An Elderberry, Hawthorn & Chaga Spiced Syrup
This syrup was inspired by the elderberries and hawthorns ripening around my home. These fruits arrive in early autumn, just as we begin thinking about supporting our bodies through the colder months. Cinnamon, star anise, and black pepper bring warming, aromatic qualities and a long history of traditional use for digestion and circulation. I combined these spices with locally harvested fruits and chaga to create a syrup that celebrates the season.
Ingredients: Fresh elderberries, fresh hawthorn berries, wild-harvested chaga, star anise, cinnamon, eleutherococcus, orange peel, black pepper, honey, less than 2% citric acid.
Suggested Use: Enjoy ½ to 1 tsp as desired, plain or stirred into tea, bubbly water, or a mocktail.
…A glimpse into the formula
Elderberry has a long history of use in folk herbalism during cold and flu season. Its richly colored berries contain anthocyanins and other plant compounds studied for their antioxidant and immune-supportive activity. Research on elderberry extracts is promising but does not establish that this syrup prevents viral infections. It has been studied for it’s ability to halt viral replication.
Hawthorn is a traditional heart tonic. Its berries are rich in plant compounds associated with cardiovascular support, and herbalists have long valued hawthorn for nourishing the heart and supporting circulation. In Chinese medicine, hawthorn fruit is also used to support digestion, particularly after rich meals.
Chaga contains polysaccharides, including beta-glucans, and antioxidant compounds that have attracted research interest. Traditionally valued as a nourishing mushroom preparation, it complements the elderberry in this autumn blend. Much of the research on its immune and metabolic effects remains preliminary. Hopefully more studies will come forward in the future.
Eleutherococcus, often called eleuthero, is an adaptogen traditionally used to support resilience during periods of stress and fatigue. Of course, no herb replaces rest and a balanced life! I value eleuthero for its long history of supporting vitality and the body’s ability to respond to everyday demands.
Astragalus is another adaptogenic root used in Chinese medicine to support Wei qi, or defensive qi. This concept describes the body’s protective energy at its boundaries, including the skin and respiratory passages. Astragalus is traditionally used to support vitality, digestion, and seasonal resilience.
Star anise, cinnamon, and black pepper are warming, aromatic spices traditionally used to stimulate digestion and encourage circulation. Their natural constituents have also been investigated for antimicrobial activity.
Orange peel is included to support digestion and, in Chinese herbal tradition, to help transform phlegm. Its bright aroma beautifully balances the deeper, warming spices. Save your orange and tangerine peels during citrus season—you can dry them for your own kitchen creations!
Organic & Locally Grown
