Elderberry Syrup
One could argue that elderberry is the Vicks Vapo-Rub of any apothecary. Melissa Aurora Adelbush offers her simple elderberry syrup recipe as we approach the one-two punch of COVID-19 and flu season t...
Building Up Our Defenses
FOLLOWING THE PATH TO HERBALISM
edible Door published in 2020 and revised in 2024 for the launch of edibleNEW, serving Northeast Wisconsin
There’s always that one family member who swears by a one-sizefi ts-all-cure-all, a little black dress of medicinals, if you will. So much so that if you don’t take stock in their vital discovery, you just aren’t living right.
My very own father insists that Vicks VapoRub possesses healing powers far beyond “a kid with a cold.”
But, COVID-19 could care less what we pontifi cate its antidote. And, as long as the verdict remains unclear regarding a release date for a reliable vaccine made available to the masses, while building a strong defense system certainly won’t cure those infected, yet it provides the most viable preparation in the face of the coronavirus.
“Definitely in our times right now, we want to keep up our immune system and keep healthy,” says Melissa Aurora Adelbush, herbalist and co-owner of Aurora’s Apothecary in Appleton, with a second shop in Fish Creek. Herbalism has come quite naturally for Adelbush, who embarked upon that path way before she began her business practice some 15 years ago. While she’s lived in the city her entire life, it was when she was 14-yearsold that her grandfather would take her on walks in the woods and fi elds to show her what everything was and what they did.
While in college, Adelbush studied biology, botany and ethnobotany, where one of her favorite professors was an elder in the Ojibwa nation.
“People have been using plants to heal and nourish well before pharmaceuticals,” she explains. She now lives in Morrison, where she grows her own medicine on less than an acre and processes it in her state-certifi ed lab for consumer use.
Aurora’s Apothecary in Fish Creek. Contributed photo
“The good thing about herbs is that you can harvest at least three times during the growing season,” says Adelbush.
Currently the presiding president of the Fox Valley Herb Society, Adelbush presents lectures and hands-on classes on a regular basis for those interested in learning the basic medicinal properties of herbs, or what some might even consider weeds.
She also offers a six-month herbal intensive at her Appleton location where students meet every two weeks to learn the practice from bookwork, into the fi eld for identifi cation, and classes on making tinctures, salves and other modes of transportation for naturally derived medicines.
“We really believe in educating the public. You can listen to a podcast or YouTube all day, but if you’re there to ask questions that’s the best way to learn,” she explains.
So, when COVID-19 initially swept the nation in the wee hours of 2020, Adelbush remembers lung support being her first go-to recommendation. “I truly believe that plants show up when you need it most.”
‘Definitely in our times right now, we want to keep up our immune system and keep healthy,’
- Melissa Aurora Adelbush, herbalist and co-owner of Aurora’s Apothecary
Melissa Aurora Adelbush harvesting elderlowers. Contributed photo.
It was around that time that the native mullein plant emerged from the earth stretching its arms from a long winter’s nap. Although mullein is found in many parts of the world, the United States is home to more than 200 biennial varieties. Its furry leaves are used to treat the respiratory tract, skin, veins, gastrointestinal tract and the locomotor system. It’s one of the main ingredients in the Breathe Easy Tea sold at Aurora’s Apothecary along with coltsfoot, eucalyptus and peppermint.
She says taking a daily adaptogen is your best preemptive strike. Adaptogens are herbs and mushrooms that support the body's natural ability to deal with stress. Their unique ability to “adapt” their function according to the specific needs of the body are what make them so useful in your daily regime. Probably one of the most recognized adaptogens is echinacea. Yet, others such as ashwagandha, holy basil and ginseng are also great at seeking the body’s problems out to hit them head on.
It’s no surprise that depression and anxiety have also presented issues related to COVID-19 — “It’s definitely frying all of our nerves,” says Adelbush, who recommends trying nervine relaxants and tonics such as valerian, skullcap, passion flower, kava kava, milky oats, linden flowers and St. John’s wort to treat nervous system-related symptoms.
Whatever systems you seek to support, the best way to consume herbs, according to Adlebush, is to cook with them and eat them. Though, tinctures are also quite effective.
By making tea with the herbs, the liquid extract is combined with an alcohol base. If you are opposed to alcohol, she says glycerin, apple cider vinegar or honey make excellent substitutions. Typically an herbalist steeps these herbs in the chosen base for about six weeks, but two years later even better.
Echinacea (foreground) and Anise Hyssop. Contributed photo
But when it comes to the little black dress of modern herbalism, Cannabidiol (CBD) is the miracle plant du jour.
“It’s a great herb, but not immediate,” Adelbush says, “It needs to build up in the body. It acts like a supervisor for the body somewhat like an adaptogen.”
She explains that while you may want to take it for sleeping, for example, what CBD is really doing is helping you have restful sleep. Additionally, it helps you during the day because of its effects on the nervous system. Overall, Adelbush says that the main objective is to keep the immune system healthy. Add in an ample dose of fresh air as possible, along with a positive attitude for a reliable “recipe” to stay strong so that you might resist the COVID-19 virus. We may not know when or where we’ll be this time next year, but keeping strong, happy and healthy is her wish for you and yours.
Speaking of recipes, one could argue that elderberry is the Vicks Vapo- Rub of any apothecary. Adelbush offers her simple elderberry syrup recipe as we approach the one-two punch of COVID-19 and fl u season this fall and winter.
- For information about Adelbush’s course offerings, products, and more, go to www.aurorasapothecary.com.
- She also provides a wealth of information on YouTube including herbal chats and live streams.
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