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This simple Elderberry syrup recipe will be a life saver this cold an flu season! Known for their ability to boost the immune system and reduce a cold by days, you’ll be glad you took the time to make this tasty power house. Lets see how to naturally keep the bugs at bay this winter.
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I very rarely get ill.
That’s one of the first things I told my husband when I met him.
I’d had, like, 1 bout of flu in 10 years, and even that was over in a few days.
Then the last few years hit and I’ve had the ‘vid 3 times. Mildly, after the first time, but still had it.
Eric, on the other hand, is quite sickly. He has a low lying illness for weeks if he catches anything. His mum was a nurse as he was growing up, so reaches for over the counter medicines as a matter of course. We are quite opposite in this area. (so similar in almost every other though)
Why do I tell you this?
Because last year, I proved to my husband that with a few simple herbs and ingredients, we could manage his seasonal colds and he would feel better!!
In short, that this elderberry syrup works!!
The Benefits of Elderberries
Elderberries are widely known for their immune boosting abilities.
In Europe, our most common type is Sambucus nigra and can be found all over the English countryside, most commonly alongside brambles and nettles. They all seem to grow in a prickly trifecta!
According to WebMD, it has been used in medicine from as far back as 400 BC! That’s a long medical history!!
Some of the desired health benefits to have been studied are:
Can reduce the length of a cold or flu by up to 4 days in tests
Can help support the immune system
Contain high levels of antioxidants so can help prevent chronic disease
Can help protect the brain as they contain the compound Anthocyanin
All of these effects have been and continue to be studied.
A word of caution..
All parts of the elder tree, including the berries are toxic if eaten raw. they can cause diarrhoea and sickness. If you are making any homemade recipe with elderberries, make sure to cook them first.
Also, if you are taking any medication, always consult your doctor before consuming herbal remedies as they can interact with one another.
Simple Elderberry Syrup Recipe – How To Make
Now that we have the warnings out of the way, lets make some of this fantastic herbal helper!
All of the ingredients in this syrup have similar immune boosting properties and support the elderberries as the main star.
Now, I use my instant pot, Stan, for this, just out of ease.
However if you don’t have one, a large pan or stock pot would work perfectly.
What you’ll Need:
A large pan/pot or an instant pot
A lined sieve for straining
A bowl or jug to strain the liquid into
A large spoon or dough whisk to break up the honey
Ingredients:
Dried Elderberries – Anti inflammatory, high in Vit C and A
A lemon, sliced in half – High in Vit C and can help lower cholesterol
Cinnamon sticks – A powerful antioxidant and anti inflammatory
Cloves – Nutrient dense and high in antioxidants
Fresh Ginger – Another antioxidant and anti inflammatory
Raw honey – anti bacterial, antioxidant and anti inflammatory
Instant pot method:
Place all of the ingredients, except the honey, into the pot and pressure cook for 15 mins.
Manually release the vent and strain through a muslin cloth, or clean tea towel into a jug to cool.
Once cooled a little, add raw honey and place in a clean jar.
Keep this simple elderberry syrup recipe in the fridge for up to 6 weeks and take 1 tablespoon a day as a preventative measure, and up to 4 times a day when you actually have a cold.
Stock pot Method:
Place all of the ingredients, except the honey, into the pot and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 25 mins.
Turn of the heat and carefully strain through a muslin cloth or clean tea towel into a jug and allow to cool.
Once cool enough to touch, mix in the honey and transfer to a clean jar.
Store as detailed above.
Winter Medicine Cabinet
Nature is full of plants we can use for medicine, and black elderberries are just one.
Over the coming weeks, I’ll be stocking my cabinet with various remedies so come along with me as I use what I’ve grown or foraged to keep my family as healthy as possible through the winter months.
Other posts in the series:
Homemade Chicken Stock – it may not be your first thought, but this stock is choc full of immune boosting, gut soothing benefits!
What are you doing to prepare your family for winter? Let me know in the comments. As ever, share if you liked this post. Until next time, friends x
Simple Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Dried elderberries
- 4 Cups Water
- 1 Lemon, halved
- 4 Cinnamon Sticks
- 10 Cloves
- 1 Ginger, thumb sized, peeled
- 1 Cup Raw Honey
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients, except the honey in a large stock pot or Instant Pot
- Cook for 15 mins on high pressure cook in instant pot, or bring to a boil and simmer for 25 mins on the hob.
- Take off the heat and strain through a muslin lined sieve, making sure to squeeze the contents to extract the most juice.
- Allow to cool before adding the honey and placing in a clean sterilised jar
- Store in the fridge for up to 6 weeks.
- Take one tbsp daily for prevention during cold and flu season, and take 4 times a day during infection.
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