Elderberry syrup has been a tried and true method of boosting the immune system. Elderberries are full of goodness that trigger our body’s response to trouble within our body (more specific details below). Plus elderberries are full of vitamins and flavonoids. A good elderberry syrup recipe is a valuable resource for self sufficient minded individuals to have in their home.
The thing is, many people don’t realize how completely EASY and FRUGAL it is to make your own elderberry syrup (and it tastes really good!).
It costs on average $15 for you to buy an 8oz bottle that is already made for you. I bought a 1 pound bag of dried elderberries on Amazon for under $17, made a large batch, and still have enough elderberries to make many more batches.
Elderberries are being sold out everywhere right now because we are heading toward winter again. People know about and believe in this remedy. Amazon still has some: HERE. I’m guessing more places will be in stock again by the beginning of February.
Why Elderberries?
Elderberries (sambucus) have been used traditionally to fight off cold and flu symptoms by boosting your immune system. They have high levels of Vitamins A, B, and C.
The Journal of International Medical Research posted a study in 2004 comparing the use of Elderberry syrup by people with the flu to those who took a placebo (60 people total). “Symptoms were relieved on average 4 days earlier and use of rescue medication was significantly less in those receiving elderberry extract compared with placebo.” (1)
We’ve heard of the powerful effects of different types of flavonoids found in blueberries, chocolate, tea and many vegetables. These flavonoids have been shown to boost immune systems and have antiviral activity. Black Elderberries are full of flavonoids, which is why they seem to do such a great job. Combine them with other ingredients that boost your system like cloves, cinnamon, and lemon, and you have yourself a powerhouse of a concoction.
Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe
To Use: Take 1 tsp daily to boost immune system and help prevent colds. If sick, take up to 1 tsp per hour. (1/2 for small children). You can also eat it over pancakes, in teas, etc. It’s really yummy!!
How Long Does it Keep: 2-4 months unopened in the refrigerator (the lemon helps to elongate its shelf life), OR you can water bath can 8oz jars and refrigerate opened jars (This is what I do so that it’s ready when I need it).
To water bath can, place sealed canning jars in water that covers the top of the jars by at least 1 inch. Boil water for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool. Jar lids should pop down and seal. These can be kept in the refrigerator for 6-12 months. I haven’t tested longer. The combination of water bath canning and refrigeration makes up for the lack of acidity to properly can and shelf at room temperature.
Ingredients: Elderberries, raw honey, cinnamon, cloves, lemon, and ginger (all fresh if you can do it) make this a great vitamin and flavonoid boosted syrup.
Elderberry Syrup Recipe
This makes 8 ounces.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup dried elderberries
- 3 cups filtered water
- 1 tsp cinnamon ground
- ¼ tsp clove ground
- ½ tsp ginger ground
- 1 juice from 1/2 lemon
- ½ cup raw honey
Instructions:
- Combine elderberries and water in a saucepan over medium-low heat. When it begins to steam, lower it to low heat. Add honey and stir until dissolved, and simmer for 30 minutes without stirring.
- Add cinnamon, clove, and ginger, and stir until dissolved, and then let simmer for 30 minutes without stirring.1 tsp cinnamon,1/4 tsp clove,1/2 tsp ginger.
- Remove from heat and add lemon.1 juice from 1/2 lemon
- Strain through a wire mesh strainer and discard berries.
Store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 4 months.
I’ve put the recipe in a printable form below. Let me know if you have questions or ways you make this recipe differently.
Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Equipment
- 1 8oz jar
Ingredients
- ½ cup dried elderberries
- 3 cups filtered water
- 1 tsp cinnamon ground
- ¼ tsp clove ground
- ½ tsp ginger ground
- 1 juice from 1/2 lemon
- ½ cup raw honey
Instructions
- Combine elderberries and water in a saucepan over medium-low heat. When it begins to steam, lower it to low heat. Add honey and stir until dissolved, and then let simmer by only letting steam come off of the surface for 30 minutes without stirring.1/2 cup dried elderberries, 3 cups filtered water, 1/2 cup raw honey
- Add cinnamon, clove, and ginger, and stir until dissolved, and then let simmer for 30 minutes without stirring.1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp clove, 1/2 tsp ginger
- Remove from heat and add lemon.1 juice from 1/2 lemon
- Strain through a wire mesh strainer and discard berries.
- Store in an airtight jar in the refridgerator for up to 4 months.
To Use:
Take 1 tsp daily to boost immune system and help prevent colds. If sick, take up to 1 tsp per hour. (1/2 for small children)
Bonus Option:
You can also add 2 Tbsp dried echinacea leaves when you add the cinnamon for an even stronger blend.
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