I love making elderberry syrup; it’s a favorite and a must-have in my home. My children also love it; a straightforward and practical recipe with just two ingredients, just all the goodness of elderberry and honey. That’s it!
If you’re looking for a powerful and natural remedy to fight colds, flu, and other respiratory infections, look no further than the humble elderberry. Used for centuries, these berries and the flowers of the elderberry plant contain flavonoids, plant-based compounds with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These nutrients work together to boost the immune system and fight off infection. Moreover, elderberries are one of the most effective remedies for viral and bacterial infections.
In addition to their immune-boosting properties, elderberries are also a great natural remedy for allergies and effectively treat anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. The berries are also a rich source of vitamins A, C, and E, iron, and potassium.
So if you are searching for a natural way to boost your health and immunity, elderberries are an excellent place to start!!
how to make a homemade elderberry syrup
01. Soak Dried Elderberry
When I make elderberry syrup using dried Elderberry, I prefer to let it soak overnight to soften.
/Or/ allow the berries to soak until soft, about 30-60 minutes.
Directions: How to Cook Elderberry
- Place over medium heat and cover with lid, then gradually bring to a boil.
- Once a boil has been achieved remove lid and reduce to a simmer, and continue to cook for 45 minutes, stirring frequently.
- When finished remove from heat and allow to cool.
*It’s imperative to cook for at least 45 minutes to eliminate the cyanide like toxin in the Elderberry seeds.
02. Strain your Elderberries
Using a cheesecloth or mesh strainer strain your Elderberries into a medium sized bowl.
If perchance you have more than two cups of extract place back onto stove to reduce until it reaches two cups.
03. Add Organic Unfiltered Raw Honey
If you are adding honey as a sweetener, 1/3 cup goes a long way. Just add to your Elderberry when it’s lukewarm.
Heating past the maximum hive temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit changes honey’s essential composition and diminishes its quality. It partially destroys honey’s beneficial enzymes and ‘boils off’ volatile compounds that account for its unique, delicate floral aroma.
Many of the healthful organic compounds and substances in the honey are destroyed or inhibited by heat.
Honey Benefits:
Raw honey contains vitamins such as B-complex and Vitamin C and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Raw honey can strengthen the immune system and stimulate digestive health.
health benifits Including But Not Limited To:
- helps to reduce throat irritation, soothe sore throats and laryngitis
- stabilize blood pressure
- calm nerves
- relieve morning sickness
- heal ulcers
- purify the blood
- fight colds and flu
- helps to flush the kidneys
- helps to reduce swelling (edema)
ANTIVIRAL HERBS THAT BLEND WELL WITH ELDERBERRY SYRUP
ANTIVIRAL HERBS INCLUDE:
- bee balm flowers (Monarda sp.)
- echinacea leaves & flowers (echinacea purpurea)
- hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)
- lemon balm leaves (Melissa officinalis)
- sage leaves (Salvia officinalis)
- thyme leaves & flowers (Thymus sp.)
04. Place Elderberry In Jars
Pour elderberry syrup into a jar or an air-tight container.
Elderberry can be refrigerated for 2-3 weeks or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Q +A
What does Elderberry smell & taste like?
Elderberry has a lovely floral, berry fragrance with a unique taste entirely of its own, slightly earthy and a tad bitter.
How long does a batch last for?
Elderberry alone can last for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator or in the freezer for up to 6 months-pour syrup into ice cube trays to make for easy dosing.
What pairs well with Elderberry Syrup?
Ginger harmonizes beautifully with elderberry as well as cinnamon.
Can I use fresh Elderberry instead of dried?
Yes, absolutely. Dried elderberries are mentioned in this recipe due to its availability year-round, and are easy to order online.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF ELDERBERRIES
- elderberries have antiviral activity and support the immune system
- fight and protect against bacterial infections
- fight and protect against viral infections
- helps to reduce the symptoms and duration of a cold, the flu, and Covid-19
- helps clear sinus infections
- has natural diuretic effects and promotes bowel movements
- anti-inflammatory properties
- anti-carcinogenic properties
- eases symptoms of allergies
- high in antioxidants
- a potent source of micronutrients including vitamins A, C, and B6.
- they also contain powerful antioxidants and phytonutrients that combat inflammation
Elderberry Dosage
The average dose used in studies to treat viral infections is 15 ml of Elderberry syrup with 38% of Elderberry; 4x a day for adults and the same amount at 19% concentration for children.
*Reach out to your doctor or a trusted naturopathic practitioner for guidance on what may be right for your personal health needs.
Health maintenance: 1 tablespoon per day (adult)
Active infections example:
Age + Dose
3-4 yo 2 teaspoons three times a day
5-8 yo 1 tablespoon three times a day.
9 to 12 yo 1 tablespoon four times a day
13 and up 1 to 2 tablespoons four times a day.
Drug Interactions
Before considering the use of Elderberry, it is important to have a chat with a skilled physician or natural medicine practitioner. Elderberry may potentially affect the efficiency of immune-suppressing drugs if taken concurrently. These medications include:
- CellCept (mycophenolate)
- Corticosteroid drugs like prednisone
- Imuran (azathioprine)
- OKT3 (muromonab-CD3)
- Prograf (tacrolimus)
- Rapamune (sirolimus)
- Sandimmune (cyclosporine)
- Simulect (basiliximab)
- Zenapax (daclizumab)
How to Make Elderberry Syrup: Easy Recipe with Dried Berries
A simple organic Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) syrup recipe to help boost and strengthen your immune system naturally.
Ingredients
- 96g. (3/4 Cups) - Organic Dried Elderberries (Sambucus nigra)
- 24 fl oz. (3 Cups) - Filtered Water
- 113g. (1/3 Cup) - Organic Raw, Unfiltered Honey
Instructions
To make a proper batch of safe and effective Elderberry syrup
*This recipe is a base; add in other ingredients if so desired.
Step One: Soak Your Elderberry
- Combine 3/4 Cups of Organic dried Elderberry in a large cooking pot, and fill with 3 cups of water and cover. This will be boiled down to make exactly 150 mL (5.07 fluid ounce) of Elderberry extract.
Step Two: Ready To Cook
- Place over medium heat and cover with lid, then gradually bring to a boil.
- Once a boil has been achieved remove lid and reduce to a simmer, and continue to cook for 45 minutes, stirring frequently.
- When finished remove from heat and allow to cool.
Step Three: Ready To Strain
- Using a cheesecloth or strainer, drain your Elderberries into a medium sized bowl.
- Press all liquid out of the berries using the back of a wooden spoon.
If perchance you have more than two cups of extract place back onto stove to reduce until it reaches two cups.
Step Four: Blend + Storage
- Add the raw honey and mix well.
- Pour Elderberry syrup into an air-tight container. Elderberry can be refrigerated for 2-3 weeks or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Notes
Total Concentration
It's important to note that dosing Elderberry syrup is dependent upon the total concentration of Elderberry Extract in the syrup for proper dosing.
Most homemade recipes that do not adhere to specific formulas produce syrups with an unknown concentration of elderberry making precise dosing impossible. This places both safety and efficacy at risk.
I have also cooked my elderberry up to 1 hour and 10 minutes without burning to make exactly 2 cups due to altitude and humidity levels.
Prepare With Sufficient Heat To Deactivate The Toxic Compounds
* It's imperative to cook for 45 minutes to eliminate the cyanide like toxin in the Elderberry seeds.
Most individuals end up in the E.R with abdominal pain because they did not cook Elderberry long enough to destroy the cyanide toxin.
Cost-Effective & Higher Quality
Making Elderberry at home is extremely cost-effective and deserving.
The cost of Elderberry syrups and gummies at the store can be rather expensive and less potent.
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