Over the years, elderberry syrup has been a staple in our medicine cabinet, especially during cold and flu season. In this post we have decided to share our homemade elderberry recipe with you. In a house full of little’s, a cold or flu bug is no joke. Like most parents we do whatever we can to keep our kids and ourselves healthy, however sometimes germs find their way in. Having the right home remedies on hand can make a big difference.
Elderberries have been used since prehistoric times for food, drink and medicinal uses. Recent studies of the health benefits of these little berries only prove what people have known for thousands of years. They are immune system powerhouses! Rich in vitamins A, B6, C and iron, elderberries are able to give your immune system a boost, helping to protect the body against sickness and may shorten the duration of colds and influenza.
What’s best of all, elderberry syrup is extremely easy to make. There are some quality, organic elderberry syrups on the market, and we have used a few. However, they can be quite pricey for only a few ounces. Making your own syrup is a much more affordable option, and it allows you to customize it to suit your own needs.
The recipe we use here at home is a variation of The Farmer’s Almanac recipe. It combines wild elderberries with four common ingredients readily available in our cupboard. If you do not have access to wild elderberries or you’re unfamiliar with foraging and don’t know what to look for, don’t stress. Dried, organic elderberries are available on the market and can be shipped right to your front door. For my choice pick of dried elderberries click here.
A Word of Caution
Only ripe, cooked elderberries should be eaten. Never consume unripe berries, leaves or stems. Elders are a member of the nightshade family, and contain some toxic compounds that can be easily cooked out of the ripe fruit.
Ingredients:
- 3 Cups of Water
- 1 Cup of Fresh Elderberries (1/2 Cup of Dried Berries)
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
- 4 Whole Cloves
- 1/2 tsp. of Ground Ginger
- Raw, Unfiltered Honey
Instructions:
- Combine your berries, 3 cups of water, cinnamon, cloves and ginger in a stainless steel saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes (or until liquid is reduced to about half its original volume).
- Remove from heat and pour your mixture through a fine mesh strainer set over a bowl. This will separate the liquid from the spices and seeds. A pestle or a wooden spoon can be used to press the berry pulp through the strainer.
- Allow your elderberry mixture to cool enough to measure safely.
- Add an equal amount of honey to your warm elderberry mixture and stir until mixed thoroughly. (1 cup raw honey to 1 cup elderberry mixture)
- Once your syrup has cooled, pour it into a sterilized glass decanter or mason jar. Secure your lid onto the container and refrigerate. You’re all set! As long as you keep the syrup refrigerated, it should keep through the winter and be ready for use.
How to Use:
Elderberry syrup has a plethora of health benefits and can be taken as a daily supplement to boost your immune system and improve overall health. To take as a supplement, just take 1 Tablespoon in the morning or evening. To treat a cold or flu, take 1 Tablespoon every 4-6 hours. We give our kiddos the same amount that we take ourselves when a bug is running its course through our house. The best part is, they don’t mind taking it. Not only is it good for them, it taste great too!
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