Elderberry Syrup is a natural anti-viral and remedy for the common cold and flu. It's quick and easy to make at home using only a handful of ingredients! Elderberry is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in the world and this syrup is great to keep on hand as we head into cold and flu season. Read on to learn how to make fresh elderberry syrup for your family with this simple recipe.
Fresh elderberry syrup recipe
Elderberries have been used in natural medicine for centuries and for good reason, they are one of the healthiest berries on earth. Elderberries are higher in flavonoids than blueberries, cranberries, goji berries and blackberries. Elderberry Syrup is anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, full of antioxidants and can help promote a healthy immune system.
Traditionally, Native Americans used elderberry it to treat infections, while the ancient Egyptians used it to improve their complexions and heal burns. It’s still gathered and used in folk medicine across many parts of Europe.
Is elderberry syrup safe?
Technically, every berry is edible at least once! There is a toxin in the dried berries that is deactivated by proper cooking. The berries have to be cooked for at least 45 minutes (without a cover) to ensure the deactivation of the toxin that can result in adverse gastrointestinal symptoms.
Also if you have any concerns about taking this natural culinary remedy speak to your doctor. This is especially true if you have an autoimmune disorder, so consult your doctor before taking it if you have any questions whether this is right for you. But what I'm really trying to say is, "Please don't sue me if things go terribly, terribly wrong"- which they won't as long as you get your berries from a reputable source like this one and cook them.
I have never heard of anyone getting sick from elderberry syrup. Please share any stories you have in the comments of this post.
*This recipe contains raw honey so this is not safe for children under 1 years of age to consume.
Is homemade elderberry syrup better?
Fresh elderberry syrup can become very pricy if you need to take a tablespoon every two hours when you fall ill. By comparison, this homemade syrup is about a quarter of the price of over-the-counter options. The other draw back of store bought versions is that the sweetener is usually glucose. This recipe uses raw local honey, which also has amazing health benefits. When you make your own you control the quality and exactly what goes into it.
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup of dried elderberries ( I like these ones) or 1 ⅓ fresh elderberries
- 3 cups of water
- 1 cup of raw local honey- Try this one if you can't find local honey near you.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- a thin metal or mesh strainer or cheesecloth
How to Process Elderberries
- First, if using fresh berries, pick though the dried berries to remove any sticks or unripe berries before you cook them. Place elderberries, water, ginger, cinnamon and cloves in a large pot. Bring to a boil reduce to low/simmer for 45 minutes the mixture should be reduced by half at this point.
- Next, remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Once mixture has cooled, strain berries by pressing all the juice out of them that you can by pressing berried with a spatula or spoon, using a mesh strainer or cheesecloth,
- After all the juice has been squeeze out, discard the elderberries. Next, add 1 cup of honey to the mixture and stir until well combined.
- Must be refrigerated.
Elderberry dosage
Preventative: Children: take 1 teaspoon per day. Adults: Take one tablespoon per day.
When ill: take recommended dose 2-3x per day.
Fresh Elderberry Syrup
Learn how to make delicious elderberry syrup with fresh or dried elderberries.
Ingredients
- • ⅔ cup of dried elderberries or 1 ⅓ fresh elderberries
- • 3 cups of water
- • 1 cup of raw local honey
- • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- • a thin metal or mesh strainer or cheesecloth
Instructions
-
If using fresh berries, pick though the dried berries to remove
any sticks or unripe berries before you cook them. Place elderberries, water, ginger, cinnamon and cloves in a large pot. Bring to a boil reduce to low/simmer for 45 minutes OR until mixture has reduced by half. -
Next, remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
-
Once mixture has cooled, using a mesh strainer or cheesecloth,
strain berries by pressing all the juice out of them that you can by pressing berried with a spatula or spoon. -
After all the juice has been squeeze out, discard the
elderberries. Next, add 1 cup of honey to the mixture and stir until well combined. -
Recipe Notes
Keep refrigerated