Most of you may have heard about the “immune-boosting” benefits of elderberries. Some people prefer elderberry syrup and others enjoy consuming it as elderberry gummies (I have a recipe for those here!). You’ve probably seen it in the natural remedies section at your grocery store, or maybe you currently take it. This is part of our wellness routine in the fall and winter months. I make elderberry syrup each year and wanted to share how I do that. We really like it and take this as a one-shot-a-day supplement during cold and flu season, which is typically August through March where we live. We find it helps boost our immune system and helps to keep potential infections at bay or shorten their duration.
What Are Elderberries, Anyway?
Elderberries are the fruit of the Sambucus nigra plant, which is the most common plant of the Adoxaceae family to produce fruit. This plant is native to places like Europe, parts of Asia and North Africa. Elderberries have been used for centuries, and for a variety of different ailments. They are used most commonly as an immune booster to fight off respiratory infections, such as the flu or rhinovirus (the common cold).
When I am making elderberry syrup I used dried elderberries that I get on Amazon. They usually sell out in the winter months because they are in high demand so be sure to get yours as early in the season as you can.
The elderberry syrup that I make is easy and it tastes like Christmas. The ingredients include things like like cloves and cinnamon which remind me of all the yummy flavors of the holiday season. Those ingredients are also linked in my Amazon Storefront under the pantry section.
Elderberry Tea
I recently tried some new elderberry tea that we really enjoyed! It is another way to get the benefits from elderberry in another form. It comes from the brand, Birds and Bees Teas and you can use the code AMYCROSS for 15% off. If you decided to give elderberry tea a try, I’d love to hear what you think!
Elderberry Syrup Recipe
The full elderberry syrup recipe below is easy to follow, and the best part is that most of the ingredients will be things that you already have in your pantry, or that you can purchase on Amazon! It is written below on the recipe card. If you have questions about making your own Elderberry Syrup, leave a comment on this blog or send me a message on Instagram!
Another Wellness Tip
Another thing that we like to take to help our immune systems is Fire Cider. You can learn more about that in this blog and get the full recipe. If you are ready to level up your wellness game, adding Fire Cider along with Elderberry is a powerful duo.
Homemade Elderberry Syrup
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 c. Elderberries
- 3-4 Ceylon Cinnamon Sticks
- 6 Star Anise, whole
- 2 T. Cloves, whole
- 6 Rose Hips
- 2 inches Ginger root, peeled and sliced
- 6 Quarts Filtered Water, (24 cups)
- 1 c. Honey, local and raw if available
Instructions
PREPARE SYRUP:
- Add all ingredients, except honey, into a 10 quart stock pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, then remove from heat.
STRAIN SYRUP:
- Using a medium colander, pour the liquid through the colander into a clean, large bowl. Press against the sides of the colander to push out as much flavor as possible from the spices and berries.
- Repeat this process with a fine mesh strainer.
- Return the liquid to the pot to cool.
ADD HONEY & JAR SYRUP:
- When the liquid is completely cool, stir in the honey.
- Pour in to glass containers.Label, date, and store in the refrigerator.See NOTES for additional details.
Video
Notes
- This will last 3-4 months when stored in the refrigerator.
- Elderberries can stain, so wear an apron and/or something you don’t mind getting stained.
- I purchase dried elderberries from Amazon, but they sell out quickly, so if you plan on making this, I’d go grab some ASAP, before they are gone.
- Some other great resources to look into if you’re interested are: Melissa K Norris and Homesteading Family on YouTube. They both have excellent videos about elderberry syrup. The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies by Nicole Apelian, Ph.D & Claude Davis is also a wonderful resource to look at.
Nutrition
More Recipes Using Elderberries
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