Unfortunately, cold and flu season is upon us again and being sick is never fun. It always decides to strike at the worst time possible. During this season I like to use elderberry syrup to help boost my immune system. I am going to share the best homemade elderberry syrup recipe with you because this can get pretty pricey if you buy it elsewhere. Some store-bought elderberry syrup also can contain preservatives, and artificial flavors or sweeteners. So clearly making this at home is the way to go. This recipe is so simple and worth the time and effort, especially with all the money you’ll be saving. You’ll thank me later!
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What is homemade elderberry syrup recipe?
Elderberry syrup is made from berries from a Sambucus tree.
The use of these berries has been a staple in folk medicine for almost hundreds if not thousands of years. These berries are commonly used in wine, pies, teas, and syrups.
Elderberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, many use them to help fight off flu, colds and boost the immune system. There are so many more benefits for us.
Health benefits of elderberry
- Helps fight inflammation
- Boosts immune system
- High in antioxidants
- Anti-carcinogenic properties
- Can reduce symptoms and duration of a cold or the flu
- Promotes heart and blood vessel health
- Promotes brain health
- High in Vitamin A, C, and E
So, it’s obvious that this is a very powerful plant loaded with great health benefits. I know I will be very consistent with taking this and you should too.
How to make the best homemade elderberry syrup
Equipment needed
- Medium saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Glass mason jar
Ingredients needed to make the best homemade elderberry syrup
- 1 cup of dried elderberries
- 4 1/2 cups of water
- 1-1 1/2 cup of raw honey
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3/4 teaspoon of ginger (you can use fresh or ground ginger)
Steps to make the best homemade elderberry syrup
First
You need to get a hold of some elderberries. I like to use dried elderberries, and you can easily find them on amazon. You can also use fresh or even frozen elderberries. Just make sure all sticks and leaves are cleaned off; you just want that delicious berry.
Next
Using a medium saucepan add your water, berries, cinnamon stick, ginger, and cloves. Bring this to a boil for about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat and let simmer for about 45 minutes stirring occasionally. While this is simmering go ahead and get some chores done the berries need time to release all their amazing properties.
After the 45 minutes the liquid should have reduce by half. Use a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and strain out all the liquid. Make sure to squeeze out all the berries in the strainer, making sure you get all the liquid. You definitely don’t want to waste any of this. It’s like liquid gold.
Let the liquid cool and then you can add raw honey and stir to combine. The honey adds its own benefits but also sweetens it to help the kiddos take it.
Finally
You can now pour it into your desired container for storage. I like to use glass mason jars. Keep this in the refrigerator so it can last for up to two months.
Usage for adults will be 1 tablespoon daily and for children 1 teaspoon daily. If struggling with a sickness you dose can be repeated four times a day.
Elderberry Syrup
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Glass mason jar
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried elderberries
- 4 1/2 cups water
- 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger (can also use fresh ginger)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground clove
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 – 1 1/2 cups raw honey
Instructions
- Using a large pot, bring elderberries, water, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger to a boil.
- After 5 minutes reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
- The liquid should reduce by half.
- Using a mesh strainer drain the liquid, squeeze out all berries you can use the back of a wooden spoon to help.
- Let liquid cool.
- Add raw honey and mix together.
- Store in a glass container and keep in the refrigerator for up to two months.
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Dried elderberries https://amzn.to/3NlLe4B
Raw honey https://amzn.to/3zVM05i
Cinnamon sticks https://amzn.to/4dDF0Yy
Ground clove https://amzn.to/483PhfB
Ground ginger https://amzn.to/4eTQXug
Thanks for reading. Please leave a comment if you use this recipe!
Kim Fleming says
This recipe is so good! Thank you for sharing!
Annie says
I make an elderberry tincture every year from wild elderberries I forage but I still haven’t made elderberry syrup. I’m saving and pinning this recipe! Thanks!