothers always take care of themselves last lol.

]]> By: Kiva Rose http://bearmedicineherbals.com/10-reasons-to-love-elderberry-elixir.html/comment-page-1#comment-9526 Kiva Rose Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:27:24 +0000 http://bearmedicineherbals.com/blog/?p=111#comment-9526 Dee, I'm speaking of a standard once ounce dropper, that's about 60 drops. 25-30 drops is an adequate dose in most cases, especially for children and yes tsp or tbsp either one is quite a large dose.... but of course it depends on the prepared elixir you bought and how it was made. Dee, I’m speaking of a standard once ounce dropper, that’s about 60 drops. 25-30 drops is an adequate dose in most cases, especially for children and yes tsp or tbsp either one is quite a large dose…. but of course it depends on the prepared elixir you bought and how it was made.

]]> By: Dee http://bearmedicineherbals.com/10-reasons-to-love-elderberry-elixir.html/comment-page-1#comment-9515 Dee Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:18:42 +0000 http://bearmedicineherbals.com/blog/?p=111#comment-9515 Hi quick question.. I noticed you say "dropperful" when recommending dosage. There are many size droppers .. which size are you referring to? I currently give in Tsp or Tbsp dosage which I probably too much, I just went by what was on the bottle of the prepared Elixir I bought. Thanks:) Hi quick question.. I noticed you say “dropperful” when recommending dosage. There are many size droppers .. which size are you referring to?
I currently give in Tsp or Tbsp dosage which I probably too much, I just went by what was on the bottle of the prepared Elixir I bought.
Thanks:)

]]> By: Kiva Rose http://bearmedicineherbals.com/10-reasons-to-love-elderberry-elixir.html/comment-page-1#comment-4525 Kiva Rose Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:42:48 +0000 http://bearmedicineherbals.com/blog/?p=111#comment-4525 Polly, if you're doing 1:2 then I would say go with the 95% or nearly (although you could go as low as %50 and still preserve them adequately)... if they're juicy they're already going to have a fairly high water percentage them so you don't need to dilute it further with more water. A dropperful twice a day is not an overly large dose if that's what feels good to you. You could always adjust it as you go along. Polly, if you’re doing 1:2 then I would say go with the 95% or nearly (although you could go as low as %50 and still preserve them adequately)… if they’re juicy they’re already going to have a fairly high water percentage them so you don’t need to dilute it further with more water.

A dropperful twice a day is not an overly large dose if that’s what feels good to you. You could always adjust it as you go along.

]]> By: Polly http://bearmedicineherbals.com/10-reasons-to-love-elderberry-elixir.html/comment-page-1#comment-4524 Polly Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:37:20 +0000 http://bearmedicineherbals.com/blog/?p=111#comment-4524 Hi Kiva, Thanks for advise on Feb 05. Two more questions: 1.) I'm making a 1:2 tincture with lightly mashed "fresh" frozen elderberries I picked last fall, raw wild honey, and grain alcohol. Should I follow your tincture-making recommendation and use 95% alcohol (for fresh plants) or, since berries are much juicier and "food-like" than other fresh plant parts (such as leaves) should I dilute the alcohol to 50% with distilled water? 2.) I experimented with taking 1/2 dropperful of elderberry tincture twice a day as an adaptogen/alterative/tonic approach. It feels too skimpy. When I take 1 full dropper twice a day, I can taste it more, which helps me feel more connected to the plant spirit. Is this okay to continue with? Polly Hi Kiva, Thanks for advise on Feb 05. Two more questions:

1.) I’m making a 1:2 tincture with lightly mashed “fresh” frozen elderberries I picked last fall, raw wild honey, and grain alcohol. Should I follow your tincture-making recommendation and use 95% alcohol (for fresh plants) or, since berries are much juicier and “food-like” than other fresh plant parts (such as leaves) should I dilute the alcohol to 50% with distilled water?

2.) I experimented with taking 1/2 dropperful of elderberry tincture twice a day as an adaptogen/alterative/tonic approach. It feels too skimpy. When I take 1 full dropper twice a day, I can taste it more, which helps me feel more connected to the plant spirit. Is this okay to continue with?

Polly

]]> By: Kiva Rose http://bearmedicineherbals.com/10-reasons-to-love-elderberry-elixir.html/comment-page-1#comment-4375 Kiva Rose Thu, 05 Feb 2009 22:32:42 +0000 http://bearmedicineherbals.com/blog/?p=111#comment-4375 Polly, 1. There's no sugar in vegetable glycerine, and it has no effect on blood sugar levels as far as I know. But yes, you can certainly make a simple tincture with elderberries and it will work just the same. Honey does add medicinal value but the lack of it will not impact the effectiveness of the tincture. However, the amount of honey in half a dropperful of elixir is pretty negligible. 2. Check out my post on tinctures under the medicine making category there on the left for instructions on how to make a tincture. Basically though it's just 1 part elderberries to 5 parts menstruum by weight, that's pretty standard. 3. Elderberry is a very broad and amazing medicine, and can be very helpful when used in a tonic kind of way. Check out my most recent posts for the article I just wrote on adaptogens too. Nettle seed is another common and commonly available adaptogen. It depends on what your body is in need of. 4. Elderberry is quite non-toxic, and can be used in any reasonable dosage. Half a dropper twice a day might be a good starting point, better to have more small doses than just one large dose of any herb. Yes, dosage varies depending on weight, gender, age etc (but mostly on size and metabolism) but with a nourishing herb like this, you don't have to worry much. A half a dropperful of tincture is equally safe for a 3 year old, a 30 year old and an 80 year old. Thanks for reading, Kiva Polly,

1. There’s no sugar in vegetable glycerine, and it has no effect on blood sugar levels as far as I know. But yes, you can certainly make a simple tincture with elderberries and it will work just the same. Honey does add medicinal value but the lack of it will not impact the effectiveness of the tincture. However, the amount of honey in half a dropperful of elixir is pretty negligible.

2. Check out my post on tinctures under the medicine making category there on the left for instructions on how to make a tincture. Basically though it’s just 1 part elderberries to 5 parts menstruum by weight, that’s pretty standard.

3. Elderberry is a very broad and amazing medicine, and can be very helpful when used in a tonic kind of way. Check out my most recent posts for the article I just wrote on adaptogens too. Nettle seed is another common and commonly available adaptogen. It depends on what your body is in need of.

4. Elderberry is quite non-toxic, and can be used in any reasonable dosage. Half a dropper twice a day might be a good starting point, better to have more small doses than just one large dose of any herb. Yes, dosage varies depending on weight, gender, age etc (but mostly on size and metabolism) but with a nourishing herb like this, you don’t have to worry much. A half a dropperful of tincture is equally safe for a 3 year old, a 30 year old and an 80 year old.

Thanks for reading,
Kiva

]]> By: Polly http://bearmedicineherbals.com/10-reasons-to-love-elderberry-elixir.html/comment-page-1#comment-4374 Polly Thu, 05 Feb 2009 21:32:37 +0000 http://bearmedicineherbals.com/blog/?p=111#comment-4374 Hi Kiva- I've been looking for info on Elder and have found all of your articles to be most informative and uplifting. I truly enjoy and value your recipes. They make my spirit feel "right." I hope you can answer my questions. 1.) I try to avoid sugars. Is it ok to make a tincture with alcohol only, or should honey be added? Is honey mainly for flavor or does it actually make the medicine more effective? 2.) Every recipe I find for tinctures is different! Can you give me SPECIFIC MEASUREMENTS for DRIED berries and 100 proof vodka or brandy as well as SPECIFIC MEASUREMENTS for FRESH berries and 100 proof vodka or brandy? 3.) I saw the Elder Spirit in an unexpected and unusual way last October. I understood part of her personal message to me but didn't understand the complete message until I read your articles. Now, I realize that I would like to try using elderberry tincture as an adaptogen. I 've been wishing for a local adaptogen and had no idea that the "Old Mother" was very possibly what I've been looking for. I'm excited and hopeful of the possibilities, but I can't retrieve the Donald Yance article. Can you give me guidance on how to proceed? Would it be something like 1 dropper per day in the morning, every day? 5.) Does dosage vary, based upon body weight, age, etc.? There is something so exciting about this idea that I almost feel better just thinking about it! Thank you for considering my requests. - Polly Hi Kiva- I’ve been looking for info on Elder and have found all of your articles to be most informative and uplifting. I truly enjoy and value your recipes. They make my spirit feel “right.” I hope you can answer my questions. 1.) I try to avoid sugars. Is it ok to make a tincture with alcohol only, or should honey be added? Is honey mainly for flavor or does it actually make the medicine more effective? 2.) Every recipe I find for tinctures is different! Can you give me SPECIFIC MEASUREMENTS for DRIED berries and 100 proof vodka or brandy as well as SPECIFIC MEASUREMENTS for FRESH berries and 100 proof vodka or brandy? 3.) I saw the Elder Spirit in an unexpected and unusual way last October. I understood part of her personal message to me but didn’t understand the complete message until I read your articles. Now, I realize that I would like to try using elderberry tincture as an adaptogen. I ‘ve been wishing for a local adaptogen and had no idea that the “Old Mother” was very possibly what I’ve been looking for. I’m excited and hopeful of the possibilities, but I can’t retrieve the Donald Yance article. Can you give me guidance on how to proceed? Would it be something like 1 dropper per day in the morning, every day? 5.) Does dosage vary, based upon body weight, age, etc.? There is something so exciting about this idea that I almost feel better just thinking about it! Thank you for considering my requests. – Polly

]]> By: Kiva Rose http://bearmedicineherbals.com/10-reasons-to-love-elderberry-elixir.html/comment-page-1#comment-1076 Kiva Rose Fri, 21 Mar 2008 20:58:39 +0000 http://bearmedicineherbals.com/blog/?p=111#comment-1076 Hi Litha, I tried dried elderberries with coconut butter and it didn't work worth a damn :( Fresh elderberries will work better I think. I'm going to try the elderberry ghee next, maybe tomorrow. Elderflower oil and salve is easy to make though, even with dried flowers it turns out great. Hi Litha, I tried dried elderberries with coconut butter and it didn’t work worth a damn :(

Fresh elderberries will work better I think. I’m going to try the elderberry ghee next, maybe tomorrow.

Elderflower oil and salve is easy to make though, even with dried flowers it turns out great.

]]> By: litha http://bearmedicineherbals.com/10-reasons-to-love-elderberry-elixir.html/comment-page-1#comment-1075 litha Fri, 21 Mar 2008 20:40:39 +0000 http://bearmedicineherbals.com/blog/?p=111#comment-1075 kiva, i'm curious if you ever ended up experimenting with coconut oil in the EB salve and if so, was it as effective as the salve you make with animal fat? kiva, i’m curious if you ever ended up experimenting with coconut oil in the EB salve and if so, was it as effective as the salve you make with animal fat?

]]> By: Kiva Rose http://bearmedicineherbals.com/10-reasons-to-love-elderberry-elixir.html/comment-page-1#comment-246 Kiva Rose Sat, 15 Sep 2007 15:49:04 +0000 http://bearmedicineherbals.com/blog/?p=111#comment-246 For fresh berries, I would fill the jar with the berries then add brandy and sweetness. For dried I would fill the jar about a third of the way... I mostly just eyeball it, I have a scale but don't use it very often. For fresh berries, I would fill the jar with the berries then add brandy and sweetness. For dried I would fill the jar about a third of the way… I mostly just eyeball it, I have a scale but don’t use it very often.

]]> By: neighbor http://bearmedicineherbals.com/10-reasons-to-love-elderberry-elixir.html/comment-page-1#comment-241 neighbor Fri, 14 Sep 2007 20:41:28 +0000 http://bearmedicineherbals.com/blog/?p=111#comment-241 Hi Kiva! Glad I wasn't the only one emailing you about elderberry :-). I'm off to attempt Elderberry Elixir but since I don't have a scale, can you provide an estimate of measurement for volume (for the berries, where you call for 1/2 oz)... Hi Kiva! Glad I wasn’t the only one emailing you about elderberry :-) . I’m off to attempt Elderberry Elixir but since I don’t have a scale, can you provide an estimate of measurement for volume (for the berries, where you call for 1/2 oz)…

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