How To Make Elderberry Syrup -

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.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using that link.

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 berries.
Order online from your favorite natural herbs and ingredients supplier (I love Mountain Rose Herbs)
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 anti-microbial and anti-bacterial 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.