Homemade Elderberry Syrup
Homemade remedy for colds and flus
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
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Place elderberries in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water for a couple seconds to remove any dust or dirt.
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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.*
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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.
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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.
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Pour into glass jar(s) and once cooled completely cover with fitted lids and store in the fridge.
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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.