ELDERBERRY SYRUP RECIPE
Does Elderberry Syrup Really Work?
Elderberry extract has been shown to significantly improve or reduce cold and flu symptoms, and it may help you get over your symptoms faster, when taken at the first sign of illness. (source)
According to this study, elderberry extract has been shown to reduce the duration of flu symptoms by an average of 4 days(!!) when taken within the first 48 hours of symptoms appearing.
Elderberries have also been shown to lower blood sugar levels, because they can stimulate glucose metabolism. (source) This is actually something to keep in mind if you are a diabetic taking insulin, as you might want to talk with your doctor before taking it.
How do you use Elderberry Syrup?
Note: You should always talk with your doctor before starting a new supplement. I am not a doctor and this post should not be considered medical advice. I’m just sharing my personal experience using this recipe.
In my home, I take 1 teaspoon when I feel like I need an immune boost. (Note: Do not give honey to children under 1 year of age.) If I already feel ill, sometimes I’ll take it up to 3 times a day.
Elderberry Syrup Recipe
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 cup dried elderberries (see notes)
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup honey
INSTRUCTIONS
- Combine the elderberries and water in a small saucepan over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and allow the mixture to simmer until the water has been reduced by half, about 20 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked berries and liquid to a clean bowl and pour it through a fine mesh strainer to remove the berry skins. Use the back of a spoon to press on the berries in the strainer, to extract all of the juice, then discard the small amount of pulp left in the strainer.
- Allow the elderberry juice to cool to room temperature, so that the heat doesn't harm the nutrients in the honey, then stir in the honey. Use a whisk to incorporate it smoothly, then transfer the syrup into a sealed glass jar that you can store in the fridge.
- This syrup should keep well for at least two weeks when stored in the fridge, so if you don't think you'll use it all before then, feel free to freeze any extras. You can always thaw it overnight in the fridge when you need more. Homemade elderberry syrup doesn't become as thick as the store bought version because it uses less sugar and no preservatives or thickeners, so don't be alarmed if the final syrup has a more liquid consistency.
- Add Essential oils: ginger, clove, lemon, cinnamon bark are all great options
Notes:
- I couldn’t find a local source for safe elderberries, so I ordered these dried organic elderberries from Amazon.
- If you need a vegan recipe, feel free to use coconut sugar or maple syrup as an alternative sweetener to honey. If you choose to omit the sweetener, you’ll just be left with elderberry juice, which will spoil much more quickly in the fridge. You can freeze it, however, for longer shelf life. (I’d use small ice cube trays for easy portioning.)
- If you’d prefer NOT to make your own elderberry syrup, this is the brand I have used in the past with my family. If you want to avoid the added sugar, try taking elderberry capsules instead.
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