Homemade Elderberry Syrup is a natural immune booster, it’s easy to make, and it’ll save you money in the long run! Elderberries have been used for centuries to help strengthen and boost immunity. And, with my homemade recipe, I pair elderberries with raw honey, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger to infuse even more immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties – not to mention, it tastes amazing!
Benefits of Homemade Elderberry Syrup
In recent years, you’ve probably seen elderberry syrups lining the shelves at your local pharmacy. And, for good reason! It’s well known that elderberries have tremendous immune-boosting properties and some studies have even shown it may help to reduce the duration of the common cold. Here are a few of the benefits of elderberries and homemade elderberry syrup.
- Rich in Vitamin C. Elderberries contain loads of immune-boosting Vitamin C.
- Rich in Antioxidants and Flavanoids. Elderberries contain a type of flavanoid, called anthocyanins, which have powerful antioxidant effects in the body helping to boost immunity and fight off sickness.
- Anti-Inflammatory. Thanks to their high flavanoid content, elderberries can help to fight chronic inflammation in the body. The added ginger in this homemade elderberry syrup recipe also helps to fight inflammation.
- Antiviral Properties. It’s believed that the flavanoids in elderberries may help to slow down the replication of certain viruses, potentially reducing the duration of the common cold and flu.
Elderberry Syrup Ingredients
To make this elderberry syrup recipe, you only need a few simple ingredients.
- Dried Elderberries. Using dried, instead of fresh, elderberries allows you to make this homemade elderberry syrup recipe several times before having to purchase berries again. They’re shelf stable for up to one year.
- Water. Necessary for simmering and extracting the juice. Make sure you use filtered water.
- Cinnamon and Cloves. While these spices add additional health benefits, they also make the syrup taste delicious!
- Ginger. The ginger is optional, but I like to add it for the additional anti-inflammatory benefits and the flavor.
- Raw Honey. This sweetens the syrup and adds a bit of thickness. Raw honey also adds extra antimicrobial properties.
How To Make Homemade Elderberry Syrup
- Step 1: Add everything, except the honey, to a saucepan and simmer for 35-40 minutes.
- Step 2: Strain the liquid into a glass bowl.
- Step 3: Add the honey and store in a glass container in the fridge or freezer.
How To Store Elderberry Syrup
- Type of Container: Always store elderberry syrup in a glass container with a lid. I typically use a wide mouth mason jar or this jar that comes with a silicon spout for pouring.
- Refrigerator: This homemade elderberry syrup will last in the fridge for up to two weeks.
- Freezer: If I have leftovers, I will pour it into ice cube trays to make individual portions. It’ll last in the freezer for up to three months.
How Much Elderberry Syrup Should I Take
There is no standard dose for elderberry syrup; however, the following tends to be the most recommended.
- Adults: Take 2-3 tsp per day for general immune support. Take up to 3 Tbsp per day with the onset of cold and/or flu symptoms until symptoms are gone.
- Kids (over two years old): Take 1 tsp per day for general immune support. Take up to 3 tsp per day with the onset of cold and/or flu symptoms until symptoms are gone.
Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. This is for informational purposes only. Always consult with a medical professional and/or doctor before beginning any new dietary supplement, especially if pregnant, on prescription medication, or immuno-compromised.
Tips and FAQs
- Do not consume raw elderberries. In their raw state, they contain a toxic compound that may cause nausea and vomiting. Cooking the berries eliminates this compound.
- Can I substitute the honey? Yes, you can use any sweetener you prefer. Maple syrup is a great vegan-friendly option.
- How long will it last? This homemade elderberry syrup will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.
- How do you store it? For the fridge, I store it in a glass jar. For the freezer, I pour it into ice cube trays so I can pop out one portion at a time.
- How to serve it? Always use a clean spoon when removing the syrup from the jar to avoid contamination. Or, use this glass jar this comes with a silicon pouring spout.
More Wellness Boosting Recipes
If you’re on the search for more wellness boosting recipes, here are a few of my favorites.
Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 C. Dried Elderberries
- 3 C. Water
- 1-2 Cinnamon Sticks (or 1 tsp dried)
- 4 Whole Cloves (or 1 tsp dried)
- 2 tsp Fresh Ginger Root, minced (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1 C. Raw Honey
Instructions
- Simmer: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, add the elderberries, water, cinnamon, cloves, and minced ginger. Bring to a light boil then reduce the heat to low-medium and let simmer for 35-40 minutes.
- Strain: Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the liquid into a large glass bowl. Remove the cinnamon sticks. Then, use the back of a wooden spoon to press down on the berries to squeeze out any extra juice.
- Sweeten and Store: Let the mixture cool for 15-20 minutes then stir in the honey. Transfer to a glass jar, add a lid, and store in the fridge for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to three months.
Notes
- Storage:Â This homemade elderberry syrup will last in the refrigerator for up to two weeks and in the freezer for up to three months.
- Freezing:Â I like to use an ice cube tray for freezing and pop out one cube at a time when ready to consume.
- Dosage: Adults can take up to 2-3 tsp per day for general immune support. Kids (over the age of two) can typically take up to 1 tsp per day for general immune support.Â
- Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Always consult with a medical professional first.
Add 2 oz alcohol and it will last up to 6 months
great tip!
Where do you purchase your elderberries at? Thank you!
Hi! I linked them in the recipe card. I use the Frontier co-op brand 🙂
I would like to know where you are purchasing the elderberry’s at. Thank you
Hi! I linked them in the recipe card. I use the Frontier co-op brand 🙂