Finding Healing in Elderberry: My Journey Through Loss, Grief, and Anxiety

Losing someone you love—someone who was not just a friend but also a trusted business partner—leaves an emptiness that words can’t fully capture. The past few months have been some of the hardest of my life. Grief isn’t just emotional; it seeps into your body, your energy, your motivation. I’ve felt the weight of depression, the restless anxiety, the brain fog that makes even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming.

In the midst of this, I turned to what I know: nature’s medicine. For the last three months I've been trying to get into nature, take more intentional time to rest and last but not least of all, I’ve been taking elderberry syrup daily—not just any elderberry syrup, but the one we make at Elderberry Blends Australia. At first, I was simply trying to support my immune system, knowing that stress and grief take a toll on physical health. But as the weeks passed, I realized something deeper was happening—elderberry wasn’t just helping my body; it was helping my mind and spirit, too.

The Science Behind Elderberry and Mental Health

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is best known for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties, but research suggests it may also play a role in mental well-being. A study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that elderberry’s rich antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds could help protect cognitive function and reduce oxidative stress—factors closely linked to anxiety and depression. (Read the study)

Another review in the same journal highlighted how elderberry’s natural compounds might have neuroprotective benefits, supporting brain health and resilience. (Read more here) While more research is needed, the connection between inflammation, oxidative stress, and mental health is clear—and elderberry’s ability to combat both may be part of why I’ve felt a difference.

Elderberry as a Companion in Healing

Grief doesn’t have a timeline, and neither does healing. There is no magic cure for loss, no quick fix for the deep sadness that comes with it. But I’ve learned that small, intentional acts of self-care—like taking our handcrafted elderberry syrup from Elderberry Blends Australia every day—can make a difference. It’s not about “curing” grief; it’s about supporting your body so that you have the strength to keep going, to feel what you need to feel, to slowly rebuild.

I’m still in the thick of it, still navigating this new reality without my friend and business partner. But I do know this: taking care of myself in small ways, like nourishing my body with elderberry, has helped me show up for my healing. If you’re going through loss, depression, or anxiety, know that you’re not alone. And if you’re looking for natural ways to support yourself through the process, our elderberry syrup might be a gentle yet powerful ally on your journey.

With love and healing,
Tatjana xx

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