When you think of a latte, you might think of the classic coffee drink. But there are so many other ways to make them—turmeric, matcha, maca—the list goes on! Not only do they taste amazing, but they are also good for you! Healing lattes are a great drink at any time of the day. They are cozy and will warm you right up (or try them iced when you need something a bit more refreshing.)
Elderberry is an ancient herb that has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments. In more modern times, studies have found that elderberry is quite effective at boosting the immune system, decreasing the severity of certain ailments, and infusing the body with other wonderful health benefits.
What is Elderberry?
Elderberry is one of the most trustworthy herbs and happens to be “one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in the world.” From the ancient Egyptians to Native Americans, Elderberry has been used to treat infections, heal burns, improve skin clarity, and speed recovery from ailments such as the common cold and the flu. Most elderberries come from the Sambucus nigra, also known as the European elderberry or black elder, which is native to Europe yet is now cultivated globally due to the herb’s high demand.
The Amazing Health Benefits of Elderberry
Source: Dr. Eric Berg DC/Youtube
The berries contain vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants such as phenolic acids, flavonols, and anthocyanins, which all help boost your immune system. Based on research, the immune-boosting properties rely on a few different components of black elderberry, the first of which is an extract called Sambucol. Sambucol is a “natural [remedy] with antiviral properties, especially against strains of influenza virus.” It’s been found that Sambucol and “its formulations activate the healthy immune system by increasing inflammatory cytokine production,” as well as contain “immunoprotective or immunostimulatory [effects].”
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup non-dairy milk (frothed)
- 1 tbsp sweetener
- 1 tbsp Elderberry syrup
- Edible flowers for topping (optional)
- Cinnamon for topping (optional)
Preparation:
- In a mug, heat your non-dairy milk.
- Add your desired sweetener to the milk and mix.
- Add in the elderberry syrup and mix.
- Use a frother or whisk to froth the mixture and add desired toppings.
How To Make Homemade Vegan Elderberry Syrup
Source: Make It Dairy Free/Youtube
Elderberry syrup is a common natural remedy; however, it’s not usually vegan. Make It Dairy Free shared how we make vegan elderberry syrup!
Elderberry Syrup
Source: Homemade Elderberry Syrup
When it’s cold, and flu season, everyone runs out to buy some pricey elderberry syrup. It’s less expensive to make your own, and you’ll know exactly what went in it. You can make a double batch and freeze some, so you always have it on hand.
Related Content:
Learn How to Cook Plant-Based Meals at Home
Reducing your meat intake and eating more plant-based foods is known to help with chronic inflammation, heart health, mental wellbeing, fitness goals, nutritional needs, allergies, gut health, and more! Unfortunately, dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer, and prostate cancer, and has many side effects.
For those interested in eating more plant-based, we highly recommend purchasing one of our many plant-based cookbooks or downloading the Food Monster App which has thousands of delicious recipes making it the largest vegan recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.
Here are some resources to get you started:
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