Elderberry syrup has been used as an effective 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!
What Are the Health 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!
Does Elderberry Syrup Help With Colds, Coughs and Flu?
Numerous studies have shown elderberries to be particularly effective in treating colds and the flu. Below is a summary of just two of them.
From Pharmacy Times: “Are there natural ways to protect patients from the cold and influenza viruses? One potential remedy, elderberries, have been used for thousands of years as both medicine and in food….The results of some studies show that elderberries do indeed have significant benefits against cold and influenza symptoms.
“In one placebo-controlled, double-blind study conducted by Israeli virologist Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu, 93.3% of the people taking an elderberry preparation reported significant improvement in influenza symptoms within 2 days of starting it, compared with the 6 days it took for the placebo group to see improvement.
“In another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study performed in Norway, researchers gave either a placebo syrup or elderberry syrup to patients who reported having flu-like symptoms for less than 48 hours. The results were similar to Dr. Mumcuoglu’s results. On average, the patients who received the elderberry syrup saw relief of symptoms 4 days earlier than the group that received the placebo syrup. As an added benefit, the patients in the elderberry syrup group reported taking significantly fewer over-the-counter medications in hopes of symptom relief.
“Researchers also have found that people who have taken elderberries have higher levels of antibodies against the influenza virus, showing that not only may the berry be able to treat flu symptoms, it may also be able to prevent influenza infection.”
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.
What Ingredients Are In Elderberry Syrup?
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
HOW TO TAKE IT: 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!
Homemade Elderberry Syrup (for colds, coughs and flu)
Ingredients
- 1 cup quality dried elderberries
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh ginger, peeled
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 4 teaspoons ground cloves
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup raw honey, local if possible (use raw: non-raw is simply sugar with no health benefits) (raw buckwheat honey has the highest levels of antioxidants)
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients, except for the honey, in a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil then reduce the heat to a low simmer and simmer uncovered for approx. 30 minutes or until the liquid is reduced by roughly half (though that much isn't necessary). Use a fork or potato masher to mash the berries.
- Let the mixture steep for a few minutes, the strain the liquid through a fine sieve or cheesecloth and mash or squeeze the solids to release as much liquid as possible. You can also use a food mill. 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.
- 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 to children it's always best to consult your pediatrician.IMPORTANT NOTE: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends not giving raw honey to infants younger than 12 months.
Nutrition
Originally published on The Daring Gourmet January 13, 2018
Tisha says
I just got some of this recently, ready to take on this cold season!
Jessica Formicola says
I’ve heard so many great things about elderberry syrup, so I’m glad to have found a recipe! I can’t wait to try it!
Adriana says
How beautiful is this! In my area, elderberries aren’t available so I buy the commercial syrup. Of course, nothing compares to a homemade version.
Anonymous says
I order mine in bulk from Amazon. :)
Maria Lozada says
Is it necessary to rinse the dried elderberries before beginning the cooking process?
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Maria, no it is not.
Sally Blue says
Hi Cheryl. I cooked my elderberries with little stems still on them. Should I throw it out?
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Sally, they won’t hurt you. Enjoy your jam!
Anonymous says
Hi there I have tried this a couple of times and can’t seem to get a thick consistency. Not sure what I’m doing wrong. Any suggestions?
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
No, it won’t have a thick consistency unless you use a thickening agent.
Cheryl Savage says
I have a question, I eat keto and don’t eat honey any recommendations on sweetener
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Cheryl, the purpose of the raw honey is for its medicinal benefits. Otherwise you can simply substitute regular sugar, roughly the same amount in cups.
Necia says
You can use maple syrup in place of a honey.
Cierra Keeney says
I am going to use agave. Agave is a healthy substitute.
Lindsey says
How many consecutive months can you take elderberry syrup for in prevention (1 tsp per day)? I cannot find any source that says for prevention the duration it can safely be used for. My family started taking it in November 2018 and I was at the end of it mid February 2019 so I started spreading it out to every few days…lo and behold, one got a cold and one now has a sore throat…I am making another batch to get us through March (so that will be 5 consecutive months.). Any insight would be helpful!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Lindsey, there is no standard dose and the effects of long-term use, as far as I know, haven’t been researched. Normally I would say consult your doctor but they almost guaranteed won’t have a clue about this ;)
Jon says
Hi, just curious…doesn’t heating remove the good stuff from the berries? Would it be better to use fresh?
thanks!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Jon, that’s a great question. Most sources say to avoid eating raw elderberries because they contain anti-nutrient compounds that can cause severe symptoms in the body, including severe nausea and vomiting. These anti-nutrients are deactivated when the elderberries are cooked. Also, the research that has been done on the effectiveness of elderberry syrup was specifically testing cooked elderberry syrup, so while raw most certainly contains more nutrients and enzymes than cooked, that research indicates that the cooked berries still contain enough to be effective.
Ashley says
The danger of eating raw elderberry is more about the cyanogenic glycosides in them that, in large quantities, can cause a buildup of cyanide in the body and be poisonous. There are lectins also called “anti-nutrients” but the biggest problem is that they’re slightly poisonous until cooked! Better safe than sorry! 😄
Aarti says
So ! I made it in double quantity and filled in my different containers and froze it all. I understand what you mean by nutrients getting low but I would rather take it in more quantity than not take it because it went bad. We are a family of three, we used it all up in 4 months. We all take it plentiful everyday. it does taste good. I added a little organic turmeric all while cooking it down. For the anti-viral properties and antioxidants too. the taste was good. Even baby likes it :) I used raw honey that was made in Germany. Slightly expensive but taste was great!
About sickness…humm…we the adults got cold once. really bad one. Baby got cold 3 times and had to give a/b to control the ear infection but I still kept giving it. I am sure it is helping her somehow…
any thoughts?
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Aarti, turmeric is a great addition. I’m not a doctor or certified health professional so I can’t give any official medical advice. But as with any natural remedy, or pharmaceutical for that matter, I would never make the claim that it helps in every situation all the time. On a different note, I don’t know how old your baby is but the pediatric medical board’s recommendation is to avoid giving raw honey to kids under the age of 1, just in case you’re not aware.
Beth Price-Almeida says
Taking it in small amounts daily is really healthy. Black Elderberry fights cancer and helps curb allergies as well.
Rebecca Smith says
Hi
Can I freeze the syrup and if so once defrosted how long would I have to use it up?
I also don’t want to use raw honey on my children, what would you suggest instead? I’ve put a little local honey and some xylitol to taste.
Thanks
Rebecca
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Rebecca, you can freeze it but some research suggests that freezing leads to a decrease in nutrients. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Association of Pediatrics only recommend avoiding giving honey to kids under the age of 1. With respect to raw vs. pasteurized honey, according to other research most of the health benefits attributed to honey only apply to raw honey, so if it’s the health benefits you’re after there is very little benefit in using non-raw honey, local or otherwise – in which case you can just use any liquid sweetener of your choice.
Sarah says
Holy undrinkable cloviness, batman! There is WAY too much cinnamon and clove in this recipe. I couldnt drink it. Even tried more honey. Juat bitter and yucky. Tried another recipe with one teaspoon cinnamon and half teaspoon cloves and it is perfect!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Sarah, keep in mind this is medicine, not a drink. The objective here medicinal effectiveness. The cinnamon, clove, ginger and elderberry all have medicinal properties and if you dilute/reduce any one of these you’re also diluting the medicinal dosage. Keep that in mind if what you’re after is something that actually works rather than something that merely tastes good.
Cami Weyland says
I have tried other recipes as well and most of them, including most store-bought elderberry syrup brands, are so skimpy in their ingredients that you’re getting little more than flavored honey water. I’ve been making this recipe for a year now and it’s hands down the best. My husband and I and are our kids all take it during the cold months to prevent and treat colds and all I can tell you is that it WORKS.
Anonymous says
Been taking this for several months now with great results. Time to make my own and save some money while keeping myself healthy. On the stove cooking now. Can’t wait.
Patsy Winchell says
Just making my first batch, waiting for liquid to cool enough to add the honey. It smells SO incredibly good!!!
I’ve been buying elderberry syrup from someone else but wanted to try making my own to see if I could do it a little more economically……
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
My kids love it so much they actually BEG me for it! :) I hope you enjoy it, Patsy and, more importantly, I hope you find it’s helpful!
Susan Long says
I love glass jar in your photograph. I haven’t been able to locate that size. Where did you purchase them?
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Susan, I’ve had it for a long time and honestly can’t remember where I got it. Sorry I couldn’t point you in a helpful direction.