Elderberry syrup can do amazing things for your immune system! Keep reading to learn all about the amazing benefits of elderberry syrup and to discover my go-to homemade elderberry syrup recipe.
Consuming homemade elderberry syrup on a daily basis during the winter months is one of the ways my family and I stay healthy and cold-free.
Elderberry syrup is not very hard or expensive to make and it has many different health benefits.
(This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure statementhere.)
I am not a doctor and the statements on this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products mentioned here are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please do not ask me for medical advice. Click here to read my full disclaimer.
What is Elderberry Syrup?
Elderberry syrup is made from the elderberry plant. Elderberries are loaded with vitamin C and other antioxidants.
Elderberry is an extremely powerful and healing herb with many medicinal properties.
Consuming elderberry syrup is an easy way to take advantage of all the different health benefits elderberries have to offer.
Health Benefits of Elderberry Syrup
As I mentioned above – elderberry syrup has many different health benefits but the main reason my family and I consume it is for immune system support.
Elderberry syrup can help to boost your immune system and help it fight against bacterial and viral infections.
Check out this study and this study to learn more about elderberry’s ability to prevent and fight against the cold and flu.
Aside from its immune system benefits, elderberry syrup can also provide relief from constipation and may be able to lower insulin resistance as well. You can read this study to learn more!
You can click here to learn more about the health benefits of elderberry syrup.
How to Make Homemade Elderberry Syrup
Making homemade elderberry syrup is really easy. Before you get started make sure you have all the necessary ingredients.
You’ll need:
- Filtered water
- Dried elderberries
- Honey
- Ground cinnamon or cinnamon sticks
- Ground clove or whole cloves
- Fresh ginger or dried ginger root
The spices are completely optional but I definitely recommend adding them in whenever possible. They each add different medicinal properties and add a lot of flavor to the elderberry syrup.
You will also need a large pot to cook the elderberry syrup in, a mesh strainer, and a jar to store your homemade elderberry syrup.
Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe
To make homemade elderberry syrup simply combine the ingredients below in a large pot and bring to a boil.
- 4 cups of filtered water
- 2 cups of dried elderberries
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves or 2 whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger or 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger root
Once everything is boiling reduce the heat. Allow it to simmer for 35-45 minutes. Only allow the liquid to reduce to about half. Don’t allow it to reduce any more than that.
Remove from the heat and let it sit and cool for about an hour.
Strain the mixture into a large bowl using a mesh strainer. Using the back of a wooden spoon push down on the mixture and try to squeeze out as much of the liquid as you can.
If the mixture is still hot continue to let it cool down to room temperature.
Once it has fully cooled, add in the honey at a 2:1 ratio. So for every 2 cups of elderberry decoction add 1 cup of honey.
The recipe above should yield around 2 cups of elderberry decoction so after you add in 1 cup of honey you’ll have about 3 cups of elderberry syrup.
Mix well and then pour it into a glass jar with an airtight lid and store it in the refrigerator.
Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Yield: 3 cups
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Additional Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 43 minutes
Elderberry syrup can do amazing things for your immune system! Keep reading to discover my go-to homemade elderberry syrup recipe.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients below in a large pot and bring to a boil.
- 4 cups of filtered water
- 2 cups of dried elderberries
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves or 2 whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger or 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger root
- Once everything is boiling reduce the heat.
- Allow it to simmer for 35-45 minutes. Only allow the liquid to reduce to about half. Don't allow it to reduce any more than that.
- Remove from the heat and let it sit and cool for about an hour.
- Strain the mixture into a large bowl using a mesh strainer.
- Using the back of a wooden spoon push down on the mixture and try to squeeze out as much of the liquid as you can.
- If the mixture is still hot continue to let it cool down to room temperature.
- Once it has fully cooled, add in the honey at a 2:1 ratio. So for every 2 cups of elderberry decoction add 1 cup of honey.
- Mix well.
- Pour it into a glass jar with an airtight lid and store it in the refrigerator.
Notes
The recipe above should yield around 2 cups of elderberry decoction so after you add in 1 cup of honey you'll have about 3 cups of elderberry syrup.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
How To Take Elderberry Syrup
I personally consume 1 tablespoon a day of elderberry syrup. Sometimes more if I’m feeling a little under the weather.
But I’m not a doctor so you should ask your healthcare provider about how much elderberry syrup you should take.
Is Homemade Elderberry Syrup Safe?
Homemade elderberry syrup is safe to consume when it has been prepared properly.
The seeds, stems, leaves, and roots of elderberries can be toxic when eaten raw. Consuming raw elderberries can cause vomiting, nausea, and/or diarrhea.
Cooking elderberries deactivates the toxins. So as long as the elderberries are cooked correctly there is no need to worry.
But please keep in mind most homemade elderberry syrup does include raw honey and raw honey is not safe for children under 1 year of age to consume.
Is Homemade Elderberry Syrup Better Than Store-Bought?
In my personal opinion, homemade elderberry syrup is better than store-bought. Mainly for one reason – you have complete control over the ingredients.
Many store-bought elderberry syrups contain artificial preservatives. Some also contain synthetic vitamins and minerals such as zinc and ascorbic acid.
I am not a fan of isolated synthetic vitamins. They can create massive mineral dysregulation in the body. You can read this post to learn more.
There are some store-bought elderberry brands that don’t add a bunch of extra junk but they tend to cost a lot more.
I prefer homemade elderberry syrup because I know exactly what’s in it and it costs less than most store-bought elderberry brands.
How to Store Homemade Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry syrup can be stored in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 months.
Can You Freeze Homemade Elderberry Syrup?
You can freeze homemade elderberry syrup. Homemade elderberry syrup will stay good for up to 6 months in the freezer.
Be sure to allow the elderberry syrup to cool fully before storing it in the freezer.
My favorite way to freeze elderberry syrup is using silicone ice trays. Simply fill the silicone ice tray, place it on a baking sheet, and stick it in the freezer.
Once they are completely frozen you can pop them out of the tray and place them in a freezer bag.
When you are ready to consume the elderberry syrup you can place the frozen pieces in a bowl or jar overnight in the refrigerator to thaw.
How to Preserve Homemade Elderberry Syrup?
My favorite way to preserve homemade elderberry syrup is in the refrigerator or freezer. If you would prefer to make a shelf-stable elderberry syrup you can try pressure canning the elderberry syrup.
I personally have never tried canning elderberry syrup. You can read this article to learn more about it and how to do it.
You can also add alcohol to homemade elderberry syrup to make it shelf-stable. But keep in mind you’ll need to add a lot of alcohol.
You’ll need to add an 80-proof vodka at a 1:1 ratio.
How Long Does Homemade Elderberry Syrup Last?
Homemade elderberry syrup can last up to 2-3 months when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and it can last up to 6 months when stored in the freezer.
I hope you found this post helpful and I hope this elderberry syrup helps to keep you and your family well during the cold and flu season.
If you’re looking for others ways to boost your immune system be sure to check out the posts below!
- 10 Immune Boosting Smoothies That Will Keep You Healthy All Year Long
- 10 Immune Boosting Essential Oils + Free Diffuser Blends Printable
If you have any other questions please let me know in the comment section below!
More Wellness Posts
- How to Make Ginger Water
- Raw Carrot Salad Recipe for Healthy Hormones
- Why I Stopped Intermittent Fasting
- Fermented Jalapeno Pepper Recipe
