Elderberries are some of my favorite herbal remedies for the colder seasons. They’re great for boosting the immune system and taste fantastic in various dishes. I love making DIY elderberry products like marshmallows, tea, and kombucha. This simple elderberry syrup recipe offers a convenient way to enjoy their benefits.
The dried berries from the Sambucus nigra plant are rich in antioxidants that can alleviate colds and flu symptoms. There are numerous remedies available, but this elderberry syrup is my top pick.
Elderberry: A Natural Remedy for Colds and Flu?
There are circumstances where conventional medicine and doctors are essential. However, there are limited options for treating the common cold or even a mild flu with standard medicine.
Anyone who has experienced or seen someone suffer from a severe cold or flu understands how unpleasant it is, particularly for mothers. It’s challenging to see your children suffer without being able to help. Luckily, nature offers remedies that can aid in easing these symptoms and even reducing their duration.
Research indicates that black elderberries (Sambucus nigra) may help prevent these illnesses and speed up recovery time for those already affected. Personally, elderberries have provided some comfort during minor ailments.
Benefits of Elderberry
Elderberries are naturally high in vitamins A, B, and C, and they enhance immune function. According to Israeli research, elderberries are particularly formidable against colds and flu due to their complex sugars, which can amplify immune support. In clinical trials, they’ve shown to halve recovery time or more.
Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu of Hadassah-Hebrew University in Israel discovered that elderberries neutralize the enzymes viruses use to invade healthy cells in the nose and throat lining. Consuming them before viral exposure can prevent infection, and after exposure, they can stop the virus from spreading in the respiratory system. In clinical trials, 20% of participants reported notable improvement within 24 hours, 70% by 48 hours, and 90% were fully recovered in three days, whereas those given a placebo took six days to recuperate.
Elderberry Syrup Recipe With Honey
Elderberry syrup delivers the concentrated, immune-supporting benefits of black elderberries, and it tastes great! My method uses homemade elderberry concentrate with herbs like cinnamon and ginger, alongside raw honey for additional immune benefits. If you can’t or don’t use honey, alternative suggestions follow the recipe.
Start by collecting your ingredients: grated ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, elderberries, and raw honey. Cinnamon sticks and whole cloves are also optional.
Pour water into a medium saucepan and add elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, uncovered, for about 30 minutes or until the mixture reduces by half.
Remove from heat and allow it to cool to lukewarm. Carefully mash the berries with a spoon or similar flat tool.
Strain through a sieve or cheesecloth into a glass container, discarding the elderberries.
Once the liquid is no longer hot, mix in a cup of honey, stirring thoroughly.
With the honey blended into the elderberry mixture, pour the syrup into a mason jar or another glass bottle.
Why Make Your Own Elderberry Syrup?
Primarily, it saves money! Purchasing natural elderberry syrup in health stores or online usually costs around $15 or more for 4-8 ounces. This recipe yields 16 ounces for significantly less, and kids enjoy the flavor! Additionally, you can customize this recipe to suit your needs and tastes.
If you don’t have dried elderberries, there are pre-made elderberry gummies and syrups that are effective but more costly. Also, if you have fresh or frozen elderberries, simply double the recipe’s suggested amount.
This elderberry syrup recipe is straightforward to follow!
A simple elderberry syrup recipe utilizing dried elderberries, honey, and herbs, perfect for immune-boosting purposes. Use it for health benefits or as a tasty addition to pancakes or waffles.
Pour water into a medium saucepan and add elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes or until the liquid halves in volume.
Allow to cool to lukewarm.
Mash the berries gently with a spoon or flat utensil.
Filter through a sieve or cheesecloth into a glass jar or bowl, disposing of the berries.
Add honey once the liquid is not hot and stir well.
Pour the mixed syrup into a mason jar or glass bottle.
Voila! You’ve made homemade elderberry syrup! Keep it in the fridge and consume daily for its immune-supporting abilities.
Instant Pot option: Combine all ingredients except the honey in the Instant Pot, seal the lid, set for nine minutes on high pressure. Release pressure and filter. Once cooled to room temperature, add the honey.
Standard dose: ½ – 1 teaspoon for children and ½ – 1 tablespoon for adults. If illness occurs, take the typical dose every 2-3 hours instead of daily until better.
More of a Visual Person?
Here’s a quick tutorial video on how to make elderberry syrup:
What Does Elderberry Syrup Look/Taste Like?
In my experience, elderberry alone is a bit tart, similar to grape juice. Adding honey results in a sweet and delightful syrup. Unlike some store-bought or sugar-based syrups, this version is thinner, so don’t be surprised if it seems more like a liquid.
What’s the Difference Between Elderberry Syrup and Elderberry Juice?
This recipe produces a strong elderberry tea or concentrate, then mixed with honey. Traditionally, herbal syrups are made from herbal tea with sugar for thickness, but this version uses raw honey, resulting in a thinner syrup. Elderberry juice refers to juice directly from freshly pressed elderberries.
How Long Does Homemade Elderberry Syrup Last?
It depends, but I’ve found sealing warm syrup in a mason jar creates an airtight seal, extending its lifespan in the fridge for up to several months. Generally, it lasts about two weeks refrigerated. I usually freeze what won’t be used within that timeframe. You may also freeze portions in an ice cube tray for easy thawing.
Fresh Elderberry Syrup Recipe
You can harvest elderberries yourself or grow your own bushes, but ensure you’re cultivating the correct variety. I suggest finding an experienced local herbalist when collecting fresh elderberries. Remember to harvest only the berries as stems and leaves are toxic.
Where is the Best Place to Order Elderberries?
We lack local sources, so I typically order online in bulk. (Order early since stocks deplete quickly in Fall!) You can find wildcrafted or organic elderberries here. For a complete kit, Kombucha Kamp offers an excellent version.
What is Elderberry Syrup Used For?
Our family uses it as a preventative measure by taking 1/2 to 1 teaspoon daily during flu season. If we contract a mild illness, we increase our dose two- to threefold until better. Elderberry is widely used for immune support and can be utilized year-round for its health benefits.
Besides health uses, elderberries add a complex and unique flavor to recipes. I’ve created elderberry panna cotta by replacing sweeteners with the syrup. It also works well as a topping for homemade ice cream or pancakes.
How Much Elderberry Syrup Should You Take Daily?
Consult a herbalist or natural healthcare professional for guidance. I personally consume 1 teaspoon daily as an adult and provide half that to my kids. During illness, I increase this amount two- to threefold.
Elderberry Syrup Ingredients and Substitutes
I prefer using raw local honey, but store-bought raw honey works also. While I use fresh ginger, powdered ginger is fine (just use 1/2 tsp). Cinnamon sticks and whole cloves replace powdered versions if needed.
If substituting dried elderberries with powdered, use approximately 1/2 cup instead of 2/3 cup as indicated. I’ve faced this situation when whole elderberries were scarce.
Is There a Substitute For Honey in Elderberry Syrup?
Some skip sweeteners due to preference or because honey is unsuitable for babies under one. Alternatives include:
- Switching honey for maple syrup or molasses.
- Omitting the sweetener entirely (though this creates elderberry juice needing expedited consumption).
- Making an elderberry tincture for adults by mixing the concentrated syrup with alcohol like vodka or brandy instead of sweeteners.
Can I Reuse the Elderberries?
It’s not advisable. The boiling and mashing should extract most nutrients from the berries. Additionally, consuming many whole berries may be problematic.
I have additional elderberry recipes on the blog, like elderberry kombucha and elderberry tea. Plus, you can use the syrup to make delightful elderberry gummies!
This article was reviewed by Dr. Scott Soerries, MD, Family Physician, and Medical Director of SteadyMD. It is not personal medical advice; consult a doctor for guidance.
Have you used elderberry before? Planning to try this recipe? What natural methods do you use to avoid getting sick?
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