I am so excited! Thanks to the wonderful people at Wildlands Inc. I have arranged for 10 lucky people to attend an elderberry harvesting field trip on one of their mitigation sites. “

What is an Elderberry?

Elderberry shrubs can get quite big and are often confused with trees. They have large clusters of white flowers in the spring that ripen into dark berries in the summer (when I say elderberry, I am referring to the Sambucus nigra elderberries, not the red). They are considered riparian and often associated with rivers, streams, and creeks and in grasslands adjacent to water. Here in the Central Valley, they are home to the Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle (it is currently listed as a threatened species). The beetle spends most of it’s life as a larva in the stems of the shrub, so we need to be careful when harvesting. Normally the elderberries are usually best to harvest in August, but it varies every year.

Why Elderberries?

If you read my blog regularly, you will know that I am a huge fan of elderberries. If you are sick, have a sore throat, sniffles, a cough… my first question will be have you been taking your elderberry syrup? Elderberry is an anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and antioxidant. It helps build the immune system and is especially helpful for respiratory illness such as asthma or bronchitis.  We all take elderberry syrup twice a day at the first sign of a cold or virus and we usually recover quicker, coughs don’t linger, and rarely does anyone get a secondary infection. It can be taken regularly during an allergy season. I also give it to my children for a few days to a week before and after getting immunizations, traveling, or the first days of school or if a virus is going around. Here are a few links to some other sites with interesting information on elderberries:

• Medicine Hunter
• Herb Wisdom
• Wikipedia
• USDA

What do you do with elderberries?

We have been taking elderberry syrup for years, but buying it can be very expensive. So last year I started making my own. After harvesting the berries, I immediately juice them and then freeze the juice in 3 cup portions. Then I can make and can the syrup as I need it. This way it does not go bad before we can use it. I use local honey to make the syrup and by making it seasonally, I can use seasonal honey (this helps in fighting local  and seasonal allergens). CLICK HERE for my previous post on Making Elderberry Syrup and CLICK HERE for the Cough Syrup recipe. I am just on my last batch now from last year, just in time! As this syrup does contain honey, I do not recommend it for children under 2. You can make it totally with sugar or purchase Herbs for Kids Elderberry Syrup. There are many things you can make with elderberries. They are good as a jam, a compliment in a pie or other baked good, tea, wine, etc.  Many people also use the flowers for teas, liquors, jellies, etc. I still have a lot more experimenting to do.

But ONLY use the flowers or RIPE BERRIES and make sure you cook them! Elderberries should not be eaten raw. All parts of the plant contain the toxin hydrocyanic acid which is destroyed by cooking. Red elderberry (S. pubens) is considered poisonous and should not be used at all since cooking does not destroy enough of the toxin. Most of the berries in the Sacramento area are S.nigra elderberry. The stems and leaves have the highest concentration of hydrocyanic acid that is why I recommend removing them. I have seen some recipes that say not to worry about the smaller stems, especially if you are boiling it. I have also seen some recipes that do not boil the juice, I would strongly advise against eating the berries or drinking the juice raw. I have also seen people suggest using the leaves. I would NOT advise using the leaves as they have higher concentration of hydrocyanic acid.

So how can You come harvesting?

The field trip is set for July 27, 2010 (subject to change if berries aren’t ripe enough), some time in the AM to avoid the heat. As I said there are only 10 spots available, so I have decided to have it on a first come first serve basis. If you would like to attend the field trip, please leave a comment on this post, not on Facebook. The first 10 received will reserve their spot. I will also have two back up spots, in case some one can not attend. If there are too many people responding at the same time, I will draw names. I hope this sounds fair. I would love to take everyone, but C’est la vie.

Allergy Triggers

1. Pollen and Mold – This time of year the pollen is coming down like rain. We have a HEPA air filter in the kids room with a UV light to kill the mold spores. I find it helps a lot. Also we change the main filter for the AC every few months. I am very allergic to molds, so I am careful to eliminate all moisture in and around the house. I like to use vinegar and tea tree oil to kill molds in the house and hydrogen peroxide (with water) can help to get the stains out.
2. Milk – Casein is the protein in milk that can trigger the release of histamine. Histamine triggers an inflammatory response, such an in allergies and asthma. It is often a good idea to reduce or eliminate milk products during allergy season, especially the hard cheeses. The harder the cheese the the more casein (and less lactose).
3. Cleaning Products - many cleaning products can be hard on the respiratory system. Besides fragrance there are many toxic chemicals in most cleaners. Here is a link to the EWG guide to detoxifying your home.  The American Lung Association has a guide to non-toxic cleaning. I also will post my favorite recipes for my Natural Spring Cleaning Workshop later in the month, but here are some of my older cleaning recipes.
4. Antibiotics and Steroids – Antibiotics and steroids can start a cyclical dependence that lowers the bodies ability to fight allergies, asthma, virus, and infections on it’s own. I have already written on this subject in Allergy and Asthma: What Every Mother Should Know. But to summarize, antibiotics kill all bacterial (flora) in the body including the good bacterias that help us digest our food properly and fight off invaders (colds/virus/allergies). These bacterias in your gut make up more than 70% of our immune system. Antibiotics kill that immune system. Given enough time most of us can recover without outside help, but repeated doses of antibiotics and/or already sensitive stomachs may never recover. I truly believe most children (and adults) are functioning with suppressed immune systems due to bacterial imbalance. That is why I am a huge proponent of probiotics (see below for more). The problem with steroids is a little different. Our bodies naturally produce steroids in order to fight inflammation, but when we take synthetic steroids regularly, our body stops producing it’s own. Then more steroids are required to fight inflammation (ie. asthma attacks), and the cycle continues. Please read my previous post to learn more. I would never recommend immediately taking a child (or adult) off steroids, but I do recommend trying to build your child’s immune system and own anti-inflammatory response. Then when you and your doctor feel ready, trying to wean your child off the steroids.

Natural Alternatives for Treating Allergy and Asthma

1. Multi-Vitamin: Many studies suggest that the B vitamins, magnesium, and selenium all can help to reduce the symptoms of allergy and asthma, including inflammation. In addition, Vitamins C and E help to build the immune system. My children take Perfect Kids by Super Nutrition. It is the only whole food vitamin I have found that has high concentrations of the B vitamins. For more information on how to choose a multivitamin CLICK HERE.
2. Probiotics: OK, I’m a huge fan. My kids take them daily, but I don’t recommend that for everyone. I do recommend taking them when traveling, during and after a virus or antibiotics, and for irregular bowls. CLICK HERE to learn more on how to choose a probiotic.
3. Natural Anti Inflammatory: I view Elderberry as a “super food.” I believe that our families respiratory health is great because of the elderberry syrup we take regularly. Elderberries are anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, full of antioxidants, and immune boosting. In our home we use elderberry syrup or tea at the first sign of cold, virus, cough, or runny nose. Here are a few of my previous posts on elderberries: Elderberry Syrup Recipe, Natural Remedies for Cold and Flu Season, Chocolate Elderberry Cough Syrup Recipe, and Alternatives for Persistent Cough. Turmeric is another good anti-inflammatory. I try to include turmeric in any recipe that I think it will go well with. But for those who take it for it’s anti-inflammatory properties usually take it in capsule form. Curcumin is the the active ingredient in turmeric. It works a lot like ibuprofen, but may not be quite as effective pain relief. And like ibuprofen, it can cause stomach irritation or other bowl problems if taken at high dosages for prolonged time. I would not use high dosages regularly, but seasonally. It maybe hard to find dosages for children. I have not yet found a resource or any information for children under 6 or 60 lbs, but it is common in medicines and supplements for children over 60 lbs. to be prescribed half the adult dosage. (Please note this is my own estimate and not an exact nor very scientific dosage.) This can still be vague because adult dosages are often something like 2-6 capsules a day. In this case I would start with 1 and use no more than 3 per day.
4. Natural Antihistamine: Quercetin, Butterbur, and Stinging Nettle are all natural antihistamines. “[Quercetin] helps block the release of histamine that causes inflammation.”  For my own allergies, I take Quercetin capsules as directed on the bottle. I do not give it to my children because I am not sure of dosage because they are so light (about 30 lbs).  But for children over 60 lbs, I would give half an adult dosage. “[Stinging Nettle] this botanical contains carotene, vitamin K, and quercetin.” I have a stinging nettle tea that I sometimes take for milder reactions. It doesn’t taste that great alone, but I add local honey. My kids do not like tea, but sometimes I give them some of this when I suspect allergies as an underlying problem for their symptoms. It is also common for Stinging Nettle to be combines with Quercetin in capsules. “[Butterbur] appears to work as a leukotriene inhibitor, which blocks some chemicals that trigger swelling in the nasal passages.” Butterbur is probably the most extensively used herb for allergies, but you have to be careful in choosing which supplement to use. “Some butterbur preparations contain chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which can damage the liver and cause other serious harm. Only butterbur products that are certified and labeled “PA-free” [or UPA-free] should be used.) And never eat unprocessed Butterbur. I would use as directed.  (All Quotes from WebMD).
5. Natural Antibiotic: The most powerful natural antibiotic that I know of is oregano oil. That being said it is still an antibiotic and should be treated as one. It will not be as helpful with a virus. And you should always take probiotics while taking oregano oil. I don’t have much experience with oregano oil myself, although I have friends who swear by it. I found this link on the properties and uses for Oregano Oil. Also, I would always buy from a reputable source and use as directed. Garlic is another great antibacterial that I use often to treat or prevent  ear infection, as you may have read in my previous post Naturally Fighting Ear Infection.
6. Natural Decongestants: The most effective natural decongestants I have found to be essential oils, eucalyptus and camphor. I use them both with a little peppermint oil in a vapor plug or humidifier while the children sleep.  I also have a recipe for a vapor rub using these oils. Mustard is another great decongestant and detoxifier. For my recipe for a mustard bath CLICK HERE.

If you want more information, here are a few of my previous posts on allergy and asthma:

• Asthma and Children: What Every Mother Should Know
• Asthma and Allergy Triggers
• Herbal Remedies for Allergy and Asthma
• Virus or Allergy

I hope you can find some relief and enjoy this wonderful Spring!

Out of shear laziness I bought the garlic oil ear drops on the way home from the Dr., but I have made it in the past. You may find many, many, many different recipes on the internet, but here is what I do…

• Mince one clove garlic.
• Mix the garlic with 2 TBSP olive oil in a small microwave safe bowl.
• Heat on 1/2 power for about 30 second at a time. Adjust the temp and time as necessary. You want to heat the garlic, but not cook it. Take out and mash with a pestle.
• Repeat as necessary for about 2-3 minute total.
• Strain the garlic from the oil and put in jar that can be sealed.
• Put 3 drops of oil into the ears every 3 hours, or less if necessary.

Note: Do not use anything in the ears, if your children have ear tubes!

I have heard that tea tree oil is also used to treat ear infections, but I find it better to use as preventative than for treatment. While tea tree does kill bacteria, but it does not help with the pain as much as garlic. When using tea tree oil, I mix three drops tea tree oil in 1 TBSP almond oil (can use olive oil) and give 3 drops in the ears before sleeping. I always like to put drops in  both ears because I don’t want the infection to spread from one ear to another.

Update: I find that using Peppermint Essential Oil on the front and back of the ears (NOT in the ears) is far more effective in preventing and treating ear infections. Our naturopath recommends it preventatively before and after plane flights, after swimming, etc. The peppermint oil helps to open up the ducts and vascular system to prevent clogging. Also, is very effective in conjunction with the garlic oil to treat ear infection. It helps keep the oils from clogging the ears and creating it’s own problems.

So this has been a long and very nasty virus, but we have successfully fought off both respiratory and ear infections without artificial antibiotics, decongestants, and cough suppressants. And while it is hard to have a tired and unhealthy child for two weeks, I prefer knowing what is happening with her body and watch her immune system working rather than masking it with over the counter or prescription medicines.

I can’t wait until Spring!

Chocolate Elderberry Cough Syrup

CHICK HERE for directions to juicing elderberries and making a juice concentrate from my previous post on Elderberry Syrup.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of cocoa powder (preferably organic, non-alkaline)
• 1 cup elderberry juice
• 1 cup honey
• 1 pinch of large salt
• 1/4 tsp vanilla

Mix the cocoa and the elderberry juice in a saucepan. Heat and stir to dissolve the cocoa. Add the honey, and stir to dissolve. Boil for 3 minutes over medium heat. Add the salt and the vanilla. Let cool. Pour into a sterile glass jar, and store in the refrigerator. Keeps for several months. Yields two cups. (note: if you substitute water for the juice, you have chocolate syrup!).

P.S. It’s great over fruit or ice cream too!