DIY elderberry syrup recipe
If you’re like me, you’re always looking for ways to keep your family healthy during cold and flu season.
One of my favorite ways to do this is by making homemade elderberry syrup.
Elderberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that help boost the immune system, and they make a delicious syrup that can be taken by the spoonful or added to beverages.
The best part is that it’s easy to make!
This recipe for DIY elderberry syrup is so incredibly easy and it tastes amazing!
You can also make homemade elderberry syrup with essential oils for added tastes and benefits but for this recipe, I left them out just for simplicity.
Elderberry syrup is well known to support wellness naturally before you have to resort to behind the counter options so it’s definitely worth a try!
Keep reading to learn how to make elderberry syrup!
Why make elderberry syrup?
Colds really suck.
Especially when they like to hang around forever like the ones I get tend to do.
I really hate being sick for WEEKS, and over the counter medicines never seem to help at all.
Unfortunately there isn’t much that conventional medicine can do for the common cold or even flu.
BUT there are definitely ways to boost your immune system naturally that can help you feel better and recover faster.
If I feel a cold coming on, I start chugging some vitamin C, slather on my immunity blend and reach for this bottle of awesomeness.
Now, like I previously stated, I have a history of monster colds that take FOREVER to go away so when I feel one heading my way, I start to mentally prepare myself to just accept that I will be miserable for the next couple weeks.
Well, the first time I tried this elderberry syrup during a cold, I felt better in 2 DAYS.
I initially chalked it up to coincidence, that maybe it was a baby virus (no idea if that’s a thing) and I got lucky this time.
Then the next time I felt under the weather I tried it again.
Same results.
I’ve seen the same thing in my husband and kids when they get sick, so I’m convinced this stuff works.
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Why Elderberry?
Elderberries naturally contain vitamins A, B and C and help to stimulate your immune system.
In fact, world-renowned Israeli virologist Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu found that elderberry disarms the enzyme that viruses use to penetrate healthy cells in the lining of the nose and throat.
If taken after infection of a virus, it helps prevent spread of the virus through the respiratory tract.
If taken regularly, elderberry can help prevent infection in the first place.
In a clinical trial, 20% of subjects reported significant improvement within 24 hours, 70% within 48 hours and 90% claimed to be completely healthy in 3 days.
The subjects that received a placebo took 6 extra days to recover.
For more information check out this article on elderberry syrup.
Where To Buy Elderberries
- Fresh at the farmers market when in season.
- Check your local health food store for dried elderberries.
- Order online from your favorite natural herbs and ingredients supplier
- you can also find some on amazon.
DO NOT EAT THEM RAW: Elderberries need to be cooked to render them safe and to receive the amazing health benefits.
Several varieties of elderberry are poisonous when eaten raw so just don’t do it.
How To Make Elderberry Syrup From Dried Elderberries
You can buy pre-made elderberry syrup but it can be pretty pricey and this syrup is so incredibly easy to make, it just makes sense to make it yourself and save some money.
Plus, by making it yourself you will know exactly what’s in it and don’t have to worry about any weird extra ingredients.
NOTE: Make sure you use raw honey because it has awesome antimicrobial and antibacterial benefits that really help this syrup be more effective.
Ingredients:
4 cups filtered water
1 cup dried elderberries
1-1.5 cups raw honey
(optional) thieves essential oil
Instructions
1. Bring 4 cups water to a boil
2. Add 1 cup elderberries
3. Simmer for 45 minutes
4. Let it cool, then mash the berries
5. Strain liquid then discard the berries
6. Add 1 to 1.5 cups raw honey, depending on preference
7. Transfer syrup to preferred container. This was enough for a 16 oz amber glass bottle plus extra to make elderberry gummies for my kids.
You can take 1 tsp daily for preventative use or up to 3 tsp a day when you are under the weather.
CAUTION: this is not meant for children under the age of one since it contains raw honey, so please use wisely.
How To Make Elderberry Syrup In An Instant Pot
I have recently started using my instant pot to make my elderberry syrup and I am obsessed!
It is so fast and easy, I’m not sure I will go back to stovetop, but just know that either method will produce the same results.
Instructions:
- Add the water and elderberries to instant pot and close the lid.
- Push vent to seal position
- Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes then quick release the steam
- Strain the elderberries with a fine mesh strainer and let the elderberry juice cool completely.
- Add the honey and whatever essential oils you want and transfer to a quart size jar or 2 pint jars.
For older kids, if they have a hard time taking the syrup you can see how to make elderberry gummies here!
How long does homemade elderberry syrup last?
By adding the honey into your homemade elderberry syrup, you are helping to preserve it naturally. If kept in the fridge, your elderberry syrup can last for several months.
Can you drink elderberry syrup daily?
Yes! I recommend taking 1 Tbsp of elderberry syrup a day as a preventative measure. For kids just use 1 tsp.
If you start feeling under the weather, up your servings to 3-4 times a day until you start feeling better.
Prefer to buy instead of making it yourself?
You can buy premade elderberry syrup if you prefer not to make it yourself.
You just have to be sure it’s of good quality or it won’t do you much good.
Related Articles:
Best All-Natural Vitamins and Supplements
How To Make Elderberry Gummies
How To Have A Healthy Home And What Can Make It Unhealthy
Ooohhhh…thank you for sharing about this syrup. I haven’t made something like this before.
Oh, my mom made this a few times. We had a bush in our yard up north at the time. It was good too. Pour it over some pancakes. Yum.
I need to make this. I always hear great things about elderberry.
I was just thinking that I need to grow some elderberry. This is a recipe that I like.
I love using elderberry. I’ve never tried making it myself though. I can’t wait to try this.
I have only tried it at a restaurant once with waffles and enjoyed it:)
I think I haven’t tried this one yet but I’m surely going to check this out and try to make it my self
It sounds like an easy way to prevent a lot of illnesses. I need to organize myself to make this syrup at home!
Oh, I’m going to try this. I take elderberry vitamins daily, but I wouldn’t mind having some elderberry syrup on hand for when we get sick.
Elderberry is such a light and interesting flavor, too. Making the syrup seems simple enough and I’d love to have some on hand, I’ll have to give this a try!
Your guide on making Elderberry Syrup is fantastic! The step-by-step instructions are clear and easy to follow. I appreciate the informative and friendly tone, making it a breeze to create this healthy and delicious syrup at home. Thanks for sharing this valuable recipe!
My oldest granddaughter has just started learning how hard but fulfilling it is to make syrup. Bet she’d love the elderberry version.
I’ve heard great things about Elderberry syrup. But I haven’t tried it since I’m on immunosuppressive medication. I can’t take things to boost my immune system.
Wow, I had no idea about elder berries. This was kind of neat to read about.
Raw honey is not good for children? Looks better than store bought cough syrups.
This is so great to make! I love elderberry for immunity and staving off colds, and I need to make the syrup this season.
Elderberry syrup is such a great help for immune system support. This is the best herbal remedies to use during the cold weather months.
I had no idea that elderberry syrup was a home remedy for cold and flu season. Thanks for sharing that tip! It’s always good to have natural remedies on hand to help keep us healthy.
Wow, I had no idea that elderberries were so powerful! It’s fantastic that they contain vitamins A, B, and C and can help stimulate our immune system. And after reading about Dr Madeleine Mumcuoglu’s research, it’s clear that elderberry can also effectively prevent the spread of viruses through the respiratory tract. I’m going to look into incorporating elderberry into my wellness routine. Thanks for sharing this helpful information!
I haven’t eaten elderberry before as it cannot be grown in my country. But I’m sure any berry family is great, especially the syrup can make good drinks for the hot day too. I really want to try elderberry.