Elderberry Syrup is a well known home remedy for cold and flu symptoms, and has been used for centuries to promote good health. The dried berries of the Sambucus nigra plant are naturally high in immune-boosting compounds, which have been shown to relieve flu symptoms powerfully and effectively. This recipe is made with just 6 ingredients and ready in less than an hour. Perfect for keeping on hand during the cold months of winter!
If you’re someone who’s focused on health and wellness, chances are you’ve heard about the benefits of Elderberry Syrup by now. And while it’s typically readily available at health food stores or online, it’s also incredibly easy to make at home.
I ALWAYS have a supply of it in my fridge, particularly during cold & flu season, and take it daily to help boost my immune system. It’s quick and easy to make, it tastes great, and I love the fact that every single ingredient plays a specific and powerful role in its healing properties.
We all know how miserable it is to be sick, but with this easy homemade recipe you can help keep you and your family healthy all year round!
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🍯 Ingredients
Every ingredient in this Elderberry Syrup has specific healing properties, which is part of what makes this such a popular home remedy.
- 1/2 c. whole dried elderberries – the Sambucus nigra variety is the one that’s most closely tied to health and healing. Elderberries are anti-viral and immune-boosting.
- 4 c. water
- 2 Tbsp. rosehips – beneficial because they are naturally high in vitamin C
- 2 tsp. whole cloves – cloves are known to be anti-microbial
- 2 tsp. dried ginger root – ginger is soothing and immune-boosting
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks – cinnamon is high in anti-microbial properties
- 2 Tbsp. raw, local honey – honey is immune boosting, particularly when it is raw and locally sourced
📋 How to make Elderberry Syrup
This syrup couldn’t be easier to make. All you need is a saucepan, some measuring utensils, a fine strainer, and a glass jar to store it in. Then just measure, mix, boil, and strain… and you’re all set!
- Combine all ingredients (except honey) in a medium saucepan.
- Bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes or until mixture reduces by about one third.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Strain mixture while still warm, then add honey.
- Store in the refrigerator and take daily to help boost immunity.
🍇 What are elderberries?
There are many different types of elder plants and trees, but the European variety known as Sambucus nigra is the one that’s most closely tied to health and wellness. Its history dates back to 400 BC, and Hippocrates, the “Father of Medicine”, called the elder tree his medicine chest.
Elderberries are dark purple berries that loaded with antioxidants and vitamins A, B, and C, all of which are believed to help boost your immune system.
💰 Why make it at home?
Not only will you save money by making it at home, but you can also adjust the ingredients according to your family’s tastes. Some people might prefer more cinnamon and ginger, and some (like my kids) will prefer it a bit sweeter with more honey.
💻 Where to find the ingredients
All of the ingredients for this can be found online. You may also be able to find them in your local health food store.
🌡 Use and Storage
Elderberry syrup can be taken straight or stirred into another beverage. Some people recommend taking it daily to help boost immunity, while others use it specifically at the onset of symptoms. Homemade syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Elderberry Syrup is a well known home remedy for cold and flu symptoms, and has been used for centuries to promote good health. The dried berries of the Sambucus Nigra plant are naturally high in immune-boosting compounds, which have been shown to relieve flu symptoms powerfully and effectively. This recipe is made with just 6 ingredients and ready in less than an hour. Perfect for keeping on hand during the cold months of winter!
Ingredients
- 1/2 c. whole, dried elderberries
- 4 c. water
- 2 Tbsp. dried rosehips
- 2 tsp. whole dried cloves
- 2 tsp. dried ginger root
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 2 Tbsp. raw, local honey
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes or until reduced by one third.
- Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- While mixture is still warm, strain into a glass jar and stir in honey.
- Store in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 10Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 3mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 0gSugar: 2gProtein: 0g
Elderberry Syrup is a well known home remedy for cold and flu symptoms, and has been used for centuries to promote good health. The dried berries of the Sambucus nigra plant are naturally high in immune-boosting compounds, which have been shown to relieve flu symptoms powerfully and effectively. This recipe is made with just 6 ingredients and ready in less than an hour. Perfect for keeping on hand during the cold months of winter!
FAQs
Preventative Use: Take 1 teaspoon daily during the cold and flu season. During Illness: Increase to 1 teaspoon 3 times a day at the onset of symptoms.
What not to mix with elderberry? ›
Possible Interactions
- Diuretics (water pills). Diuretics help the body get rid of excess fluid and increase the amount of urine your body makes. ...
- Diabetes medications. Elderberry may lower blood sugar levels. ...
- Chemotherapy. ...
- Laxatives. ...
- Theophylline (TheoDur). ...
- Drugs that suppress the immune system.
Are There Elderberry Side Effects? There is a downside to consuming too much elderberry, and that is an upset stomach. Just like with any high fiber fruit, eating too much can cause stomach pain, upset stomach, and diarrhea.
Is homemade elderberry syrup better than store bought? ›
Homemade Elderberry Syrup vs Store Bought
By comparison, my homemade syrup is about a quarter of the price of over-the-counter options. The other draw back of over-the-counter versions is the sweetener, usually it's glucose. My recipe uses raw honey as a sweetener, which has so many healing properties.
What is the best time of day to take elderberry syrup? ›
Although there is no specific time of day to take elderberry, you'll maximize its benefits by using it consistently on a regular basis. You can choose whether to use it morning, afternoon or evening. It may be best to use elderberry for short periods of time to support healthy immune function, and then take a break.
How long to cook elderberries to remove cyanide? ›
Cooking elderberries is not just a culinary step; it's a safety measure. To neutralize toxins, specifically cyanide-inducing glycosides, heat treatment is a must. Boiling elderberries for at least 30 minutes is the go-to method. This ensures the destruction of harmful compounds.
Is elderberry safe for kidneys? ›
Cardiovascular disease risk biomarkers and liver and kidney function are not altered in postmenopausal women after ingesting an elderberry extract rich in anthocyanins for 12 weeks.
Are there negative side effects of elderberry? ›
Elderberry is possibly unsafe when uncooked leaves, stems, or fruit are consumed. The elderberry plant contains a chemical that produces cyanide in the leaves or other plant parts and in the unripe green fruit. This can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, or more serious side effects if consumed in large quantities.
Which autoimmune diseases should avoid elderberry? ›
People who have autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease should not use elderberry. Elderberry may boost the immune system, which can worsen autoimmune diseases. Many autoimmune disorders require immunosuppressant drugs.
What form of elderberry is most effective? ›
However, studies have shown that elderberry syrup is the most effective form of elderberry supplement for immune support.
If you follow our canning suggestions, elderberry syrup is shelf-stable and has a shelf life of up to a year or more. Once your jar is opened (or if you're following our non-canning method) it should last in the refrigerator for 1-2 months.
How long does homemade elderberry syrup last in the fridge? ›
Like any other fruit juice it will start to ferment if left out for too long. Elderberry syrup, when stored in a glass jar in the fridge, will stay good for 3 months.
Should homemade elderberry syrup be refrigerated? ›
Transfer the elderberry syrup to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. This small batch usually lasts 2 to 3 weeks in my home, depending on how many of my family members remember to take it, but you can double the recipe if needed.
Why is elderberry syrup so expensive? ›
Commercial elderberry syrups are pricey because of pasteurization. Although it is a standard practice in many manufacturing processes, it kills the healthy properties of honey (if the honey was even added), large amounts of low-quality sweeteners, Low amounts of actual elderberries, and often cheap additives.
Are elderberry gummies as good as elderberry syrup? ›
The most potent form of elderberry is raw elderberry syrup (Dr. Mobley suggests syrup made with organic, fresh-pressed elderberries). The syrup is absorbed most quickly by the body—whereas if you take elderberry gummies, capsules, lozenges, or teas, they're less potent and/or take longer for the body to digest.
Can you take homemade elderberry syrup daily? ›
Elderberries offer excellent nutrition that contains antioxidants and vitamin C, which can boost the immune system among other benefits. Yes, you can take elderberry supplements daily, even three to four times a day. However, you should not take more than the recommended daily dose.
Is it OK to take elderberry syrup everyday? ›
Elderberry supplements seem to have few risks when used daily for up to five days. The safety of its long-term use is unknown. Risks. Never eat or drink any product made from raw elderberry fruit, flowers, or leaves.
Should you take elderberry syrup in the morning or at night? ›
Elderberry can generally be consumed at any time of day—in the morning, at night, or in between. Since it's a food itself, you could take Elderberry on an empty stomach if it seems to work for you. It can also be taken with food.
What is the healthiest way to consume elderberry? ›
Elderberry pie, elderberry syrup, elderberry jam—the sweet taste and even sweeter health benefits of this tiny fruit come in many forms. The most popular way to use fresh elderberries is to cook them into a syrup or extract used to support your immune system.
