08/31/2026
What's in my Elderberry Elixir this season?
I made a batch of seasonal elixir this weekend — elderberries, oranges, lemons, ginger, Ceylon cinnamon, rosehips, a whisper of star anise, a touch of licorice root, real vanilla, and raw local honey. It smells like fall in a jar.
🌿 Elderberry — cooling and drying, a classic for viral illness. The clinical reference notes it's a popular flu remedy, good for fever and congestion. (I used dried berries)
🌿 Ginger — warming, settling, circulating.
🌿 Orange, lemon, rosehips, cinnamon, honey — these are food herbs. Flavorful, antioxidant-rich, and generally safe for all ages in normal culinary amounts. The honey also makes a soothing base for sore throats.
Some ingredients to look into:
⚠️ Licorice root — this is a beautiful formula harmonizer and throat soother, but it causes retention of water and sodium and excretion of potassium. That matters in pregnancy, when fluid balance and blood pressure are already shifting. The reference says small quantities in a formula are okay during pregnancy, but use it only under qualified supervision. Also use caution if you have high blood pressure. I used a very small amount, when taken for short term use, there shouldn't be any problems. Discontinue use if you have any adverse reactions.
⚠️ Star anise — anise is a traditional abortifacient, and the reference advises avoiding medicinal doses during pregnancy. A single pod flavoring a whole batch of elixir is food-level, not medicinal-level —If pregnant use for a short amount of time. Id avoid in 1st trimester.
(Also worth knowing: some imported star anise has been adulterated with a toxic look-alike. I make sure mine is the right one.)
A well-made elixir, taken in small doses at the first sign of a cold, is a lovely home remedy for most people. For pregnant women and young children, the wisest approach is simpler: use in small doses and if it doesn't seem to be helping, or if symptoms worsen, consult your physician & discontinue use.
🫖Herbal remedies don't work like OTC drugs. There should be a lifestyle change that supports and nourishes the body and it's natural defense mechanism. ..And sometimes you have to tackle the seasonal funk from many angles. You need to cut out sugars, stay warm, stay hydrated, soups are a great option when not feeling well. Drink herbal teas & broth. Do steams! Try the neti pot morning and night! Put your diffuser on with lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, or cinnamon and clove.
I also like clean sheets and a dusted ceiling fan when I'm not feeling well. (I hate when I have a stuffy runny nose and I'm sniffing in dust particles)
I take daily showers. After being in the public and around people, a shower cleanses me and relaxes my body, which will in turn help me to stay healthier and to heal faster. (*a good body oil rub down feels great too when you're not feeling well*)
Good oral hygiene will also help kick the crud faster. Brush and floss. Do some salt water/salt water & sage mouth rinses.
Take vitamins(vitamin c, eat fruit, coconut water, d3/k2...) Get sunlight and fresh air! Try to get some deep breaths in. The steam and neti pot help with this. Oxygenate that blood.
[If interested in getting some of my elixir-I have 4oz bottles available for $35. If you pay cash, there is no tax. I have cash app, venmo, zelle, and square. I can ship & I can meet locally]
