Don't miss our (members-only, free) Elderflower & Herbal Magic Workshop tomorrow from 10 am - 1 pm.
Now, if you've never encountered elderflowers, you might have some questions!
First, what are elderflowers?
They're the beginnings of elderberries- and only bloom for the next two weekends so grab them while you can! Elderflowers are one of those magical, medicinal spring delicacies-- reminiscent of a fairy flower!
How do you harvest elderflowers?
--Harvest them in the morning at peak potency and hang upside down in a cool dry place until ready for use (1-2 days.)
-- Cut large blossoms from bush, avoiding leaves and then cut smaller flower clusters away from the large, chunky stems.
What can you use them for?
Elderflowers are great for teas, cordials, or as whimsical garnish. It's a powerhouse with many beneficial uses-- it has antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Herbalists have used elderflower for centuries to help aid symptoms of colds, flu, sinus infections, and upper respiratory infections.
It's thought to be helpful for cooling down a fever, increasing circulation, and boosting the immune system with vitamin C and antioxidants. It also has slight diuretic and laxative properties that can be useful in the right situation.
Topically, elderflower can help with aching joints due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
In summary: Elderflower is used for swollen sinuses (sinusitis), colds, bronchitis, diabetes, and constipation. It's also used to increase urine production (as a diuretic), to increase sweating (as a diaphoretic), and to stop bleeding.
Here's an Elderflower recipe to get you started.
Elderflower Cordial Recipe
- 1.5kg sugar
- 1.5 L water
- 25 elderflowers (no stems)
- 3 sliced lemons
1. Dissolve the sugar and water and bring to boil until all sugar has dissolved.
2. Place the elderflowers and lemons in a bowl and pour over the sugar water. Leave for 24 hours to infuse.
3. Strain the liquid to remove lemons and elderflowers.
4. Bottle in clean and sterilized bottles, label with name and date and keep in fridge for 2 weeks.
Stop by tomorrow's workshop for more recipes + tips! Don't miss out on this magical once-a-year treat.
First, what are elderflowers?
They're the beginnings of elderberries- and only bloom for the next two weekends so grab them while you can! Elderflowers are one of those magical, medicinal spring delicacies-- reminiscent of a fairy flower!
How do you harvest elderflowers?
--Harvest them in the morning at peak potency and hang upside down in a cool dry place until ready for use (1-2 days.)
-- Cut large blossoms from bush, avoiding leaves and then cut smaller flower clusters away from the large, chunky stems.
What can you use them for?
Elderflowers are great for teas, cordials, or as whimsical garnish. It's a powerhouse with many beneficial uses-- it has antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Herbalists have used elderflower for centuries to help aid symptoms of colds, flu, sinus infections, and upper respiratory infections.
It's thought to be helpful for cooling down a fever, increasing circulation, and boosting the immune system with vitamin C and antioxidants. It also has slight diuretic and laxative properties that can be useful in the right situation.
Topically, elderflower can help with aching joints due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
In summary: Elderflower is used for swollen sinuses (sinusitis), colds, bronchitis, diabetes, and constipation. It's also used to increase urine production (as a diuretic), to increase sweating (as a diaphoretic), and to stop bleeding.
Here's an Elderflower recipe to get you started.
Elderflower Cordial Recipe
- 1.5kg sugar
- 1.5 L water
- 25 elderflowers (no stems)
- 3 sliced lemons
1. Dissolve the sugar and water and bring to boil until all sugar has dissolved.
2. Place the elderflowers and lemons in a bowl and pour over the sugar water. Leave for 24 hours to infuse.
3. Strain the liquid to remove lemons and elderflowers.
4. Bottle in clean and sterilized bottles, label with name and date and keep in fridge for 2 weeks.
Stop by tomorrow's workshop for more recipes + tips! Don't miss out on this magical once-a-year treat.
RSS Feed