We all dealt with our first cold and flu symptoms here at home, and I thought it would be a nice occasion for sharing some of our home made recipes. Elderberries make a great wild edible, but they are even more than that: they are true medicine.
Elderberries (the fruits of Sambucus nigra) are the number one ally in beating viruses like flu and common colds. This is a must have (I'd rather say must make) wild medicine to have around for the winter to come. Traditionally, it is turned into a syrup. But neither of us has sweet tooth at home (like my daughter, who prefers olives over sweet things) and we like to avoid sugar as much as we can for health reasons as well. Here's an alternative: elderberry ice cubes.
This step is essential! Elderberries contain a cyanide-producing glycoside, which is toxic to humans, and the heat destroys this.