Are you battling the ravages of a cough or the common cold? Then make a batch of this blackberry syrup for natural relief. Getting sick is always stressful. Depending on whether you have the flu or a cold, you could be bedridden for days. This is where medicine comes into play. The problem is that most over-the-counter medications don’t shorten colds. They are full of additives and colorants that you don’t want in your body.
There is a growing tendency for people to abandon modern medicines and return to our natural roots. One of the remedies used since ancient times is blackberries. All this plant has medicinal purposes and is consumed in various ways, such as tea or syrup.
Today we are going to discuss about the health benefits of blackberries. We will also share a recipe for a blackberry cough and cold syrup. This recipe will help you with symptoms of the common cold and flu, such as fever, cough, and weakness.
Table of Contents
Why should you eat blackberries?
Blackberries have been around since the beginning of time. The specific history of the blackberries is not known. However, some texts support that its medicinal use dates back to the time of the Greeks.
The Greeks used blackberries to treat gout. The Romans used to prepare them in tea to remedy various diseases. Native Americans use them to relieve stomach ailments.
Blackberries provide many health benefits that are well documented by science. Modern natural medicines include blackberries in their ingredients. The blackberry plant itself can be used from the roots to the leaves. Each part contains various medicinal and antioxidant properties.
Benefits of blackberries
There are many health benefits associated with blackberries. Many of which have been proven to help against diseases, including cancer. The benefits for blackberries are as follows.
1. They are full of vitamins and antioxidants
Blackberries contain vitamins A, B, C, E, and K. In addition, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and antioxidant anthocyanins are also present. Vitamins are a crucial part of anyone’s diet and health.
A single cup of blackberries contains half the recommended dose of vitamin C. Vitamin C has many benefits. Helps in wound healing, shortens the duration of colds, absorbs iron and prevents scurvy. It also reduces free radicals as they have an antioxidant action.
Vitamin A is essential for eye health, healthy immune system function, healthy skin, bone growth, and healthy teeth.
Vitamin K helps with blood clotting and supports bone health. Vitamin K deficiency can lead to bone fractures, bruises, or blood in the urine or stool.
2. Improve brain health
Studies show that blackberries can help increase cognitive abilities due to high concentrations of polyphenols. Polyphenols are antioxidants that fight free radicals. They can reduce brain inflammation and memory loss that is often seen in aging.
3. Help reduce inflammation
Blackberries don’t just reduce inflammation in the brain. Studies have shown that they are also good against arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
4. Treat stomach problems
One study found that those who suffer from stomach ulcers can benefit from blackberries. These reduce the size of ulcers by up to 88%.
5. They have a high concentration of phytoestrogens
Research has shown that blackberries are especially beneficial for women, as they are high in phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are plant estrogens.
Recent studies show that phytoestrogens can help in the prevention of both breast and cervical cancer for women.
6. Reduce blood sugar levels
Blackberries contain the mineral manganese. This mineral is often overlooked, but it is truly essential for a healthy immune system and bone development.
It is responsible for metabolizing cholesterol, forming collagen and preventing osteoporosis. It also lowers blood sugar levels. Polyphenols have been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes and increase insulin sensitivity.
7. Help treat the common cold
Vitamins and antioxidants play an important role in the function of your immune system. Vitamin C, in particular, can help shorten the duration of a cold and relieve symptoms faster.
Blackberries contain many of the vitamins that have been shown to shorten colds and coughs.
8. They have a high content of tannins
Blackberries are high in tannins. Tannins help reduce diarrhea and hemorrhoids, decrease bleeding, and tighten tissues. In Germany, blackberries are often used as astringents.
They are commonly recommended for mouth irritations. They are also used for sore throats due to coughs or infections.
9. They are a good source of fiber
Getting enough fiber is still a problem for many people. Low fiber diets have been shown to cause health problems like constipation and stomach aches. They can even lead to more serious health problems, such as an increased risk of heart disease.
High fiber diets will help you lose weight, lower cholesterol and blood sugar, and provide healthy gut bacteria.
10. They prevent heart disease
Cancer and heart disease are linked to a poor diet, among other factors. Studies found that the extracts found in blackberry juice can lower your risk of developing heart disease.
Specific extracts found in blackberries can prevent the spread of cancer and tumor growth. While it is not a definitive cure, they are promising results. However, more research still needs to be completed.
How to Make Blackberry Cough and Cold Syrup
Nobody likes to get sick. Unfortunately, it happens to even the healthiest people. When you get a cold or the flu, you may have symptoms like fever, headaches, chills, cough, and a stuffy / runny nose. Even after your cold is over, you could still have a cough that won’t go away.
The good news is that you don’t have to suffer any longer. Making your own cough and cold syrup is surprisingly simple. It only takes a few steps and a few ingredients, although you also have the option of adding different herbs and spices to it for combined effects.
Without further ado, here are the steps to make your blackberry cough syrup.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of blackberries
- 1 cup of raw honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 quarts of water
- 1 cup vinegar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves (optional)
Instructions
There are two different ways to do the process, the first set of instructions is a longer way, but you will get more syrup.
Blackberry syrup # 1
- Wash and disinfect the blackberries.
- In a large saucepan, add the blackberries and water and bring to a boil.
- Cook over low heat until the blackberries are very soft. This will take about an hour.
- Strain into a glass or stainless-steel container.
- Pass the pulp through a food grinder.
- Discard the seeds and pulp.
- Add the juice back to the saucepan, add the spices of your choice and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Strain the spices and allow the juice to cool until warm.
- Add the honey and stir until it dissolves.
Blackberry syrup # 2
- Wash and disinfect the blackberries.
- Place the blackberries in a glass container and pour vinegar over them.
- Let sit for 24 hours while stirring and pressing occasionally.
- Strain the mixture and squeeze out as much juice as possible.
- Place in a large saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Add honey and cinnamon and stir frequently.
- Let it boil for five minutes and then let it cool down.
- Store in a glass jar.
- When you want to use the syrup, add 1 to 2 tablespoons to a glass of hot water and sip.
Take a tablespoon several times a day.