04/23/2024
Elderberry syrup vs Elderberry Fire Cider- When is one better than the other? What are the pros and cons of each?
Elderberry, Sambucas nigra, is a well known herb with many useful parts. Here, I am specifically talking about the berries which are rich in vitamin C, proanthocyanin flavonoids (which gives them their beautiful, dark purple color ) and anti-viral proteins. It is useful in treating cold, influenza, and other viral respiratory disorders.
Syrup Vs Fire Cider
Syrups are strong teas or decoctions sweetened with sugar or honey. In order to get a decent shelf life and the texture of a syrup, one must add lots of sugar. Most recipes call for a one-to-one ratio of sweetener to liquid. Syrup last for several weeks, maybe even months of refrigerated. They taste delicious though!
Fire Cider is a no heat method of herbal extraction in apple cider vinegar to create a product that requires no refrigeration and is shelf stable for years. It is usually lightly sweetened w honey. The Apple cider vinegar itself is medicinal, known to have antimicrobial properties and to thin mucus (often present in illness). The taste is sour but can be made sweeter to preference.
Both will deliver good concentrated doses of elderberries but with all the sugar in the syrups, you could actually be working against your immune system. Syrups also require refrigeration and have a shorter shelf life.
IMO, Dr. Amber's Fire Cider is a better choice if you are sick when you wouldn’t want to be ingesting sugar anyway! Plus, fire cider has garlic and ginger, which are two of the most potent herbs for immune system support. A syrup may be better in some cases though for very picky palates!
Next time you start to feel a cold, sore throat, sneezes or cough coming on try 1 tbsp of Elderberry Rosehip Fire Cider in 8 ounces of warm water with 1 tsp (or more) of honey or a splash of apple juice. Do this every 2 hrs and you’ll be feeling great soon!
Let me know what you think? Was this helpful? Do you have any other questions?
