Immune Boosting Elderberry Syrup Recipe {Powerful Natural Remedy}
on Oct 02, 2023, Updated Nov 21, 2023
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe is an easy and inexpensive solution to address winter wellness goals. A delicious and immune boosting syrup that’s made with dried elderberries, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and honey. It’s one of the most popular ways to fight off a cold or flu. With a few simple tips, you can now make it at home!
Health Benefits of Elderberry Syrup
What is elderberry syrup? It has been used as a natural remedy for centuries for treating and preventing colds, flu, and coughs. It’s my go-to remedies during the flu season, and by making it at home, I can easily control the sugar level. Plus, it’s so much cheaper than buying at the store.
Elderberry Tea, Elderberry Gummies, and this flu-busting elderberry syrup are my go-to remedies during the cold months.
Studies have shown that elderberries can act as supportive agents against the common cold and influenza. The most important benefit of elderberries and elderberry syrup is that it can help to increase antioxidant levels in the body and helps fight flu. Elderberries also offer protection against viruses that might damage cell walls, and decrease mucus production during cold and flu.
They also help to enhance heart health because black elderberries are rich in potassium, and therefore help to regulate blood pressure and reduce the strain on the heart. Other benefits include improving digestive system, strengthening bones, improving hair and skin health, and fighting inflammation.
That’s why I always make elderberry syrup in batches during the winter season for the whole family.
Ingredients for elderberry syrup
Dried elderberries: Use dried elderberries for this recipe. Elderberry is the dark purple berry from the European elder tree. It’s packed with antioxidants and vitamins. You can find them at local herb shops or order online from Amazon.
Ginger: Fresh ginger works best as it’s loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds.
Cinnamon Sticks: Cinnamon also provides powerful medicinal properties as well as improving the flavor of the syrup. You can substitute cinnamon powder.
Cloves: I use whole cloves for this recipe, and you can also use clove powder. It adds sweet and aromatic flavor to the syrup, in additional to health benefits such as helping stabilize blood sugar levels. You can omit this ingredient if you don’t have them.
Raw Honey: Raw honey works best as it’s a good source of antioxidants. You can substitute regular honey or sugar.
Water: It’s best to use filtered water to get the purest remedy possible. But the regular water is fine too.
How to make elderberry syrup?
Start by adding all ingredients except honey in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and lower the heat to simmer for about 1 hour. You need to cover with the lid during the simmering to prevent too much water evaporation.
After simmering, turn off the heat and then let the liquid steep for 20 minutes. Then strain out the berries and herbs.
Don’t forget to press the berries to get extra juices! You’ll be surprised to see how much more juices you can get by pressing the berries.
Once not hot, add in honey. You can add other ingredients to flavor your syrup such as lemon zest, lemon juice, orange juice or turmeric.
How to thicken the syrup?
Note that homemade elderberry syrup is not as thick as the traditional store-bought ones. The consistency is more like elderberry juice than syrup. I like this thin syrup that’s not overly sweet, but if you’d like to make it thicker or use it on pancakes, you can add the mixture of arrowroot powder (1/4 cup) and water (1/2 cup) during the last 5-10 minutes of simmering.
How long does homemade elderberry syrup last?
Once your syrup has cooled down, store in mason jars with the lid on. The homemade elderberry syrup can last for up to 6 months in the refrigerator. I like to tie a ribbon on the mason jar as holiday gifts to family and friends.
How much elderberry syrup should I take?
For prevention, a teaspoon of elderberry syrup per day is a conservative recommended daily serving. If you are fighting flu symptoms, a conservative recommendation is to take up to 4 teaspoons per day until symptoms subside.
Ways to use black elderberry syrup
It’s great to add elderberry syrup to the following recipes:
- Elderberry Gummies
- Elderberry Jam
- Elderberry Popcicles
- Salad Dressing
- Smoothies
You can also add it to flavor teas, pancakes, ice cream and yogurt.
Elderberry Syrup Recipe (Cold and Flu Remedy)
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried elderberries
- 4 cups water
- 4 slices ginger
- 2 cinnamon sticks, or 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 8 cloves, I use whole cloves, but you can use 1/8 teaspoon clove power. If you don't have them, you can also omit this ingredient.
- 1 cup raw honey, You can also use regular honey.
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan or pot, add water, dried elderberries, ginger, cinnamon sticks and cloves.
- Bring to a boil and stir. Reduce heat and cover with a lid, allowing to simmer for 1 hour.
- Turn off the heat and let it steep for 20 minutes.
- Strain elderberries and herbs using a fine strainer.
- Remove cinnamon stick, cloves, and ginger. Then using the back of a spoon, gently press elderberries to release as much juice as possible. Discard the berries.
- Once the liquid is no longer hot, add honey and stir to incorporate. Note that you need to add honey before it’s getting cool, as the warmth in the liquid helps to melt the honey properly.
- Pour the syrup into mason jars. Once it's completely cool, cover with lids and store in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Make it organic: Use organic ingredients to make organic elderberry syrup.
- To thicken the syrup: If you prefer a thick consistency, add the mixture of arrowroot powder (1/4 cup) and water (1/2 cup) during the last 5-10 minutes of simmering.
- Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 6 months.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have other health conditions, you need to consult your doctor first.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
Is it possible to use fresh elderberries?
Hi Debbie, you can definitely use fresh elderberries in this recipe. It’ll taste even better.
Can I water bath can to preserve longer