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:
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.
Pin Recipe Print Recipe
Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Natural Cold and Flu Remedy or to Boost your Immune System
Cook Time1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Total Time1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: elderberry syrup, herbal, natural remedy
Servings: 8 ounces
Author: Kelly
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.
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.
FAQs
Preventative Use: Take 1 teaspoon daily during the cold and flu season. During Illness: Increase to 1 teaspoon 3 times a day at the onset of symptoms.
Is homemade elderberry syrup effective? ›
The sour-tasting berries are commonly used to make jelly, pie, and wine, but they've also been a staple of folk medicine for hundreds if not thousands of years. Elderberry syrup is known as a powerful cold preventative and remedy. Just one cup of berries contains about 58% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C.
What not to mix with elderberry? ›
Possible Interactions
- Diuretics (water pills). Diuretics help the body get rid of excess fluid and increase the amount of urine your body makes. ...
- Diabetes medications. Elderberry may lower blood sugar levels. ...
- Chemotherapy. ...
- Laxatives. ...
- Theophylline (TheoDur). ...
- Drugs that suppress the immune system.
May improve cold and flu symptoms
One 2004 study of 60 people with influenza found that those who took 15 mL of elderberry syrup four times per day showed symptom improvement in 2 to 4 days, while the control group took 7 to 8 days to improve ( 10 ).
What is the best time of day to take elderberry syrup? ›
Although there is no specific time of day to take elderberry, you'll maximize its benefits by using it consistently on a regular basis. You can choose whether to use it morning, afternoon or evening. It may be best to use elderberry for short periods of time to support healthy immune function, and then take a break.
What happens if you take too much elderberry syrup? ›
Elderberry syrup, gummies, and juice are made from processed berries, which remove the poisonous compounds to make them safe to digest. The common side effects of taking raw elderberry plant products, such as fruit, flower, leaves, bark, or root include: Stomach problems. Nausea and vomiting.
Is homemade elderberry syrup better than store bought? ›
Homemade Elderberry Syrup vs Store Bought
By comparison, my homemade syrup is about a quarter of the price of over-the-counter options. The other draw back of over-the-counter versions is the sweetener, usually it's glucose. My recipe uses raw honey as a sweetener, which has so many healing properties.
What form of elderberry is most effective? ›
When it comes to maintaining a strong immune system, black elderberries (Sambucus nigra) are the preferred choice.
Should homemade elderberry syrup be refrigerated? ›
Like any other fruit juice it will start to ferment if left out for too long. Elderberry syrup, when stored in a glass jar in the fridge, will stay good for 3 months.
Can elderberry raise blood pressure? ›
Elderberries may be beneficial for the heart, as they have been associated with positive effects on blood pressure; the anthocyanin content increases the release of nitric oxide—which helps widen the blood vessels and improves blood flow, leading to a decrease in blood pressure.
Cardiovascular disease risk biomarkers and liver and kidney function are not altered in postmenopausal women after ingesting an elderberry extract rich in anthocyanins for 12 weeks.
Are there negative side effects of elderberry? ›
Elderberry is possibly unsafe when uncooked leaves, stems, or fruit are consumed. The elderberry plant contains a chemical that produces cyanide in the leaves or other plant parts and in the unripe green fruit. This can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, or more serious side effects if consumed in large quantities.
Does elderberry work if you are already sick? ›
Limited studies have found that elderberry eases flu symptoms like fever, headache, sore throat, fatigue, cough, and body aches. The benefits seem to be greatest when started within 24 to 48 hours after the symptoms begin. One study found that elderberry could cut the duration of flu symptoms by more than 50%.
Is it better to take elderberry in the morning or at night? ›
Elderberry can generally be consumed at any time of day—in the morning, at night, or in between. Since it's a food itself, you could take Elderberry on an empty stomach if it seems to work for you. It can also be taken with food.
Which is better, elderberry syrup or gummies? ›
The most potent form of elderberry is raw elderberry syrup (Dr. Mobley suggests syrup made with organic, fresh-pressed elderberries). The syrup is absorbed most quickly by the body—whereas if you take elderberry gummies, capsules, lozenges, or teas, they're less potent and/or take longer for the body to digest.
Is it okay to take elderberry syrup every day? ›
Elderberry supplements seem to have few risks when used daily for up to five days. The safety of its long-term use is unknown. Risks. Never eat or drink any product made from raw elderberry fruit, flowers, or leaves.
Should you take elderberry syrup in the morning or at night? ›
Elderberry can generally be consumed at any time of day—in the morning, at night, or in between. Since it's a food itself, you could take Elderberry on an empty stomach if it seems to work for you. It can also be taken with food.
How long does homemade elderberry syrup last in the fridge? ›
Like any other fruit juice it will start to ferment if left out for too long. Elderberry syrup, when stored in a glass jar in the fridge, will stay good for 3 months.
Does homemade elderberry syrup need to be refrigerated? ›
Additionally, this recipe was written to be canned in a boiling water bath for shelf-stable storage. Without this heat processing it is not shelf-stable, and the syrup MUST be refrigerated or frozen. What is this? Elderberry jelly has many of the same delicious benefits, although it does have more sugar too.
