What I'm working on .... Elderberry Immune Support Syrup

We have been taking elderberry syrup in my home for years to help with everything from being run down, common colds and illnesses, allergies and I even took it this past year to help boost my immune system from a case of mastitis. I adjust the recipe here and there to provide better benefit for the issue at hand.

My current batch of elderberry syrup is inspired from the hard crafting ladies of BEST who have been working so hard to make wonderful treasures and goodies for you. Lack of sleep is the worst thing you can do to your body as that is when we heal and replenish ourselves. On top of lack of sleep they are going to have many many interactions with hundreds of people and anytime you interact with many people you introduce yourself to different things not bad just different and its those interactions that put our immune systems on alert. I want these new friends of mine to not have to worry about coming down with a cold when they can least 'afford' to thus Elderberry Immune Support Syrup!

Organic Ingredients: Filtered Water, Honey, Elderberries, Licorice Root, Rosehips, Echinacea, Cinnamon Bark, Elecampane, Slippery Elm Bark, Ginger Root, Oregon Grape Root & LOVE

What do these herbs do?
Elderberries are known to be effective in fighting at least eight 8 strains of influenza suggesting elderberry is superior to vaccines in flu prevention because vaccines can only protect against know strains that are also continuously mutating. It was also found that elderberry disarms the enzyme viruses use to invade otherwise healthy cells in the linings of the throat and nose. Taken before an infection it will help prevent an infection, after it will help prevent the spread through the respiratory and other systems.

Licorice Root's most common use world wide is to treat common colds and coughs. In Chinese Medicine it is also used to treat fatigue. Has a generally pleasing taste.

Rosehips have one of the most concentrated forms of vitamin C that is available which has led to them being included in many cold preventatives and remedies such as this very syrup. In addition to vitamin C, rosehips also contain vitamins A, D and E, as well as antioxidant flavonoids that may reduce the effects of aging and help prevent cancer. The various flavonoids in rose hips have potent antioxidant action, helping to protect the body from the effects of stress, aging and the environment. The iron in rose hips make them an excellent supplement for women.

Echinacea is one of the first choice herbs for the treatment and preventions of colds because of its immune stimulating qualities.

Cinnamon is one of the most recognizable of flavors in the world, has been used  in just about every type of food product available. Cinnamons beneficial effects on the digestive tract are attributed to its antioxidant catechins, which may also help fight bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. Cassia bark has been used for over a thousand years in both Eastern and Western medicine in treating chronic diarrhea, colds, kidney trouble, abdominal and heart pains, hypertension, and cancer, among others.

Elecampane related to both sunflowers and ragweed is named for Helen of Troy, who carried its flowers with her. In traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic medicine it is recommended for bronchitis and asthma. During the middle ages it was regarded for restoring health to the heart. It is an antiseptic expectorant and will relieve chest congestion. As a bitter it will also stimulate digestion.

Slippery Elm Bark added to hot water has a slippery consistency and was also served as a food during famine and for making porridge for small children and elderly persons. The mucilage in slipper elm bark also relieves inflammation and irritation in the throat and urinary tract. Slippery elm also helps neutralize excess stomach acid.

Ginger Root is probably the most widely used remedy on the planet being used as both food and medicine. Fresh ginger is used to relieve dryness and heat, while dried ginger is used to relieve dampness and chill. Scientists have found evidence to support ginger's wide range of medicinal actions including lowering cholesterol levels, relieving allergies and asthma, arthritis, colds, and nausea; and protecting the digestive tract and liver against toxins and parasites. Laboratory science confirms the concentration of compounds found in raw ginger  kills cold viruses. Ginger is especially useful in small doses in pregnancy as  an age-old remedy for morning sickness.

Oregon Grape Root is a useful substitute for goldenseal, which has been over harvested in the wild. Oregon grape root may also give the immune system a mild boost. Oregon grape root and other herbs that contain berberine are scientifically proven to protect against bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoans, worms, and chlamydia.

So there you have it a handcrafted alternative to chemical laden over the counter cold products. Herbal syrups are fun and easy to make and last typically 2-4 months if refrigerated and taste good too! Enjoy I know my family does. 

For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

By purchasing and/or using any items from Lana Bella, it is implied that you have read and understand the risks of using herbs and herbal products and therefore release Lana Bella from any and all liability.

Please do your own research and/or discuss with your healthcare provider before using herbal products.

How Lana Bella happened...

Back in the spring of 2004 I was a happy little cloth diaper maker who was buying this great wool wash from another WAHM sewing along on my merry way and giving out samples with all my wool covers. Then one day in 2005  I got an email that she was closing shop but selling her business. Well in 2005 there weren't many WAHM wool washes out there and I loved this one so it was only natural or so I thought that I should buy it. I casually mentioned it to an online friend and we decided to try together. Long story short she sold it to someone else.

Then the other friend mentions why don't we make out own so together in 2 states hundreds of miles apart we decide to do just that. It was in my kitchen that the liquid wool wash and spray lanolin for Sheepish Grins was born. Unfortunately I was also getting ready to move with 2 small children and one Coast Guard Hubby from Cape Cod, MA to Charleston, SC. My partner wanted to grow Sheepish Grins big and fast and I wanted slow and small so I could move then get adjusted. In the end we parted ways (she later went on to sell Sheepish Grins) so we could remain friends.

A few months pass I'm settled in our new home somewhat and lonely and nearly out of all the wool care products I made before the move. I need to make more for myself but I also want to stock my store but what do I call them they have no identity anymore. I pose the question to my little online group of mommy friends. One of the suggestions is LANA BELLA loosely translated to beautiful wool in Italian (which I am partly) interestingly so wool was also used as currency during the Renaissance period. Its perfect!

So you see it all started with wool washes. The per Pelle idea came to fruition a few months later when I needed to figure out gifts for relatives 1000 miles away on a very tight budget so I pulled the lanolin tweaked the recipe some and the very first of the skin care bars were on their way to CT. During the same time I was involved with a wonderful produce co-op and someone was mentioning some skin issues and I mentioned my soaps which had been working so wonderfully on my own daughters eczema that one bar gift of soap opened the door to a whole new market for me a market not online but in the real world. A similar situation happened a few months down the line in early 2006 at my chiropractors office and thus my first brick and mortar location. although it was farmers market style with a basket of my soap and an envelope it got more of my soap out in the local area.

I began playing with more herbs and teas and natural pigments more and more and by 2008 I was growing all of the herbs used in my soaps. Along came early 2009 and the salves really were launched other than just the diaper balm and others here and there as people needed them. Spring 2009 came the herbal teas and pink lip balms.

Currently far away from that local market I fell in love with and residing in Baltimore, MD I'm feeling a bit misplaced but have stumbled across once again hopefully at the right time a group who could help me really turn this overrated hobby shop into a real business. I will always look fondly of those days where I feel I really got my start sitting on the grass in the sun surrounded by great friends and sounds of laughing, playing children  with a basket of soap being passed around and ideas of things to come.