We are in the thick of cold and flu season and knowing how to make elderberry syrup is a trick we’re happy to have in our back pocket! Elderberry Syrup is a natural anti-viral and remedy to the common cold and flu and is a cinch to make at home using only a handful of ingredients and saves you a lot of money!
How to Make Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry syrup is very popular these days and can be purchased just about anywhere! You can purchase it in the syrup form that you take by the spoonful, or also as gummies–but did you know it’s so cost effective and simple to make at home?
All you need are the dried elderberries (which can be purchased online and brought right to your door), raw honey and a handful of optional ingredients like fresh ginger, cinnamon sticks and cardamom pods. Boil it, strain it, store it and take daily or at the first signs of illness to shorten recovery time![1]
Does Elderberry Syrup Really Work?
This natural remedy for the common cold and flu has gained traction over the years and as stated above is a commonly found product in the drugstore. The dark purple berry is said to have powerful natural antiviral effects that can help prevent or lessen the symptoms of the flu and common cold. In addition there are other possible benefits to Elderberry Syrup include managing diabetes, reducing inflammation and acting as a natural diuretic. In addition to the potent elderberry, this recipe also contains raw honey which also has natural anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. When paired together, elderberry and raw honey is said to be a great way to naturally fight the common cold and flu.
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Is Elderberry Syrup Safe?
Yes, if prepared properly! There is a toxin in the dried berries that is deactivated by proper cooking[2]. Pick though the dried berries to remove any sticks or unripe berries before you cook them. Then follow the recipe instructions. The berries have to be cooked for at least 45 minutes (without a cover) to ensure the deactivation of the toxin that can result in adverse gastrointestinal symptoms.
Also if you have any concerns about taking this natural culinary remedy speak to your doctor. This is especially true if you have an autoimmune disorder, so consult your doctor before taking it if you have any questions whether this is right for you.
This recipe contains raw honey so this is not safe for children under 1 years of age to consume.
What is Raw Honey Good For
The phytonutrients in honey are responsible for its antioxidant properties, as well as its antibacterial and antifungal power. Raw honey has shown immune-boosting and anticancer benefits, but heavy processing destroys these valuable nutrients, so we like to buy the best quality we can find! We also don’t call for cooking the raw honey in this recipe as cooking it decreases / eliminates the benefits that raw honey offers.
How do I Take Elderberry Syrup when Sick
Some people take 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of Elderberry Syrup during the cold and flu season daily, and then increase this dosage to once every 2-3 waking hours at the very first sign of illness or known exposure to the cold or flu, for 2-4 days. Kids need a smaller amount of 1 teaspoon a day during cold and flu season that can then be increased to 1 teaspoon every 3 hours during an illness! It is stored in the refrigerator so you can just pour it in a spoon and take by mouth as desired.
How Long is Elderberry Syrup Good for in the Refrigerator
Properly cooked elderberry syrup can be stored in a container with a tight fitting lid for up to 6 months.
If you like this how to, check out these others:
Other natural cold remedies
- Bone Broth
- Classic Chicken Soup[3]
- Vitamin C
- Kick That Cold Juice[4]
- Herbal Tea with Manuka Honey and Lemon
- Sleep
- Vitamin D
- Lots and lots of Water
- Oregano Oil
- Fresh Ginger and Raw Garlic
- Echinacea Capsules
- Lemon Ginger Tea
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Hot Steamy Shower or Bath (Add Epsom Salts/Essential Oils to Your Bath)
- Zinc
- Hot water with Lemon, Raw Honey, Turmeric, Apple Cider Vinegar and a Dash of Cayenne
How to Make Elderberry Syrup
Ingredients
Directions
- Pick through the dried elderberries and remove any twigs or unripe berries.
- Add elderberries, 4 cups water, cinnamon[8] sticks, ginger and cardamom to a large pot and heat over medium heat.
- Once it has reached a boil continue to cook, uncovered, for 45 minutes. Occasionally check to make sure the water has not reduced past the point of the berries. If this happens add a cup of water at a time until the entire cooking time has finished.
- Strain the elderberries and then measure the remaining liquid. You should have about 2 cups. If you have less than two cups add some more cold filtered water until it is 2 cups. If you have more than two cups continue to boil until it has reduced to 2 cups.
- While hot add the honey[9] and whisk to combine. We used 1 cup of honey[10], but if you tend to like things more sweet use the full 1-1/2 cup amount.
- Store in a jar in the refrigerator.
Recipe Notes
- It’s important to follow the instructions in regards to how high to heat the stove and how long this syrup cooks for to ensure the natural toxin found in elderberries is deactivated.
- Do not cover the pot while cooking.
- There is no standard medical dosing for this syrup, but it’s generally considered safe for adults to take 1 tablespoon by mouth daily for prevention, and 1 tablespoon every 2-3 hours when fighting the cold or the flu. For children it is 1 teaspoon by mouth daily for prevention, or 1 teaspoon every 3 hours when fighting a cold or flu.
- Because there is raw honey in this, this is not safe to give to babies under 1 year of age.
- For any other concerns about whether or not this culinary herb is safe for you, check with your doctor.
DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease or health conditions. Always consult a doctor or authorized medical professional before making any changes.
References
- ^ dried elderberries (amzn.to)
- ^ proper cooking (franklininstituteofwellness.com)
- ^ Classic Chicken Soup (lexiscleankitchen.com)
- ^ Kick That Cold Juice (lexiscleankitchen.com)
- ^ dried elderberries (amzn.to)
- ^ cinnamon (amzn.to)
- ^ honey (amzn.to)
- ^ cinnamon (amzn.to)
- ^ honey (amzn.to)
- ^ honey (amzn.to)
- ^ privacy policy (lexiscleankitchen.com)
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