How to Make Elderberry Syrup

Elderberry syrup is one of my favorite herbal remedies to have on hand. It is full of wonderful ingredients which help give your immune system a boost during cold and flu season. Furthermore, it tastes delicious making it easy to give to kids so they can benefit as well!

What is in Elderberry Syrup?

Elderberry syrup can be as simple or complex as you like. There are many other herbs that compliment elderberries and their immune boosting properties.

• Elderberries – I have heard from many herbalists that the species of choice is the Sambucus Nigra. This is a wonderful herb for colds and upper respiratory infections. Both the flowers and berries can be used in herbal medicines as they both have antiviral properties. They are also powerful immune system boosters.
  • Important things to remember:
    • Only use the dark purple or blue elderberries – never the red ones.
    • The inner bark and leaves contain potentially poisonous substances, so avoid consuming those.
    • Do not use this herb if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
    • Never eat uncooked elderberries due to the risk of cyanide poisoning.
• Echinacea – Also a powerful immune booster, especially when combined with elderberries or elderflower.
  • Important things to remember:
    • Do not take if your immune system is suppressed (example: if you have tuberculosis, HIV, or AIDS)
• Rose Hips – Rose hips are the dried fruits of rose plants (most commonly rosa canina). They contain more vitamin C per milligram than raw broccoli and many citrus fruits.
  • Important things to remember:
    • Do not use if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
    • If you have diabetes, please understand that high vitamin C doses can interfere with home glucose tests.
• Orange Peel – Helps to boost the immune system.
• Cinnamon Chips – These are powerful antioxidants, have anti-inflammatory properties, and are packed with antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties.
• Astragalus Root – This is a wonderful herb that has adaptogen properties. Adaptogens have been found to help our bodies manage physical and chemical stressors. It strengthens the immune system and can help people with diabetes by helping to regulate the metabolization of dietary sugars.
• Raw Honey – There are so many powerful benefits to raw honey. It is an excellent source of antioxidants, has antibacterial and anti fungal properties, and can help soothe a sore throat and cough.

Where to Source Trustworthy Herbs?

Knowing your herbs are coming from a trustworthy source is important. It’s important to ensure they have not been sprayed with chemicals, the way they were harvested is equally important. Knowing the plants were harvested at the right time of day and in a sustainable way is part of our responsibility. The companies listed below are excellent sources of herbs, teas, tinctures, and more!

• Mountain Rose Herbs
• Farmhouse Teas
• Homegrown Herbalist

Fortunately, elderberries grow very well in many parts of the United States. If you have access to elderberries on your property or through a friend, you can store them by dehydrating them. For more information on dehydrating elderberries, click here.

Elderberry Syrup

Elderberry syrup is a wonderful item to have on hand to help boost the immune system during the cold and flu season. Not only does it contain many health benefits, it tastes delicious!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Cooling Time 10 minutes mins

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup dried elderberries
• 2 tbsp echinacea root
• 1 tbsp astragalus root
• 2 sticks cinnamon or 1 tbsp cinnamon chips
• 1 tbsp rose hips
• 1 tbsp orange peel
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• ¾ cup raw honey
• 4 cups water

Equipment

• 1 stainless steel pot
• 1 Glass Jar
• 1 fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth

Method

 

1. Place elderberries and herbs, and spices into a pot, along with water and slowly bring to a simmer.
2. Simmer for 20 minutes. About halfway through the simmering time I mash the berries and spices to help extract the juice and medicinal properties. I do the same again after it is done simmering.
3. Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the berries and herbs, pushing down to extract as much juice as you can. Sometimes I use a cheese cloth, twist it into a ball and squeeze (not the kind you get from the grocery store, but 100% fine muslin cheesecloth).
4. Allow it to cool slightly and then add the honey and apple cider vinegar, stirring well until incorporated. It is very important that you do allow this to cool a little bit because we are using raw honey. If the honey is put in while the liquid is too hot, it will cook out all of the medicinal properties. I like the syrup to have cooled enough so that it is comfortable to touch but warm enough to incorporate the honey.
5. Store in the refrigerator for 6-8 weeks.

Notes

I begin using this when my kids are starting to come down with something.  We will also use it when we are going to be exposed to a lot of people.  Most sources recommend not taking echinacea consecutively for more than 8 weeks. If you wish to have something you can take daily indefinitely, omit the echinacea. 

I take 1 tablespoon twice a day during the cold and flu season. If I am feeling unwell or beginning to come down with symptoms, I will do it three to four times per day. I follow these two dosage calculators for my kids:

Young’s Rule: Add 12 to the child’s age and divide the child’s age by this total. For example, my son is 6 years old, so I take 6+ 12 which is 18. Then take 6 / 18 which is .33 of the adult dose. I give Eli 1 teaspoon in the morning and then again at night.

 

Cowling’s Rule: Divide the child’s age at his or her next birthday by 24. Eli will be 7 next year, so I take 7 / 24, which is 0.2916, or roughly 1/3rd of the adult dose.

 

This will store in the refrigerator for 6 – 8 weeks.