Homemade Elderberry Syrup is a healthy and natural cold and flu remedy that’s made with dried elderberries, fresh ginger and organic honey.  Full of powerful antioxidants to help support your immune system.

Cold and Flu Season

It’s flu and cold season and this month Los Angeles has been hit hard. It seems like almost everyone is sick so of course I had to create this super healthy, homemade remedy!

If you aren’t familiar with Elderberries, this is the perfect time to get acquainted.  Elderberries are small, dark berries that grow in clusters on elder trees throughout Europe and North America.

Health Benefits of Elderberries

Elderberries contain natural substances called flavonoids which are powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and immune system benefits. They boost the immune system and are also believed to lower blood sugar, assist in weight loss and digestion, and protect against bacteria and infection.

They are so high in antioxidants that they made the Top 10-list of foods highest in antioxidants.

Homemade Elderberry Syrup is perfect for cold and flu season!

For this syrup, I’ve combined elderberries with powerful ingredients such as ginger, cinnamon, cloves, lemon zest and honey to make a powerful health elixir!

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can also help fight infection, cinnamon has a high source of antioxidants, cloves is thought to reduce inflammation and relieve upper respiratory infections, lemon zest is high in vitamin C and raw honey is high in antioxidants with antibacterial and anti fungal properties.

Talk about a POWERFUL syrup!

How much should you take?

Now you might be wondering how much of this magical potion you should take per day?  I’d suggest starting slow.

Elderberries do have laxative properties which some people can be sensitive to.  In fact, they are commonly used in Europe as a mild laxative and diuretic.  I personally started with about 1 teaspoon per day and slowly worked up to 1 Tablespoon per day.

However, when coming down with a cold or flu, I increase my dose to 1 Tablespoon 2 – 3 times per day until symptoms go away.  But as with taking any new medication or herbal remedy, talk to a doctor, herbalist or health professional about what is right for you.

Important NOTES:

Some people can be sensitive to the laxative properties of elderberries.  Start with 1 teaspoon per day to see how you react and slowly increase to 1 – 2 Tablespoons of Homemade Elderberry syrup per day during flu season.

Do NOT eat raw Elderberries.  Raw and unripe fruit (as well as other parts of the plant) contains a cyanide-like chemical. Berries must be cooked.

It’s best to talk to a doctor or other professional before consuming homemade elderberry syrup if already using another form of a laxative. 

Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe

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Homemade Elderberry Syrup

Homemade remedy for colds and flus

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried elderberries
• 4 cups filtered water
• 2 Inches Fresh ginger root chopped
• 1 cinnamon stick or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon dried cloves (or 1 teaspoon ground cloves OR 4 drops clove essential oil**)
• zest of one large or two small lemons
• Pinch sea salt
• 2/3 cup raw honey

Instructions

1. Place elderberries in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water for a couple seconds to remove any dust or dirt.

2. Next place elderberries, filtered water, chopped ginger, cinnamon, cloves,  lemon zest and sea salt in a medium sized saucepan.  Do NOT add honey (or clove essential oil, if using) at this point.*

3. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a low simmer, cover with a fitted lid, and simmer for about 45 minutes. Liquid should reduce to about half.

4. Remove from the heat, uncover and let cool for about 5 - 10 minutes.  Using a masher, mash the ingredients together to release any extra juices.  Strain through a fine mesh strainer and let cool for another 20 - 30 minutes.  Finally, add the honey (and clove oil, if using) and whisk together.

5. Pour into glass jar(s) and once cooled completely cover with fitted lids and store in the fridge.

6. Elderberry Syrup can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 2 - 3 months.

Recipe Notes

*Raw honey should be added when the liquid has cooled to preserve it's enzymes and nutrients.
**If using Clove essential oil, don't boil.  Instead add when adding the honey.

Important Notes:

Some people can be sensitive to the laxative properties of elderberries.  Start with 1 teaspoon per day to see how you react and slowly increase to 1 - 2 Tablespoons of Elderberry syrup per day during flu season.

Do NOT eat raw Elderberries.  Raw and unripe fruit (as well as other parts of the plant) contains a cyanide-like chemical. Berries must be cooked.

It's best to talk to a doctor or other professional before consuming elderberry syrup if already using another form of a laxative. 

Final Thought:

If you do make batch of this magical syrup, It’s a good idea to package in small containers and share with friends and family too.  I like to give this to clients of mine throughout the winter and holiday season. 🙂

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