Akišni Honey Syrup

$30.00

Akišni (ah-kee-shnee) means "healing" in the Lakota language.

Ingredients: Raw Honey, Mullein Leaf & Flower, Garlic, Elderberries, Elderflower, Goldenrod

Uses: Helps support immune system during colds, flu & seasonal allergies. Dosage: 1-4 tbsp daily times daily to fight illness and boost immune health. 

Storage: to prolong the life of your honey syrup, place in cool dark place (refrigerator is best) within 1 to 2 months of purchase.  Good for 2 years if store properly.

Ingredient Benefits

Raw Organic Honey: 

Raw honey contains bee pollen, which is known to ward off infections, provide natural allergy relief and boost overall immunity. Honey’s ability to prevent allergies is based on a concept called immunotherapy.  Many seasonal allergy sufferers have found local, raw honey to be helpful because it desensitizes them to the fauna triggering their allergic reaction.


A 2013 study found that eating honey at a high dose (one gram per kilogram of body weight of honey daily) can improve allergy symptoms over a period of eight weeks. Researchers absorbed that the honey consumption improved overall and individual symptoms of allergic rhinitis.  Allergic rhinitis is an allergic response that causes itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and other similar symptoms.

Some people say that a daily tablespoon of honey can actually act like an allergy shot. The type of honey is key though since pasteurized honey does not contain any pollen. For possible seasonal allergy relief, you need to consume raw honey with pollen in it.

Raw honey contains natural sugars (80 percent), water (18 percent), and minerals, vitamins, pollen and protein (2 percent). It’s not surprising that honey has been called “the perfect running fuel.” It provides an easily absorbed supply of energy in the form of liver glycogen, making it ideal for energetic morning starts and as a pre- and post-exercise energy source.

Studies at the University of Memphis Exercise and Sports Nutrition Laboratory have shown honey to be one of the best choices of carbohydrate to consume right before exercising. Additionally, studies have revealed that as a sporting fuel, honey performs on a par with glucose, which is the sugar used in most commercial energy gels. 

Studies have shown that a daily dose of raw honey raises levels of health-promoting antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants help block free radicals in the body that cause disease. It also boosts the immune system, acting as a preventative against any number of diseases. Honey contains polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.

One study fed 25 subjects about four tablespoons of honey per day for 29 days in addition to their regular diets. When blood samples were taken at the start and end of the study, researchers found a clear, direct link between honey consumption and an increased level of disease-fighting polyphenols in the blood. 

Studies have shown that honey contains the disease-fighting antioxidant flavonoids pinocembrin, pinostrobin and chrysin.  Pinocembrin supports enzyme activity, and many studies have shown that pinocembrin induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) of many types of cancer cells.  Laboratory research suggests that chrysin may increase the male hormone testosterone and improve bodybuilding results, but human research hasn’t found any effect on testosterone levels. 

Mullien Leaf & Flowers: 

With demulcent, expectorant and astringent properties, Mullein leaves and flowers are rich in saponins which are thought to be responsible for the potent respiratory benefits of this herb. They also contain mucilage which coats and soothes irritated mucus membranes, whilst their expectorant qualities help to expel congestion from the lungs.

According to research, Mullein is a cross between the demulcents and saponin-bearing expectorants, which makes it effective in alleviating conditions such as bronchitis with a persistent cough, dry hacking coughs, whooping cough, colds, flu and sinusitis. The saponins contained in Mullein also exhibit anti-viral properties, further adding to its effectiveness against flu and other complaints caused by viruses.

Mullein can be used to help to detoxify the lungs after quitting smoking. Breathing in steam from its leaves or consuming the tea can help to break up and clear out the tar that has accumulated in the lungs. It can also help to cleanse and soothe the bronchial tubes and strengthen the lungs.

Anti-Inflammatory

With both anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, Mullein contains a compound called verbascoside which has a proven anti-inflammatory action and is particularly helpful in easing joint and muscle pain.

Oxidative stress is a well known cause of inflammation, and verbascoside has been shown in clinical research to reduce the production of oxygen free radicals. Mullein specifically reduces the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and extra-cellular O2, reducing the production of superoxide radicals, which are greatly increased during the inflammatory process caused by oxidative stress.

Antibacterial

Studies show that Mullein possesses potent antibacterial qualities, with researchers at Clemson University in South Carolina showing that it is effective against; Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli - otherwise known as E coli.

This makes it helpful for disinfecting wounds, soothing burns and treating haemorrhoids. Whilst pneumonia is a serious disease that should always be treated by qualified health professionals, using Mullein during respiratory flu can help to help to keep the lungs clear and may prevent pneumonia from setting in.

Earache / Ear Infections

One of the most popular herbal remedies for earache and ear infections, Mullein flowers are normally infused in olive oil and garlic to treat this uncomfortable affliction. The astringent, antibacterial and anti-fungal activity of Mullein combined with garlic can help to get rid of outer and middle ear infections.

In 2001, “The Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine” published a study concluding that Mullein eardrops were equally effective as anaesthetic eardrops.

Another study of 171 children conducted in 2003 found that those who used eardrops containing Mullein had a statistically significant improvement in ear pain over the course of three days. It was also noted that the children who were given the eardrops alone had a better response than those treated with the eardrops together with penicillin.

Digestive Health

The mucus busting benefits of Mullein don’t stop at clearing mucus from the lungs, it can also be used to remove the mucoid layer from the small intestine. Too much mucus in the small intestine can interfere with nutrient uptake and compromise the body’s ability to deliver nutrients into the bloodstream.

Mullein replaces the “bad” mucus with a healing mucilage that coats and soothes the gut wall and provides lubrication that enables an easier and smoother bowel movement.

Garlic: 

Garlic is known to boost the function of the immune system.

One large, 12-week study found that a daily garlic supplement reduced the number of colds by 63% compared to a placebo.

The average length of cold symptoms was also reduced by 70%, from 5 days in the placebo group to just 1.5 days in the garlic group.

Another study found that a high dose of aged garlic extract (2.56 grams per day) reduced the number of days sick with cold or flu by 61%

One clove (3 grams) of raw garlic contains:

  • Manganese: 2% of the Daily Value (DV)
  • Vitamin B6: 2% of the DV
  • Vitamin C: 1% of the DV
  • Selenium: 1% of the DV
  • Fiber: 0.06 grams
  • Decent amounts of calcium, copper, potassium, phosphorus, iron and vitamin B1

This comes with 4.5 calories, 0.2 grams of protein and 1 gram of carbs.

Elderberries & Elder Flower: 

Sambucus nigra is the full scientific name of the most common variety used for medicinal purposes. Sambucus nigra is the species on which the majority of scientific research has been conducted.

Elderberry fruit contains quercetin, kaempferol, rutin, phenolic acids and anthocyanins. Elderberry also contains flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties that can help prevent cellular damages, and anthocyanidins, chemical compounds that are known to have immunostimulant effects.

One of the most well-studied elderberry syrup benefits is its powerful immune-boosting properties.

The berries contain chemical compounds called anthocyanidins, which are known to have immunostimulant effects.

Research actually shows that elderberry extract is a safe, efficient and cost-effective treatment for cold and flu symptoms.

A 2016 study published in Nutrients showed that elderberry supplementation was able to reduce cold duration and symptoms in air travelers.

Travelers using this herb from 10 days before travel until four to five days after arrival overseas experienced, on average, a two-day shorter duration of their colds as well as a noticeable reduction in cold symptoms.

Several studies have found benefits to support the use of elderberry syrup for flu symptoms as well. Specifically, the flavonoids in the extract bind to the H1N1 human influenza virus as well as the H5N1 avian influenza virus.

A 2009 study randomized patients into two groups.

One group was given four doses of 175-milligram proprietary elderberry extract daily, and the other group received a placebo for two days. The group treated with the extract showed significant improvement in most flu symptoms, while the placebo group showed no improvement in symptom severity.

Researchers conclude that the extract is effective in controlling influenza symptoms.

Another study published in the Journal of International Medical Research showed that when the extract is used within the first 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms, it can shorten the duration of flu symptoms by an average of four days.

With elderberry’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it makes sense that it can help treat sinus issues.

Both the elder flower and the berry have traditionally been used to treat diabetes.

Research has confirmed that extracts of elderflower stimulate glucose metabolism and the secretion of insulin, which could potentially help lower blood sugar levels.

Research published in the Journal of Nutrition evaluated black elderberry’s insulin-like and insulin-releasing actions in vitro.

The study found that an aqueous extract of elder significantly increased glucose transport, glucose oxidation and glycogenesis without any added insulin. Glycogenesis is the process by which excess sugar is cleared out of the bloodstream and into your muscles and liver to help maintain normal blood sugar.

Furthermore, a 2017 animal study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences noted that elderberries can serve as a potential source of bioactive compounds for formulations used for the management of diabetes.

Researchers found that both lipophilic and polar extracts of the berry lowered insulin resistance in rats with type 2 diabetes.

A diuretic is a substance that promotes the production of urine.

Doctors prescribe diuretics when the body retains too much fluid, which is a common problem in older adults.

Thanks to its ability to act as a natural diuretic, elderberry has been shown to promote both urination and bowel moments to help protect against fluid retention.

Some research suggests that elderberry tea benefits constipation and can help support regularity and digestive health.

A small, randomized trial found that a specific compound containing elderberries along with several other plants could act as an effective natural laxative for the treatment of constipation.

Elderberry has made its way into cosmetic products, and for good reason.

Its content of bioflavonoids, antioxidants and vitamin A makes it awesome for skin health.

Not only that, but researchers also suspect that a compound found in the berry could give a natural boost to skin.

Anthocyanin is a type of natural plant pigment found in elderberry that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some researchers suspect that this compound may improve skin’s structure and condition to enhance overall skin health.

In addition to using elderberry syrup for colds, the flowers of the elder plant are also known to be an effective herbal allergy remedy.

Since allergies involve an overreaction of the immune system as well as inflammation, the herb’s ability to improve immune function and calm inflammation can help provide allergy relief.

Some herbalists put black elder flower on the list of most effective herbs used for treating hay fever-like symptoms.

It can be used for allergies on its own or in combination with other herbs and natural remedies.

Edible berry extracts like elderberry extract are rich in anthocyanins and have been shown to have a broad spectrum of therapeutic, pharmacologic and anti-carcinogenic properties.

In vitro studies specifically indicate that the elderberry has some chemopreventive properties, which can help inhibit, delay or reverse cancer formation.

One study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food compared the anticancer properties of European and American elderberry fruits.

European elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is known for its medicinal use and contains anthocyanins, flavonoids and other polyphenolics, which all contribute to the high-antioxidant capacity of its berries.

American elderberry (Sambucuscanadensis) has not been grown or promoted as a medicinal plant like its European relative.

This study tested extracts of both berries to assess anticancer potential and found that both demonstrated significant chemopreventive potential.

Additionally, the American elder extract showed inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase, which is an enzyme marker related to the promotion stage of cancer formation. Thus, elderberries show potential as cancer-fighting foods.

Although studies have found mixed results, some research suggests that elderberry extract may improve heart health.

For example, one animal model showed that giving mice with high cholesterol and HDL cholesterol dysfunction anthocyanin-rich black elderberry extract helped reduce hepatic cholesterol levels and improved HDL function.

This may be due to the presence of anthocyanins, which are polyphenols that have demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Another study found that elderberry extract may have beneficial effects on high blood pressure. When polyphenols extracted from the plant were administered with renin inhibitors to rats with hypertension, they reduced arterial pressure.

Researchers suggest that using polyphenols to lower blood pressure may also help reduce the side effects of blood pressure-lowering medications and improve overall quality of life.

Goldenrod:

The Difference Between Ragweed and Goldenrod: Goldenrod has been wrongly accused of causing hay fever simply because of its close association with the actual culprit: ragweed (Ambrosia spp.). Both plants flower at the same time, but ragweed has demure green flowers which are easily overlooked—so, by default or guilty association, goldenrod takes the heat. Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) has lacy-looking leaves that are divided and the plant branches freely. In contrast, goldenrod often has an unbranched stem (until it flowers) and its leaves aren’t divided. (For the record, ragweed isn’t all bad. Despite its propensity to induce a hissy fit in allergy sufferers’ nasal passages, ragweed is a native plant that plays an important ecological role—housing and feeding many insects.)

Compared to the wind-born pollen of ragweed (the better to find your nostrils, my dear), sailing through the air with golden abandon, goldenrod is insect-pollinated and doesn’t release its pollen into the air; therefore, you need to stick your nose right in its face to induce any kind of histamine reaction.

Goldenrod as a Sinus Remedy: Goldenrod is a premier decongestant, effectively alleviating upper respiratory congestion stemming from allergies, sinusitis, flu, or the common cold. 

Goldenrod as Urinary Tract Remedy: Goldenrod also has an affinity for the urinary tract and is used as a diuretic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory as a remedy for urinary tract infections. The diuretic quality of goldenrod may also help to relieve edema, gout, and kidney stones.

Goldenrod as a Wound Remedy: Goldenrod is used by Indigenous peoples—and was adopted by European settlers—as a wash or poultice to help heal wounds, burns, open sores, and cuts. 

Goldenrod as a Digestive Remedy: Internally, many species of goldenrod have been used to quell diarrhea—likely because of their tannins and antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions. Solidago species are typically bitter, warming, and pungent, which makes them useful carminative herbs for stimulating and improving digestion.

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