Easy to Make Homemade Elderberry Syrup
Have you heard that elderberry syrup is good for you? Research shows that elderberries can boost the immune system and help prevent colds and flu. Elderberries are full of antioxidants and are known to help reduce inflammation and stress, while also being good for your heart.
We have been using elderberry syrup for a few years. I love using elderberry syrup for my family during the winter months to boost our immune systems.
What do you need to make homemade elderberry syrup?
Dried elderberries. You can sometimes find these at your local health food stores or co-ops. I have found great quality, organic elderberries on Amazon as well. You will need filtered water, honey, and a few different spices. I love using cinnamon, ginger and cloves.
How to make elderberry syrup
First you’ll pour water, elderberries and spices into a medium saucepan. Bring the berry mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer covered. Let the elderberries simmer until the liquid has reduced by half. This usually takes about 25 to 30 minutes. Then you’ll turn off the heat and let the syrup cool until it reaches room temperature. Once cooled, strain the liquid from the berries through a fine mesh strainer. Use a wooden spoon to press all of the liquid out of the berries. Finally, add your honey and stir well. The reason you want to let your syrup cool before adding honey is so that you don’t kill off all of the incredible nutritional and antibacterial benefits of the honey.
How to store elderberry syrup
You’ll want to store your elderberry syrup in the fridge, in a glass jar, with a tight lid. It will store for up to a month. You can also freeze elderberry syrup for up to three months.
How much elderberry syrup should I take?
If you are trying to support your immune system, the recommended daily dose for adults is 1 tablespoon and for children 1 teaspoon. If you are fighting an illness, you can take the daily dose 3 or 4 times per day.
Here are some fun ways to use elderberry syrup
- Use it as pancake syrup
- Add it to your favorite smoothie
- Add it to your yogurt or sundae
- Use it to sweeten tea or other beverages
- Make elderberry gummies
Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. All information shared is based on my own research and experiences. Please do your own research and consult your healthcare provider with questions or concerns before treating yourself and your family with natural remedies and products. IMPORTANT: Please DO NOT serve honey to infants under age one. Raw elderberries must be cooked before consuming. Raw elderberries contain cyanogenic glycosides that can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The cyanogenic glycosides are removed during the cooking process.
Homemade Elderberry Syrup
This elderberry syrup is full of immune boosting goodness! And it's tasty too!
Ingredients
- 4 cups of filtered water
- 2/3 cup of dried elderberries or 1 1/3 cups of fresh
- 2 tablespoons of organic dried ginger
- 1 tablespoon of organic ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of whole cloves
- 1 cup of raw local honey
Instructions
- Pour the water, elderberries and spices into a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover.
- Let the elderberries simmer until the liquid has reduced by half (about 25 to 30 minutes).
- Turn off the heat and let cool until room temperature.
- Once cool, strain the liquid from the berries through a fine mesh strainer.
- Use a wooden spoon to press all of the liquid out of the berries.
- Add honey and stir well.
- Store syrup in the fridge in a glass jar with a tight lid.
Notes
Never eat raw elderberries as they can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Never feed honey to an infant under 1.
Syrup can be stored in the fridge for up to a month. You can also freeze the syrup.
Children take 1 teaspoon daily. Adults take 1 tablespoon daily. If ill take the normal amount 3-4x's daily until symptoms disappear.
