Episode 166: Elderberry with Helen Ward and Elderberry Syrup recipe

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Episode Summary

I had the pleasure of meeting Helen Ward earlier this year at an herbal retreat in Italy, and I was immediately taken with her warm and kind spirit. It was such a joy to catch up with her again in this interview! Helen’s connection with elderberry runs deep, and in this conversation we get to hear all about how this plant became such a big part of her herbal path – and how it continues to nurture her both physically and as a way to bring her closer to nature and her community.  For me, this conversation really gets to the heart of herbalism and how herbs can deeply transform our lives.

Helen also shared her recipe for elderberry syrup, an herbal remedy that many people turn to for help warding off colds and flu this time of year!  You can find a beautifully illustrated recipe card for Helen’s Elderberry Syrup in the section below.

Elderberry is a beloved herb for many, and it’s not hard to understand why! Here are just a few ways you can work with elderberry to benefit your health:

► As an immune tonic to help prevent you from getting sick (or to shorten the duration of a cold or flu if it’s already set in)

► As a delicious, nutrient-rich food in jams, pies, baked goods, and beverages

► To modulate inflammation, helping to decrease arthritic or rheumatic pain

To learn even more benefits of elderberry, be sure to check out the entire episode!

By the end of this episode, you’ll know:

► Four medicinal benefits of elderberry

► Why elderberry doesn’t grow best in rows - and tips on where to grow it so it will thrive

► The importance of infusing your intentions into the herbal medicines you prepare

► How working to connect more closely with nature can bring more gratitude and joy into your life

► and so much more…

For those of you who don’t know her, Helen has joyfully worked with the plants for more than 20 years. For 14 years, Helen has combined her professional career with her passion for working with the plants by serving as Director of Rosemary Gladstar’s The Science & Art of Herbalism.

Helen is dedicated to deepening students’ relationship with plants through Rosemary’s teachings. She teaches at local national and international herb events, has been featured in online publications and provides local herbal care. Helen has contributed to both the International Herb Symposium and Women’s Herbal Conference, and her Vermont farm is part of the United Plant Savers Botanical Sanctuary Network. Last but not least, she loves hiking with her puppy and spending time in her garden.

I’m thrilled to share our conversation with you today!

Would you prefer reading this episode? If so, click here to download a transcript.

Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, scroll down below.

Connect with Helen

• Website | ScienceAndArtOfHerbalism.com/ 
• Instagram | @helenwardherbalist 
• Facebook | Helen Ward
  

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• [1:10] Student Spotlight
• [2:40] Introduction to Helen Ward
• [5:14] Helen’s plant path
• [16:43] The importance of nurturing your inner landscape
• [23:49] Helen’s love for elderberry
• [33:49] Medicinal benefits of elderberry
• [35:42] Elderberry syrup
• [39:43] The importance of intention in medicine making
• [40:47] Helen’s current projects
• [44:48] Sit spots, nature connection, gratitude, and joy
• [59:14] How herbs instill hope in Helen
• [1:04:53] Herbal tidbit

Get Your Free Recipe!

Elderberries make some of the best syrup you’ll ever taste! Elder’s berries have immune-enhancing and antiviral properties. The berries are helpful in treating viral infections including flu, herpes, and shingles.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh or 1 cup dried elderberries
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup honey

Directions:

1. Add elderberries to 4 cups of water in a medium saucepan and simmer for one hour (or until reduced to about 2 cups of liquid).
2. As the berries simmer, stir in your healing intentions.  This is a very important step!  As the medicinal qualities of the elderberries infuse into the water, you could sing your favorite song, share a prayer or say “May this elderberry syrup bring love and good health to those who drink it!”  Whichever you choose (or all of them), know that you are infusing your own magic.
3. After an hour, strain the berries out and place them in the compost.
4. Put the elderberry juice back in the pot, bringing it to a simmer.  
5. Stir in ½ cup honey, making sure it completely melts and infuses to create the perfect elderberry syrup.
6. Bottle and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.

-- TIMESTAMPS -- 

• 01:10 - Student Spotlight
• 02:41 - Introduction to Helen Ward
• 05:14 - Helen’s plant path
• 16:43 - The importance of nurturing your inner landscape
• 23:49 - Helen’s love for elderberry
• 33:49 - Medicinal benefits of elderberry
• 35:43 - Elderberry syrup
• 39:43 - The importance of intention in medicine making
• 40:47 - Helen’s current projects
• 44:48 - Sit spots, nature connection, gratitude, and joy
• 59:15 - How herbs instill hope in Helen
• 1:04:46 - Herbal tidbit

Connect with Rosalee

• On Instagram | @rosaleedelaforet

• On Facebook | Herbs With Rosalee
• On YouTube | Herbs With Rosalee

• Website | herbswithrosalee.com


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