Learn How to Make Elderberry Syrup in a few easy steps and start enjoying the benefits today. Homemade Elderberry Syrup is so much cheaper than store bought and very simple to make.
During cold and flu season, I make sure to never skip a day of Elderberry Syrup. I have been taking homemade elderberry syrup for immune support for quite some time now. In fact, my entire family does.
You can imagine how this adds up when you buy it at the store. I have always felt like it was well worth it though because the money spent was nothing compared to all of the money saved in doctor’s visits and medicine.
However, I started thinking about learning how to make homemade elderberry syrup. I did some research, and it seemed pretty easy to make so I set out to make a jar. It turned out great!
What's in this post: How to Make Elderberry Syrup
Why We Love This
It is so simple to make homemade Elderberry Syrup that you can easily double or triple the recipe. If you have a large family, you might want to go ahead and double the recipe.
It doesn’t take any more work to make a double batch. You can save time and money and make homemade elderberry syrup today!
Elderberry Syrup tastes great and boosts the immune system. You will love knowing exactly what is going into it by making it at home. It is one of my favorite remedies to keep on hand for its immune-boosting properties.
It is even tasty poured over pancakes and waffles.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried Elderberries. You can use fresh elderberries if you prefer.
- 4 cup of water
- 2 tablespoons Ginger
- ½ tsp of ground cloves
- 1 ½ tsp of cinnamon. You can also use a cinnamon stick.
- 1 cup of honey (local honey is best if you can get it.) You can also use organic maple syrup for an easy substitute.
- Mason Jar or Glass Jar for Storage
How to Make Elderberry Syrup
Step 1. Put all of the ingredients except for the honey is a medium size saucepan.
Step 2. Stir to combine.
Step 3. Bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the liquid amount is reduced in half.
Step 4. Remove the pan from the heat and cool to room temperature.
Step 5. Once cool, drain the syrup and strain into a separate dish. You can use a strainer, cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve. Use a wooden spoon or utensil to smash the berries against the strainer to ensure all the juice gets out of the berries.
Step 6. I used a large measuring cup as it made it easier to pour into the container.
Step 7. Add the honey to the elderberry juice. You don’t want to mix in the raw honey until it’s cool as the heat will cook out some of the nutrients from the honey.
Step 8. Then stir until it’s well dissolved. Store inside an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Health Benefits of Elderberries
There are numerous benefits of sambucus nigra (elderberries).
- Boosts the Immune System
- Antiviral Properties
- Rich in Antioxidants.
- Anti-inflammatory properties.
- Natural Diuretic
- High in antioxidants
- Reduce cold and flu symptoms.
- Soothe a sore throat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, taking too much elderberry can cause upset stomach or tummy ache. Elderberry should always be taken in moderation. Just keep this in mind.
Increase the time that you allow the syrup to simmer to produce a thicker elderberry syrup. This will make the consistency much thicker.
However, my kids do not like it too thick. They take it much easier if it is thinner. Just something to keep in mind if you have children.
My children were hesitant to take this by the spoonful, so I put it in their juice. They loved it and it was super easy. Do what works best for you!
If you prefer to purchase elderberry syrup, you can order it on Amazon or get it at local health food stores. Some big box retailers also sell it as well.
It can be increasingly hard to find during cold and flu season, so I like to buy ahead or buy a couple when I do I get it. I learned the hard way.
However, now we can just make it at home!
Yes, you can. In fact, it is recommended that you take a dose daily. To boost your immune system, try taking a tablespoon each day.
If you feel like you are getting sick or already have become sick, it is suggested to increase the dose to 1 tablespoon 4 times per day.
It is important to start increasing the amount of elderberry as soon as you feel symptoms coming on. If I start feeling like I am getting sick, I go ahead and start taking extra elderberry. It seems to be most effective this way.
I try to never miss a dose and it has really made a difference. I am able to fight off sickness better and generally feel better. Please note that this is just my experience and yours may vary.
This same syrup can be given to children but a teaspoon is generally recommended for children. If they are feeling sick, you can increase the dose to 1 teaspoon every 4 hours not to exceed 6 doses.
Stored in the fridge in an airtight container, homemade elderberry syrup should have a shelf life up to 3 months.
However, if you are taking this daily as well as the entire family, the elderberry syrup will go quickly. If you have a large family, I suggest doubling the recipe.
No, raw elderberries and their leaves and stems contain a toxic compound and should not be consumed. It will cause nausea and vomiting.
Feel free to add your herbs of choice. I suggest 1 to 4 water to herb ratio. You want to make sure to use equal parts.
More Natural DIY Ideas
Try making homemade elderberry syrup recipe! Leave a comment once you try it.
