HAMPSTEAD — Two sets of twins and one baby on the way hasn’t stopped a trio of Pender County women from scaling up production of their natural, holistic elderberry syrup.
Since March, Hampstead’s Elderberry Syrup Mamas jumped from a weekly production of 40 to 300 bottles — a 650-percent increase — which bodes well for those in the Cape Fear region who want to fight flu season holistically.
It all began when Amanda Okuley, a pediatric nurse from Maine who moved to Hampstead in 2014, was looking for ways to boost her immune system while pregnant with twin girls.
She set her sights on the black elderberry, a fruit used by ancient Egyptian for skin complexion and treating burns, and used later by Native Americans for fighting infections.
After the H1N1 swine flu outbreak in 2009 a study showed that elderberry syrup demonstrated an ability to inhibit the widespread strain of the flu, according to the Franklin Institute of Wellness. Later research revealed that the elderberry prevents the common cold and flu by inhibiting viral replication — in other words, it’s most effective when taken at the first sign of illness or when exposed to a sickness.
The all-natural approach
But Okuley wasn’t happy with the the unnatural ingredients and the high price of available elderberry syrup products, so she decided to make an affordable, all-natural cold and flu remedy and immune booster for friends and family.
Okuley founded Elderberry Syrup Mama in 2014, making home deliveries and distributing to stores in Wilmington, Hampstead, and Surf City.
In February 2018 Okuley partnered with Burgaw resident Holly Liao, educated in nursing and business management, who soon suggested making a blend of elderberry teas.
“From there the ideas kept flowing — we got into elderberry jams, jellies, lolly pops, lozenges. We wanted to offer a variety for people to choose from, so you don’t have to stick with just one method of wellness,” Liao said.
They brought on culinary specialist Cynthia Boulay to make the jams and seasonal products, and since March have expanded their product distribution from 3 to 15 stores across the Cape Fear region (see locations below).
The syrup is made using all USDA-certified organic ingredients, including local honey from suppliers in Burgaw and Hampstead.
Liao said that their goal is to remain affordable — where Walmart and other health food stores sell four-ounce elderberry syrup bottles for $15 to $25, their eight-ounce bottles are sold for $15 to $20.
They are currently developing a website to offer online ordering and are even exploring a franchising opportunity with a woman in California.
Although the Mamas have discussed expanding production, for now their intention is to stay focused on the eastern North Carolina region.
“But who knows what the future holds,” Liao said. “Our goal is to keep expanding to provide wellness for those in need, but we don’t want to get too overwhelmed — we have kids to care for,” Liao said.
Elderberry Syrup available at:
- The Bump and Beyond (Wilmington)
- Finders Keepers Resale Shop (Wilmington)
- Spoonfed Kitchen and Bakeshop (Wilmington)
- Lovey’s Market (Wilmington)
- Tomlinson’s (Wilmington)
- Eagle Island (Wilmington)
- Steven’s Ace Hardware (Wilmington)
- Memories of a Child (Wilmington)
- Dr. Harum’s Office (Wilmington)
- ACE Hardware (Hampstead)
- Realo Pharmacy (Surf City)
- Lanier Hardware (Burgaw)
- Ocean Therapy Potions (Southport)
Other products available at:
- Tidal Creek Co-Op in Wilmington (DIY kits, tea bags)
- Harrell’s Department Store in Burgaw (Elderberry tea bags)
Winter Festivals and Markets
- Nov. 17: Fall Harvest Festival at Old River Farms
- Nov. 17 to Dec. 24: Artisan Holiday Market at Mayfaire
- Nov. 18: ILM Local Pre-Holiday Market at Tidal Creek Co-Op
- Dec. 1: Sunset Beach Holiday Market
- Dec. 7-9 and 14-16: Merry Little Christmas Festival at Poplar Grove Plantation
2019 Farmer’s Markets (May to October)
- Mondays: Wrightsville Beach
- Tuesdays: Ocean Isle Beach
- Wednesdays: Poplar Grove
- Thursdays: Sunset Beach
- First and third Fridays: RiverLights Market
Mark Darrough can be reached at Mark@Localvoicemedia.com
