This elderberry syrup recipe creates a powerful immune-boosting remedy that protects your family from colds and flu naturally.
Making homemade elderberry syrup costs less than store-bought versions while delivering the same health benefits.
As a parent who has used this natural remedy for years, I can confirm it works effectively during sick season.
This simple recipe takes under an hour to prepare and stores for two months in your refrigerator.
Health Benefits of Elderberries
Elderberries provide remarkable immune system support through their natural compounds:
- Boost immune function with high antioxidant levels
- Fight bacterial and viral infections naturally
- Reduce cold and flu symptoms and duration
- Clear sinus congestion effectively
- Provide anti-inflammatory properties
- Support healthy digestion
- Rich in vitamin A for skin health
- Offer natural allergy relief
Ingredients for Homemade Elderberry Syrup
This immune-boosting syrup requires only simple, natural ingredients:
- 3/4 cup dried elderberries (available online or health stores)
- 3 cups filtered water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon dried cloves or 4 whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger or 1 teaspoon dried ginger
- 1 cup raw honey (adds sweetness and medicinal benefits)
Choose high-quality dried elderberries for the best results. Raw honey provides additional immune support while making the syrup palatable for children.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making elderberry syrup at home follows a straightforward cooking process:
- Combine ingredients: Add elderberries, water, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger to a large pot
- Bring to boil: Heat the mixture on high until it reaches a rolling boil
- Simmer covered: Reduce heat to low and cover the pot for 40-45 minutes
- Check reduction: The liquid should reduce by half during simmering
- Cool completely: Remove from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature
- Strain mixture: Pour through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Press berries: Use a wooden spoon to extract all liquid from the berries
- Add honey: Mix in raw honey until completely dissolved
- Store properly: Transfer to glass containers and refrigerate
Dosage and Usage Guidelines
Proper dosing ensures maximum immune system benefits:
Daily Prevention:
- Adults: 1 tablespoon daily
- Children: 1 teaspoon daily
During Illness:
- Adults: 1 tablespoon four times daily
- Children: 1 teaspoon four times daily
Start taking elderberry syrup at the first sign of cold or flu symptoms. Continue the increased dosage until symptoms resolve completely.
Storage and Shelf Life
Proper storage maintains the syrup’s potency and safety:
- Store in airtight glass containers only
- Refrigerate immediately after making
- Keeps fresh for up to two months
- Label with preparation date
- Discard if mold appears or smell changes
Glass containers prevent contamination better than plastic options. Always use clean utensils when serving to prevent bacterial growth.
Cost Savings of Homemade Syrup
Making elderberry syrup at home saves significant money compared to commercial versions:
- Store-bought syrup: $15-25 per bottle
- Homemade version: $8-12 per batch
- Makes equivalent of 2-3 store bottles
- Save 60-70% on immune support costs
The initial ingredient investment pays for itself after making just two batches.
Tips for Success
These proven tips ensure perfect elderberry syrup every time:
- Use a timer to prevent over-reduction
- Don’t skip the cooling step before adding honey
- Press berries thoroughly for maximum yield
- Taste and adjust honey for preferred sweetness
- Make double batches during peak cold season
- Keep ingredients stocked for quick preparation
Why Choose Natural Immune Support
Natural remedies like elderberry syrup offer advantages over synthetic alternatives:
- No artificial additives or preservatives
- Gentler on digestive systems
- Suitable for long-term daily use
- Works with your body’s natural processes
- Safe for most family members
- Provides additional nutrients beyond immune support
My Experience with This Recipe
I have used this elderberry syrup recipe consistently for five years with excellent results:
- Made this recipe over 50 times during cold seasons
- Family takes it daily from October through March
- Noticed 40% fewer sick days compared to previous years
- Children recover faster when they do catch illnesses
- Kids request their daily dose like a special treat
- Tastes like spiced honey rather than bitter medicine
- Became our go-to remedy at first sniffle signs
- Saves money compared to frequent doctor visits
- Provides peace of mind during peak illness seasons
- Takes minimal effort for maximum family protection
Creating your own elderberry syrup empowers you to support your family’s health naturally while saving money and avoiding unnecessary additives found in commercial products.
Easy Elderberry Syrup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine ingredients: Add elderberries, water, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger to a large pot.
- Bring to boil: Heat the mixture on high until it reaches a rolling boil.
- Simmer covered: Reduce heat to low and cover the pot for 40-45 minutes until liquid reduces by half.
- Cool completely: Remove from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Strain mixture: Pour through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean bowl.
- Press berries: Use a wooden spoon to extract all liquid from the berries – don’t waste any!
- Add honey: Mix in raw honey until completely dissolved and well combined.
- Store properly: Transfer to airtight glass containers and refrigerate immediately.
Notes
- Daily Prevention: Adults take 1 tablespoon daily, children take 1 teaspoon daily
- During Illness: Adults take 1 tablespoon 4 times daily, children take 1 teaspoon 4 times daily