Elderberry Syrup is a well known home remedy for cold and flu symptoms, and has been used for centuries to promote good health. The dried berries of the Sambucus nigra plant are naturally high in immune-boosting compounds, which have been shown to relieve flu symptoms powerfully and effectively. This recipe is made with just 6 ingredients and ready in less than an hour. Perfect for keeping on hand during the cold months of winter!
If you’re someone who’s focused on health and wellness, chances are you’ve heard about the benefits of Elderberry Syrup by now. And while it’s typically readily available at health food stores or online, it’s also incredibly easy to make at home.
I ALWAYS have a supply of it in my fridge, particularly during cold & flu season, and take it daily to help boost my immune system. It’s quick and easy to make, it tastes great, and I love the fact that every single ingredient plays a specific and powerful role in its healing properties.
We all know how miserable it is to be sick, but with this easy homemade recipe you can help keep you and your family healthy all year round!
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🍯 Ingredients
Every ingredient in this Elderberry Syrup has specific healing properties, which is part of what makes this such a popular home remedy.
- 1/2 c. whole dried elderberries – the Sambucus nigra variety is the one that’s most closely tied to health and healing. Elderberries are anti-viral and immune-boosting.
- 4 c. water
- 2 Tbsp. rosehips – beneficial because they are naturally high in vitamin C
- 2 tsp. whole cloves – cloves are known to be anti-microbial
- 2 tsp. dried ginger root – ginger is soothing and immune-boosting
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks – cinnamon is high in anti-microbial properties
- 2 Tbsp. raw, local honey – honey is immune boosting, particularly when it is raw and locally sourced
📋 How to make Elderberry Syrup
This syrup couldn’t be easier to make. All you need is a saucepan, some measuring utensils, a fine strainer, and a glass jar to store it in. Then just measure, mix, boil, and strain… and you’re all set!
- Combine all ingredients (except honey) in a medium saucepan.
- Bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes or until mixture reduces by about one third.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Strain mixture while still warm, then add honey.
- Store in the refrigerator and take daily to help boost immunity.
🍇 What are elderberries?
There are many different types of elder plants and trees, but the European variety known as Sambucus nigra is the one that’s most closely tied to health and wellness. Its history dates back to 400 BC, and Hippocrates, the “Father of Medicine”, called the elder tree his medicine chest.
Elderberries are dark purple berries that loaded with antioxidants and vitamins A, B, and C, all of which are believed to help boost your immune system.
💰 Why make it at home?
Not only will you save money by making it at home, but you can also adjust the ingredients according to your family’s tastes. Some people might prefer more cinnamon and ginger, and some (like my kids) will prefer it a bit sweeter with more honey.
💻 Where to find the ingredients
All of the ingredients for this can be found online. You may also be able to find them in your local health food store.
🌡 Use and Storage
Elderberry syrup can be taken straight or stirred into another beverage. Some people recommend taking it daily to help boost immunity, while others use it specifically at the onset of symptoms. Homemade syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Elderberry Syrup is a well known home remedy for cold and flu symptoms, and has been used for centuries to promote good health. The dried berries of the Sambucus Nigra plant are naturally high in immune-boosting compounds, which have been shown to relieve flu symptoms powerfully and effectively. This recipe is made with just 6 ingredients and ready in less than an hour. Perfect for keeping on hand during the cold months of winter!
Ingredients
- 1/2 c. whole, dried elderberries
- 4 c. water
- 2 Tbsp. dried rosehips
- 2 tsp. whole dried cloves
- 2 tsp. dried ginger root
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 2 Tbsp. raw, local honey
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes or until reduced by one third.
- Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- While mixture is still warm, strain into a glass jar and stir in honey.
- Store in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 10Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 3mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 0gSugar: 2gProtein: 0g
Elderberry Syrup is a well known home remedy for cold and flu symptoms, and has been used for centuries to promote good health. The dried berries of the Sambucus nigra plant are naturally high in immune-boosting compounds, which have been shown to relieve flu symptoms powerfully and effectively. This recipe is made with just 6 ingredients and ready in less than an hour. Perfect for keeping on hand during the cold months of winter!
FAQs
Possible Interactions
- Diuretics (water pills). Diuretics help the body get rid of excess fluid and increase the amount of urine your body makes. ...
- Diabetes medications. Elderberry may lower blood sugar levels. ...
- Chemotherapy. ...
- Laxatives. ...
- Theophylline (TheoDur). ...
- Drugs that suppress the immune system.
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).
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.
How much homemade elderberry syrup should I take daily? ›
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.
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.
Why should you not take elderberry everyday? ›
Risks. Never eat or drink any product made from raw elderberry fruit, flowers, or leaves. They contain a chemical that produces cyanide. They can cause nausea and vomiting and, at high doses, more serious effects.
How long to cook elderberries to remove cyanide? ›
Cooking elderberries is not just a culinary step; it's a safety measure. To neutralize toxins, specifically cyanide-inducing glycosides, heat treatment is a must. Boiling elderberries for at least 30 minutes is the go-to method. This ensures the destruction of harmful compounds.
What is the healthiest way to consume elderberry? ›
Elderberry pie, elderberry syrup, elderberry jam—the sweet taste and even sweeter health benefits of this tiny fruit come in many forms. The most popular way to use fresh elderberries is to cook them into a syrup or extract used to support your immune system.
What are side effects of elderberry syrup? ›
Common side effects of Elderberry include:
- Nausea/vomiting (consumption of raw berries)
- Weakness.
- Dizziness.
- Numbness.
- Stupor.
However, studies have shown that elderberry syrup is the most effective form of elderberry supplement for immune support.
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.
Is elderberry good for kidneys? ›
Administration of Elderberry is standard folk medicine for difficulties relating to kidney and urine, in addition to cold and cough symptoms caused by inflammation. It also suggested that about 500 milligrams per day of elderberry extract for about 12 weeks is safe and can help with kidney and urinary problems.
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.
Can you overdo elderberry? ›
Elderberry extract appears to be safe when taken in small doses. Taking amounts greater than recommended could be more likely to result in undesirable side effects. Elderberries should always be cooked and processed before they're consumed. Unripened, raw elderberries can release toxins into your body.
How long does homemade elderberry syrup last in the fridge? ›
Like any other fruit juice it will start to ferment if left out for too long. Elderberry syrup, when stored in a glass jar in the fridge, will stay good for 3 months.
Does elderberry interact with anything? ›
Elderberry can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking elderberry along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications.
Can you mix elderberry with anything? ›
If desired, you may mix elderberry liquid with water, fruit juice, yogurt, or a smoothie. Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with elderberry does not improve, or if you have a fever for more than 3 days or cold symptoms for more than 7 days.
Can you take elderberry and vitamins together? ›
Although elderberry has a history of being used for a wide variety of health reasons, when the goal is to supplement your diet to help support your immune system with Vitamin C and Zinc, the combination of elderberry with Vitamin C and Zinc provides the antioxidant and immune system support that is more helpful than ...
Is it OK to take Zinc and elderberry together? ›
Interactions between your drugs
No interactions were found between elderberry and Zinc. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
