ELDERBERRY SYRUP

Cold and flu season is upon us and one of our go-to supplements is Elderberry Syrup. Elderberries are one of the most common medicinal plants in the world. Its use can be dated back hundreds of years.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF ELDERBERRIES

• Known to be high in antioxidants
• High in vitamins, especially Vitamin C
• High in dietary fiber
• Assists in building up your immune system
• Helps ease inflammation
• Helps prevent and treat colds and flu
• It has also been used to help reduce joint and muscle pain

While you can purchase Elderberry Syrup at many stores, the benefits of making your own are numerous. There are no added chemical preservatives, no fillers, no chemicals that you can’t pronounce. Also, when purchased at stores, the cost can be very high. If you are fortunate enough to have elderberry trees growing near you, the cost of making your own is very low. If you do not have access to fresh elderberries, you can purchase dried ones at some health food stores or online. I ordered online because the birds got to our trees before we could gather.

It should be noted that elderberries should not be eaten fresh. This can cause nausea, weakness, dizziness, and numbness. Elderberries should be cooked to eliminate these side effects.

HOW TO MAKE ELDERBERRY SYRUP (FROM DRIED ELDERBERRIES)

Pick through the dried elderberries removing any twigs or leaves.

Add the elderberries, herbs, and cold water to a large pot and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat and allow to simmer for 40-45 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to sit for one hour.

Strain the liquid through a double layer of cheesecloth. Carefully, squeeze any remaining juice from the berries. Discard the herbs.

Stir in the honey until thoroughly incorporated.

Add the brandy and mix well.

Allow the mixture to come to room temperature and pour into a sterilized jar for storage.

Because of the honey and brandy, both of which are preservatives, this Elderberry Syrup will last for 6-8 months in the refrigerator. Some reports say it will last for up to one year, but ours doesn’t last that long.

Print Recipe

ELDERBERRY SYRUP

Elderberries have been used for hundreds of years to help boost your immune system. Elderberry Syrup is a good tonic for the prevention and treatment of common colds and flu.

Cook Time45 minutes mins

Course: Home Remedies

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Elderberry, Elderberry Syrup, home remedies

Servings: 336 servings

Calories: 5kcal

Author: Debbie

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried organic elderberries
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 vanilla bean
• 2 inches fresh ginger, thinly sliced
• 1 cup honey
• 1 cup brandy

Instructions

• Add the elderberries, herbs, and water to a large pot. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and allow to cool to between 90-95 degrees.
• Strain the liquid thru a double layer of cheesecloth. Discard the herbs.
• Add the honey and mix until it is thoroughly incorporated.
• Add the brandy and mix well.
• Pour into sterilized jars, cap, and store in the refrigerator.

Notes

We take one teaspoon per day as a preventative tonic.

One tablespoon four times per day may be used to treat colds and flu.

This recipe has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult with your healthcare professional before taking this with other medications.

 

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 5kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 3mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg

Another recipe we use to help boost our immune systems is Fire Cider.