Boost your immune system by making Elderberry Syrup! Made with just a few ingredients, this natural remedy may help prevent colds, cough and the flu.
Need more immune system booster recipes? Try Ginger Tea, Malunggay Smoothie, or my Tropical Green Smoothie.
What are elderberries?
Elderberry (Sambucus) is a dark purple berry from the European elder tree that is used to make medicine.
These types of berries are usually grown in Europe, but you can find similar berries grown by the American Rivers.
Health benefits of elderberries:
- Boost the immune system
- Fight and protect against bacterial infections
- Fight and protect against viral infections
- Reduce the symptoms and duration of a cold or the flu
- Helps clear sinus infections
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Eases symptoms of allergies
- High in antioxidants
Tips and Variations:
- Feel free to use 2 cinnamon sticks instead of ground cinnamon
- To make it vegan, substitute glycerin or sugar instead of honey. Make sure to add the sugar before cooking it for 8 hours.
- If you don't have cinnamon, ginger, and honey available, feel free to omit it. They only help make the syrup taste better.
- Feel free to add more or less sweetener to this recipe as it's for taste only.
How to Make Elderberry Syrup:
Listed below are all the ingredients you will need:
- organic dried elderberries
- water (filtered is best)
- fresh ginger
- cinnamon
- raw honey
In a slow cooker, add the dried elderberries, filtered water, ginger slices, cinnamon and cook on low for 8 hours.
Once it's finished cooking, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a medium bowl and once the liquid has cooled, and just slightly warm, add in the raw honey and stir until thoroughly mixed.
Pour into a glass jar and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Where can I buy elderberries?
A: Most health food markets carry dried elderberries, but it's usually more expensive. Here is my favorite one I order online.
Q: How to use Elderberry Syrup?
A: Keep in mind there's no standard dose for elderberry srup. To prevent colds or the flu in adults, take 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day. If giving to children, consult with your pediatrician first.
Q: Which is best to use dried or fresh elderberries?
A: Dried elderberries are easily available, they store well, and will remain fresh until needed. But if you have access to fresh elderberries, feel free to use.
Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup organic dried elderberries
- 2 ¼ cups water filtered is best
- 4 slices fresh ginger peeled and sliced into ⅛ inch thick
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup raw honey
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, add the dried elderberries, filtered water, ginger slices, cinnamon and cook on low for 8 hours.
- Once it's finished cooking, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a medium bowl and once the liquid has cooled, and just slightly warm, add in the raw honey and stir until thoroughly mixed.
- Pour into a glass jar and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Jane says
Thank you for sharing! Quick question, what type of honey is everyone using, clover honey? Was thinking about using buckwheat but it has such a different taste. Thank you!
Sally dick says
Rail of honey and c
Brandy
per c syrup