This elderberry syrup recipe is suuuppper simple and very effective. It is easy to make, only three ingredients, lasts for weeks in the refrigerator, tastes delicious, and most importantly, it stops cold and flu viruses in their tracks!
Elderberry plants have been used for centuries to aid in healing. They have been around a long time and rightfully so! They have powerful antiviral properties. The whole upper part of the plant can be used medicinally (except the bark). I love to use the leaves and flowers just as much as the berries. The berries make the best tasting syrup.
What Does Elderberry Do?
Emerging research suggests that elderberries are full of compounds that interfere with viral replication which in turn shorten the duration of and the severity of flus and colds.
Other studies suggest that that elderberries contain flavonoids that help to combat oxidative stress. Oxidative stress in our modern day processed, chemical driven, high speed society is rampant. Elderberry counteracts oxidative stress and helps clear the body of free radicals that cause many of our modern-day health problems.
How Often Can I Take Elderberry Syrup?
Everyday. Yes, you can take elderberry syrup safely every day. During cold and flu season or during a bout of sickness, you can take it multiple times a day.
How Much Elderberry Do I Take?
It is safe to take 1 teaspoon of elderberry syrup each day during cold and flu season. If you start to feel off, like you are coming down with something, up that to 1 teaspoon, 3 times that day. If you are sick, take up to 5 teaspoons a day or more.
For kids ages 1 and up, take 1/2-1 teaspoon once a day. During sick seasons up that amount to three times a day.
Where Do You Buy Elderberries?
You can easily find elderberries online or at a natural grocery store in your area. They are sold on amazon as well as bulk herbs online like Mountain Rose Herbs or Starwest-Botanicals.
Trying to find them locally would also be a great option. Or better yet, try growing an elderberry bush in your yard. They are fairly easy to grow, and you will love the benefits you get from the leaves and flowers as well!
Are Elderberry Leaves Medicinal?
Yes! They are just as medicinal as the berries. Elder leaves also work well for adults. A hot tea of elderberry leaves is great for allergies or sinus problems. Leaves also promote wound healing externally on skin and work well made into a salve for skin irritations and rashes.
Which Elderberries Are Safe to Eat?
Elderberries that are blue or purple are safe to eat. Red Elderberries (Sambucus Racemosa) can be toxic.
What Supplies Do I Need to Make Elderberry Syrup?
To make elderberry syrup, you only need a few supplies.
- A medium size saucepan and lid
- Meat Masher or something similar (a fork will work as well)
- Strainer
- Spoon
- Measuring cup
- Jar to store it in (glass quart jar with a screw on lid, or store it in another container of choice)
How Do I Make Elderberry Syrup?
The first thing you need to do is measure four cups of water and dump into a medium saucepan. Bring the water to a boil.
When your water is boiling, remove it from the heat and pour in 1 cup of dry elderberries. Stir and cover with a lid (do not skip this step!) and set your timer for 45 minutes.
It is important that you do not boil the elderberries. Boiling herbs in general is not a good idea. Boiling causes the berries (or any other herb) to lose it their strength and potency.
As the berries are sitting in the saucepan, use the meat masher, or fork to smash down the elderberries and break open all the goodness inside. I like to do this 2-3 times during the 45-minute wait.
After 45 minutes, strain the berries into another saucepan. Press down the extra berries with the back of a spoon to get as much juice out as possible. Another option is using a clean handkerchief or cheese cloth to squeeze all the juice out.
Melt 3/4 cup of honey. Using a spatula, pour the warm honey into the saucepan with the elderberries and stir to combined.
Store the berries in a quart jar (it should fill it perfectly), 2 pints, or whatever you prefer. Put a lid on the jar and label. It will last 4-6 weeks in a refrigerator.
Can I Add Other Herbs to Elderberry Syrup?
Yes! The best part about doing herbal medicine is you can adapt it to your needs. This simple recipe is strong as is, but for adults, you can easily add other herbs such as cloves, cinnamon, and ginger, all of which are medicinal. If you have those herbs in your spice cabinet, add one teaspoon of each when adding the honey to the syrup. These herbs will aid your body in many ways!
Easy Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup dry elderberries
- 3/4 cup honey
Instructions
- Measure four cups of water and pour into a medium saucepan. Bring the water to a boil.
- When water is boiling, remove from heat and pour in 1 cup of dry elderberries. Stir and cover with lid (do not skip this step!) and set your timer for 45 minutes.
- Use a meat masher or fork to mash the elderberries 2-3 times during the 45-minute wait.
- After 45 minutes, use your strainer to strain the berries into another saucepan. Press down the extra berries with the back of a spoon to get as much juice out as possible. Another option is using a clean handkerchief or cheese cloth to squeeze all the juice out.
- Melt 3/4 cup of honey. Using a spatula, pour the warm honey into the saucepan with the elderberries and stir to combined.
- Pour the elderberry syrup into a quart jar with lid and store in refrigerator.
