Homemade Elderberry Syrup

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Elderberry syrup has been used as a natural remedy for centuries for treating and preventing colds, coughs and flu.  This homemade Elderberry Syrup recipe is so easy to make yourself and is chock full of beneficial ingredients.  Divide it up in smaller bottles and it makes also makes absolutely fabulous gifts for friends and loved ones!

The elder tree (sambucus nigra) has been prized as a “medicine chest” for centuries because of its versatile applications.  One of the most popular forms of elderberries is elderberry syrup.  Today we’re going to show you how to make a potent homemade elderberry syrup – and it’s so easy!

Benefits of Elderberries

Black elderberries (sambuci fructus), the fruit of the elder tree, have been used both to prevent and treat the flu, common colds, coughs, sinus pain, back and leg pain, nerve pain, arthritis, inflammation, chronic fatigue, hay fever and have been shown to help prevent cancer and to significantly reduce the risk of dementia/Alzheimer’s.

Elderberries are a natural anti-inflammatory and are particularly high in flavonoids (plant-based antioxidants) – higher than blueberries, cranberries, blackberries and goji berries – and these flavonoids are known to help prevent damage to the body’s cells and boost the immune system.  They’re also high in vitamin A and with the exception of rose hips and black currants are thought to have the highest levels of vitamin C.

Quite simply, blackberry syrup is pretty awesome stuff!

Growing up my mom would regularly brew up natural home remedies when my brother and I had colds and coughs and they always served us well.  Elderberry syrup was one of them.  While conventional drugs certainly have their place, I’ve always been one who turns to them as a last resort, after I’ve first tried more natural, holistic options.

Elderberry syrup is an age-old elixir that has been used for thousands of years for both treating and preventing the illnesses that commonly accompany the cold weather:  Coughs, colds, and the mild flu.

Elderberry Syrup Ingredients

This homemade elderberry syrup also incorporates therapeutic doses of ginger, cinnamon, clove and raw honey for added fighting power and protection.  Ginger has been used for centuries to relieve sore throats, alleviate congestion, soothe upset stomachs, and to promote sweating to eliminate toxins in the body.  Cinnamon is an antioxidant-rich warming spice that helps fight infections and viruses and boosts the immune system.  Cloves are a natural antiseptic and analgesic, which help eliminate and prevent the spread of germs and provide relief for sore throats.  Cloves also act as an expectorant, making it easier to cough up phlegm.  Raw honey has antimicrobial and antiviral properties that inhibit the growth of microbes and fight bacterial infections as well as inhibit viral activity.  It’s also an effective cough suppressant, soothes sore throats and is a natural sleep aid, especially in children.  If you can find it, raw buckwheat honey has the highest level of antioxidants.

How To Use Elderberry Syrup

There is no standard dose for elderberry syrup.  Adults trying to prevent a cold or flu can take 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day and increase it to 2 tablespoons 3-4 times a day to treat a cold or flu until the symptoms disappear.  Decrease the dose for children.  If giving it to children it’s always recommended to first consult your pediatrician.  Note:  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends not giving raw honey to infants under 12 months.

Should I Use Dried or Fresh Elderberries?

The easiest form of elderberries to use for making syrup is dried.  They store well and you can conveniently grab them as needed to make small batches of syrup that will remain fresh and potent before you need to make another batch.  Of course if you have access to fresh elderberries feel free to use those.

I use and recommend Frontier Organic Whole Elderberries.

Elderberry Syrup Recipe

Let’s get started!

Place the dried elderberries, diced ginger, ground cinnamon and ground cloves in a small saucepan.

Add the water and bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat to a low simmer and simmer uncovered for approx. 30 minutes or until the liquid is reduced by roughly half (this isn’t a must).  Use a fork or potato masher to mash the berries.

Let the mixture steep for a few minutes and then strain the liquid through a fine sieve or cheesecloth and mash or squeeze the solids to release as much liquid as possible.  Let the liquid cool until room temperature (no hotter than lukewarm) and then stir in the honey.  Makes about 3 cups.

Store in the refrigerator.  Will keep for at least 2 weeks.

Here’s to good health!

And for a syrup that’s more a dessert than a medicine, be sure to try our homemade Blackberry Syrup!

Originally published on The Daring Gourmet January 13, 2018