Every fall, as the weather gets cooler, I anticipate lots of colds and sniffles. Elderberry Syrup is the perfect companion to these cold fall and winter days to combat those germs and boost your immune system. There are many ways to use elderberries as a medicinal benefit to your health. Most people make it into syrup or gummies as its’ great for little kids they give it to and the preservative is honey. Great for getting it down easy! But since it does have honey in it, you will want to keep this for ages 1+ just to mitigate any very small chance of botulism. Other ways of taking it that can last even longer include extracts (last about 1-2 years) or even a tincture (which lasts 4-6 years as it’s made with alcohol).
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Why Elderberries?
Elderberries, also known as Sambucus, is a flowering plant that people use for medicinal properties. There are different varieties of Sambucus but we are going to be using Sambucus Nigra and is the kind you will find most often. I really enjoy using elderberries from Frontier Co-Op which you can find here. Frontier Co-Op has great quality dried elderberries and at the time of writing this, they are about $24/1 pound. Making one batch of elderberry syrup take approximately one cup so these will last you quite awhile. To keep them fresher longer, keep them in a sealed jar. If storing long term, keep them in the freezer!
The reason elderberries are so beneficial are because they are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins such as A, C, and D. Elderberries stimulate the immune system because it contains a compound called anthocyanidins. There have been a handful of studies correlating these effects in addition to the multitudes of anecdotal information you can find in natural medicine and mom groups!
Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Ingredients:
1 cup of elderberries (I purchase mine from Amazon here)
6 cups of filtered water
0.25 ounces of chopped or grated fresh ginger (powdered can also be used)
3-4 roughly broken/crushed cinnamon sticks (powdered works well too)
2-6 whole cloves (how much is a personal preference)
1.5 cups of raw honey (I purchase mine locally or from Costco)
You will also need:
Strainer, cheese cloth, or nut mylk bag
Glass
Glass Mason jar
Large pot or saucepan
Marker/Labels
Directions:
1. Place the elderberries, water, and spices into a pot and bring to a boil.
2. When it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes or until reduced by half.
3. Let the liquid cool off for a bit before pouring into a strainer, over the glass bowl.
4. Add in the honey and stir.
5. When it is completely cooled, pour into a Mason jar, add a lid and store in the refrigerator for up to a month. Although you will find this varies from recipe and person to person.
How to use:
You can use elderberry syrup every day in low doses as a tonic and/or larger doses at the first sign of illness.
I suggest 1 tsp for kids 1+ and 1 TBSP for teens and adults for daily use. If you do happen up on a flu or cold, you can do this dose every 3-4 hours.
What to do With Leftovers
I hate wasting left over food so if this is also you, here are somethings you can do with your left over elderberries and spices to stretch them further – including an alternative use for your homemade syrup you just made!
Elderberry Gummy Recipe
Ingredients:
2 cups of your homemade elderberry syrup
1 TBSP unflavored gelatin powder (ratio of 1 TBSP : 2 cups liquid)
1/2 cup hot filtered water
Silicone molds & dropper (these are the ones I have)
Directions:
Takes half of your elderberry syrup, gelatin, water, and mix in a glass bowl until well incorporated. Add in the rest of the elderberry syrup and mix. Pour into the silicone molds and refrigerate for 2 or more hours until set up and firm. Kids can take 2 of these daily, adults 4 daily for prevention. You can take 1-2 every 3-4 hours during onset of illness, adults 2-4 every 3-4 hours.
Elderberry Extract Recipe
Ingredients:
Leftover elderberries and spices
Vegetable glycerin – I like palm-free coconut-derived ones
Directions:
Put left over elderberries and spices into a mason jar and cover with vegetable glycerin like this one or my favorite this one from Wildly Organic, for 4-6 weeks, shaking daily. Strain and pour into amber bottles with dropper tops. Depending on your glycerin, this can be good for 1-2 years. You can put into the refrigerator to make it last longer.
Elderberry Tincture Recipe
Ingredients:
Leftover elderberries and spices
80 proof or higher vodka
Directions:
Put left over elderberries and spices into a mason jar and cover with any vodka 80 proof or higher for 4-6 weeks, shaking daily. Strain and pour into amber bottles with dropper tops. Depending on your glycerin, this can be good for 4-6 years.
Compost
When you are done making your syrup (and then hopefully also another version of elderberry goodness), make sure you compost those berries in your home or city compost bin!
As always, I am not your doctor or naturopath. If you have questions, please consult them before ingesting anything anyone tells you on the internet!