EASY TO SPOT MEDICINE GROWING ALMOST EVERYWHERE THIS TIME OF YEAR

hopfarmnc (60)in #homesteading • 6 years ago

Yep, this beautiful cluster of little white flowers will help fight colds, flu, bronchitis, diabetes, and constipation. It is also used as a diuretic or to increase sweating along with many other uses.

The Elderflower comes from the Elderberry shrub. The Elderberry grows in zones 3-8 and you can find them growing everywhere if you keep an eye open for them. Whenever I need to go somewhere I can always spot one on the side of the road this time of year.

The Elderberry grows about 10 ft tall but has been known to grow up to 30 feet tall. It is easily distinguishable in Spring and early summer with it's large flat umbrella like clusters of white flowers. The leaves will be slightly Jagged at the edges growing in a Mirror Image on each side with one leaf growing at the end of the branch.

To reap the benefits of this sought-after flower most people steep it in hot water to make a tea. The Elder flowers have a very floral smell and taste.

If you want to give your elderflower tea a little boost I would recommend lemon balm and some raw honey. The lemon balm adds a nice refreshing lemony companion to the elderflower. The honey adds a sweetness along with boosting the medical properties of your tea. Raw Honey is a good source of antioxidants and has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

I hope this inspires you to go out and find your own free medicine. Or at least keep an eye open so you know where to go to get some if you should need it.