Elderberry Syrup: A Delicious Guide To Making Your Own

Elderberry syrup is a delicious home remedy used to prevent colds. Learn how to make your own elderberry syrup for flu season here.

Elder trees (Sambucus niger) are one of my favorite medicinal plants to work with. They help to keep you healthy and they taste great too. The leaves, flowers, and berries all contain medicinal properties. The bark and roots were commonly used in the past, but their use has become obsolete. The leaves are commonly used externally as a salve for bruises and wounds. The flowers are used as an infusion to treat coughs, colds, and allergies. The flowers are also used as a home remedy for earaches. If all else fails, elder flowers make excellent wine.

My favorite part of the elder tree is the berries. They can be harvested in late summer and early autumn. If you are lucky, you can find them in the wild, but you may also purchase a plant for your own backyard. Elderberries are chocked full of vitamins and minerals. In the form of syrup, they are a homesteader’s go-to method to stave off winter ailments. In addition to strengthening the immune system with antioxidants, elderberries contain bioflavonoids and proteins that prevent viruses from attacking cells. It’s perfect for the homesteader’s medicine cabinet.

Elderberry Syrup Recipe

Elderberry syrup is very easy to make and it doesn’t take many berries. To save time when harvesting, harvest the entire berry bunch and separate the berries when you get home. I have heard that freezing the berry cluster helps to cleanly remove the berries, but I’ve never found it necessary.

NOTE: If you cannot find fresh or frozen elderberries, dried berries can be used. Use approximately 4 oz of dried elderberries.

One batch of elderberry syrup provides approximately 10-16 adult doses of 1-2 tablespoons.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 c. Water
• 1 c. Raw Honey (I like Nature Nate’s)
• 2/3 c. Elderberries
• 2 tbsp. Fresh Grated Ginger
• 1/2 tsp. Nutmeg
• 1 Cinnamon Stick (broken into two halves)

Recipe

1. Add water, berries, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon to a saucepan and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce to a simmer and cover with the lid tilted to allow some steam to escape. Simmer the mixture for about 1 hour. It should be reduced by about half.
3. Remove from heat and allow it to cool enough to handle safely. Strain into a glass bowl through a fine mesh strainer, sieve, or cheesecloth. Compost the mash (it’s chicken safe!).
4. Once the liquid has cooled to lukewarm, stir in honey. Pour syrup into half-pint mason jars or other glass containers.

To Use

The preventive dose for adults is 1/2-1 tbsp. and for children is 1 tsp. daily. If you feel a cold coming on, take the preventative dose every 2-3 hours instead of daily. Although consuming more than the recommended amount isn’t dangerous, it can act as a powerful laxative.

Homemade elderberry syrup will last in the fridge for up to two months so long as you use raw honey. The honey acts as a preservative. If you don’t think it will be used within 2 months, it can be frozen.

For grownups, you can add 1/4 c. of vodka and use it as a nightly cordial. The addition of alcohol will preserve it for up to 6 months in the refrigerator. Elderberry syrup can also be enjoyed on pancakes, ice cream, or anything else that could use a sweet fruity kick. It can also be added to your morning or evening tea.

Elderberry Syrup FAQs

Is it okay to take elderberry every day?

Yes, you can! You can safely take elderberry daily as long as you follow the recommended dosage instructions. Many people take elderberry daily for year-round immune support.

Is it best to take elderberry in the morning or at night?

Elderberry syrup can be taken at any time of day, but most people choose to take it before night or first thing in the morning as part of their morning routine.

Should elderberry be taken with food or on an empty stomach?

Since elderberries are food in themselves, they can be taken with or without food in your system. They aren’t acidic, so they shouldn’t cause stomach irritation, especially in the form of syrup.

Can you take too much elderberry?

Yes and no. While not harmful when taken in larger doses, elderberry is high in fiber and may cause nausea, upset stomach, and/or diarrhea. 

Who should not take elderberry supplements?

Per WebMD, people who have an allergy to elder pollen might react to elderberry supplements. If you have diabetes, multiple sclerosis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis, talk to your doctor before taking elderberry.

If making your own elderberry syrup isn’t up your alley, it can be purchased at many health food stores or online. I like this one from Gaia Herbs. It’s organic and suitable for adults and children. For other herbal recipes, check out Feverfew for Migraines, Homemade Fire Cider for Cold & Flu Season, and How to Make Vapor Rub with Essential Oils.