How to Make Elderberry Syrup

Cold and flu season is upon us once again, and we all know being sick is a real BUMMER. I have found this to be even more true being a mama with little ones to care for. Obviously, I’d like to avoid getting sick if at all possible, which is why I almost always keep a batch of elderberry syrup in our fridge this time of year.

It is great to take daily as a preventative or as a remedy to recover from colds and flus faster. Plus, kids love the taste so it is never a fight to get them to take it! It can be taken on its own, added to herbal teas, or used as a syrup for pancakes or waffles. You can even add it as a nutritional flavoring to yogurt and smoothies!

Making your own at home takes minimal effort and is much more cost effective than buying a ready made bottle. Elderberry syrup will run you around $15 for an 8oz bottle. YIKES. I know my family could blow through that pretty quick, which is why I opt for making my own. So before we get to making this powerful herbal remedy, lets cover some basic questions and information.

What Are Elderberries?

Sambucus is the general name for the elderberry genus. There are many different species of elderberry, but it is important to note that not all are edible varieties. Sambucus nigra is the scientific name of the species that is most commonly used for medicinal purposes. It consists of small clusters of black berries that can be found growing wild in most regions in the U.S, as well as parts of Europe and Asia.

Elderberries are a common plant for foraging and is generally easy to identify, but like with all wild edibles make sure you do thorough research. It is important to note, elderberries must be cooked before ingested and not all parts of the plant are edible. For information on identifying and foraging for elderberries click HERE. You can also grow your own elderberry bushes!

Health Benefits

Elderberries have been used as a medicinal remedy throughout the ages, but has in recent years made it into the spotlight of our modern world. It is high in vitamin C, A, iron and many other vitamins and minerals that are essential for our body’s immune system to function properly. Studies have shown that elderberries can boost immunity and shorten the durations and severity of colds and flus. The berries are a dark black color and are rich in anthocyanins, which are a powerful group of antioxidants that aid your body in reducing inflammation and offers protection from cancer causing cells.

Tips to Increase Shelf Life

Elderberry syrup will last about a month in the refrigerator as is. However, there are a few things you can do to extend its shelf life.

Freeze

Let’s face it, when we aren’t feeling well, we don’t really feel like mixing up concoctions even if it is super simple. Elderberry syrup will last about 6 months in the freezer, so you can make a big batch and have it waiting for you when you start feeling cold/flu symptoms. You could also freeze it in ice cube trays for smaller portions as needed.

Add Citrus Juice

Adding lemon, lime, orange or any citrus juice to your elderberry syrup will also increase the shelf life. I almost always add this because it tastes great and also gives an extra boost of vitamin C. I have also heard of people adding citric acid for longer shelf life.

Add Alcohol

You can add a little bit of alcohol such as brandy or bourbon to extend shelf life. Obviously, this is NOT something to be given to your children. There are also some possible health concerns with this one, but it is still worth mentioning. Do what you are comfortable with.

Turn into Gummies!

I haven’t yet tried this myself, but looks very intriguing. Of course this would be a favorite for the kiddos, but it might be hard to keep them from eating too many though! 🙂 You can find out how to do this HERE or you can buy them HERE.

How to Make Elderberry Syrup

Tools You May Need

• medium saucepan
• mesh strainer
• spoon
• glass jar with lid

Ingredients

Technically, all you really need to make elderberry syrup is just elderberries, honey and water. However, I highly recommend including these few extra ingredients to enhance the immune boosting power and give it a very pleasant flavor profile…

Yields just over a pint

• 4 cups filtered water
• 1 cup of dried elderberries
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 inch piece of fresh ginger or 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 TBLS whole cloves or 1/2 tsp dried cloves
• 1 tsp dried hibiscus
• 1 orange peel- organically sourced
• 1 cup local raw honey

Optional Add-Ons

• 1 tsp of other supporting herbs- such as marshmallow root, echinacea, lemon balm, or rosehips
• juice of 1/2 an orange or 1 lemon or lime- for longer shelf life and vitamin C boost; if using add at same time as honey
• 2 TBLS of arrowroot powder for extra thickening- see special notes at end of recipe for this variation

Instructions

Combine elderberries, cinnamon stick, ginger, cloves, hibiscus, orange peel, other supporting herbs (if using) and filtered water in a medium saucepan.

Bring to a boil and stir. Then, reduce heat and simmer herbs for about 1 hour uncovered until mixture is reduced to just under half.

Turn off heat and allow mixture to cool for a few minutes. Strain out herbs using a mesh strainer. Mash berries with the back of a spoon to release as much elderberry juice as possible.

Allow elderberry liquid to cool for about 5 minutes. Then, add honey and citrus juice (if using). Stir until combined.

Pour into a glass jar with lid for storage. Allow jar to cool completely before moving to refrigerator.

Keeps in refrigerator for about 1 month or freeze for up to 6 months.

Adults can take 1 TBLS daily as a preventative. If experiencing cold/flu symptoms, you can take 1 TBLS every 3 hours. Children over 2 years of age can take between a 1/2-1 teaspoon daily.

Disclaimer- I am not a doctor, but you should consult yours with any concerns. Please do your own research to see what you are comfortable with giving your own family.

Variation Using Arrowroot Powder to Thicken Syrup

After you have strained your herbs, add elderberry liquid back to saucepan. Add 2 TBLS of arrowroot powder to the saucepan and stir for a few minutes over low heat until slightly thickened. I like to sift my arrowroot powder through a mesh strainer to avoid clumping. Then, turn off heat and add the honey and citrus juice (if using). Continue with the rest of the above instructions.

Researching medicinal herbs is one of my passions, and elderberry definitely tops the list for usefulness! Maybe this elderberry syrup will be one of your go-to cold and flu remedies in the coming years. I hope this gave you some ideas to keep your family healthy this season and encourage you to give this a try.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own.  1 Corinthians 6:19

God has created such amazing healing foods and medicines for us so we can care for our temples, in order to glorify our Father in heaven.  What an awesome and good God we serve! 

Please leave a comment below and let me know what herbal remedies you love to make for your loved ones, I'd love to hear from you!  Thanks for stopping by the homestead and have a blessed day.

And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.   Genesis 1:29