Simple Elderberry Syrup for Cold and Flu Season
Please note that I am not a certified medical practitioner. This post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or prescribe any treatments. Always consult your healthcare provider before using natural remedies.
With the weather turning to a new season soon, we know cold and flu season is just around the corner. Elderberry syrup is excellent to have on hand in preparation for the seasons of potential illness.
Out of many potential herbal remedies, I have found elderberry to not only be the most tolerable and also quite tasty. It’s an easy way to enter into the world of herbalism too. Once you experience the wonders of elderberry, you might just be hooked and start trying other natural healing practices.
Where to Find Elderberry
There are many ways you can obtain elderberries. The easiest way is to find dried berries online. Common places to find dried elderberries include Amazon, Etsy, and Azure Standard. This tends to be the easiest method as there is little additional work needed in order to enjoy the berry goodness. However, if you are looking to use fresh elderberries, you may want to explore the options mentioned below.
If you are looking to use fresh elderberries, one main method is to forage some from local public lands. To find elderberry plants, you will want to be well versed in their features so they’re easier to spot.
In the late spring and early summer, elderberry plants will produce clumps of delicate white flowers. If you plan on foraging your berries, I recommend scouting for your plants in early summer as that is the time I’ve found them to be most recognizable. This also allows you to know where to look for berries later on.
TIP: Having a good foraging resource (either book or seasoned forager companion) is ideal when you’re first sourcing your wild elderberries.
The last way is to plant your own elderberry! This is the easiest of the two harvesting methods as you will typically have easier access to the bushes, you will be able to keep a closer eye on your plants and it may be a faster harvest. An additional benefit is you can care for these plants as you wish. Meaning, you can feed your plants and amend the soil to ensure your berries are organic.
Why use More Than Just Elderberries for Elderberry Syrup?
On their own, elderberries are a wonderful resource for aiding in the fight against colds and flu. By adding other herbs and spices, your elderberry syrup becomes elevated in both the medicinal value and flavor.
Ingredients and Tools for Elderberry Syrup
½ cup dried or 1 cup fresh elderberries
2 cinnamon sticks – each stick being approximately 3 inch(or 2 tsp ground cinnamon)
1 inch of ginger root, sliced
2 Tbsp rose hips
2 pieces of star anise
1/4 teaspoon cloves
Raw honey to taste – I recommend starting with ¼ cup and adding no more than 1 cup)
Medium saucepan with a lid
A stovetop/ heat source
6 cups Water
Instructions for Elderberry Syrup
Add elderberries, spices and water into a medium size saucepan and simmer for 20 minutes with the lid on.
Strain all solids from your liquid and return strained liquid to your saucepan.
Return the saucepan to the heat and let simmer until reduced by half.
Now that the liquid is reduced, remove it from the heat for it to cool to room temperature.
After the liquid is cool, add your desired amount of raw honey.
Store in a glass container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks or in the freezer for up to a year.
**if freezing, make sure you are using a freezer safe jar or container **
Are you looking for more recipes? You might enjoy this Lavender Lemonade or this Aerosol Free Dry Shampoo.
FAQ:
Can I make elderberry syrup ahead of time ?
Yes! Once you try it, you will love to make elderberry syrup ahead of time. Make a large batch months ahead of when you think you’ll use it and store it in the freezer. When you choose to freeze any syrup, be sure to store in a freezer safe container.
How much honey should I use? Can I use less or more?
You can add any amount of honey that you prefer. My family prefers A less sweet option so I usually add around ¼ cup per batch. If you prefer a sweeter syrup, you can definitely add more. If you do not want any sweetness to your elderberry syrup, you can skip it.
Can I use a different sweetener?
You can choose to sweeten elderberry syrup however you like. However, I would not recommend anything except raw local honey. Including raw, local honey is best because of its well known health benefits. Those benefits include being antibacterial, anti inflammatory and antioxidant. If you choose another sweetener, I would recommend maple syrup for the mineral profile.
How long will elderberry syrup last in the fridge and freezer?
I’ve found that the addition of honey will help extend the shelf life in the fridge. Store elderberry syrup in the fridge for 2 or so months without any sign of spoilage.
If properly kept in the freezer, elderberry syrup can last 6 months – 1 year.
How much elderberry should I use at one time?
Unless you have specific dietary restrictions to any of the elderberry ingredients, there is a large range of serving suggestions.
If elderberry is being taken precautionary then a once daily dose of a tablespoon for an adult and a teaspoon for a child is what many herbal resources will describe.
If elderberry is being taken when there are symptoms of illness then a dose of a tablespoon for an adult and a teaspoon for a child.
Many herbal resources describe that a dose of can be taken every few hours when symptoms of illness are present. As with any medication, herbal or traditional, it is best to consult a healthcare professional.
Did you try this? Share your creations in the comments or by tagging @MissysHomestead on Instagram.
