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.
Does elderberry syrup really help immune system? ›
Modern science has corroborated many of the claims made about elderberry syrup in traditional medicine. The fruit is low in calories and full of dietary fiber, which helps digestion, and it's also a great source of important nutrients for the immune system.
Is it OK to take elderberry syrup everyday? ›
Elderberry syrups and supplements made from reputable companies can be taken daily, even multiples times daily. Elderberry products, like Sambucol Black Elderberry Syrup and Sambucol Black Elderberry Gummies, are made from elderberry fruits. That means you're taking in a highly concentrated source of fruit.
Who should not take elderberry syrup? ›
Elderberry appears to have few side effects when used properly for short periods of time (up to 5 days). Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take elderberry. If you have an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, ask your doctor before taking elderberry, as it may stimulate the immune system.
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.
What not to mix with elderberry? ›
What other drugs will affect elderberry?
- medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection;
- medicine to treat multiple sclerosis;
- medicine to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders;
- medicine to treat ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease; or.
- steroid medicine.
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 ).
Is elderberry safe for kidneys? ›
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.
Overall, we would recommend BioSchwartz Elderberry with Zinc and Vitamin C Capsules to anyone looking for a natural way to support their immune system and overall health.
Does elderberry syrup need to be refrigerated? ›
We get asked all the time, “Do I need to refrigerate my syrup?” And the answer is YES! Most of the store-bought elderberry syrups out there are packed with preservatives, which is why they can last in the medicine cabinet for so long. Most preservatives are sugar laden and unhealthy for our bodies.
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%.
Which autoimmune diseases should avoid elderberry? ›
People who have autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease should not use elderberry. Elderberry may boost the immune system, which can worsen autoimmune diseases. Many autoimmune disorders require immunosuppressant drugs.
Can elderberry affect blood pressure? ›
Elderberry is rich in antioxidants, which can help lower inflammation as well as cholesterol and blood pressure. “Elderberry's phytonutrients and fiber content helps to lower the amount of cholesterol circulating [in your blood] by binding to [the cholesterol] and expelling it from the body,” Best said.
Is homemade elderberry syrup good for you? ›
The berries and flowers of elderberry are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that may boost your immune system. They could help tame inflammation, lessen stress, and help protect your heart, too. Some experts recommend elderberry to help prevent and ease cold and flu symptoms.
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.
Is homemade elderberry syrup safe? ›
Elderberries can be toxic when eaten raw but are safe to eat when cooked. The standard preparation method of boiling them down to make a “syrup” or “gummy” makes them safe to eat (figure 1).
What is the dosing for elderberry syrup? ›
We recommend 1 tablespoon daily for adults, and 1 teaspoon daily for children over one to help boost the immune system year round. If you are feeling sick or have the flu, increase dosage to 1 tablespoon every 3-4 hours up to 6 times per day (for children over one use 1 teaspoon).
