Elderberry Syrup: A Time-Honored Remedy for Health & Immunity

Harvesting Elderberries

Late summer has a way of inviting you outside—slower mornings, warmer evenings, and that quiet nudge to gather what the land is offering. This past summer, a neighbor and I spent a long afternoon harvesting elderberries right here in the Pacific Northwest. They grow abundantly along country roads and fence lines, often unnoticed, quietly doing what they’ve always done.

It was my first time harvesting elderberries from the wild, and it felt deeply grounding—sun on our shoulders, stained fingertips, baskets filling faster than expected. There’s something old and good about that kind of work. Black elderberries (Sambucus nigra) are the variety you want for syrup, prized for their high concentration of beneficial compounds. One important note: underripe berries, along with the stems and leaves, contain toxic compounds and should always be removed. Slow down, take your time, and harvest with care.

Why Elderberry Syrup?

Elderberries have been trusted for generations as a natural support during cold and flu season. Long before pharmacies and plastic bottles, families leaned on plants like this—rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and antiviral properties—to help the body do what it was designed to do.

Elderberry syrup is known to support immune health, reduce inflammation, and often shorten the duration of seasonal illness. In our home, it’s a staple. Instead of reaching first for over-the-counter remedies, we keep a jar of homemade syrup in the fridge, ready when we need it. Simple. Time-tested. Effective.

How to Make Elderberry Syrup at Home

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried elderberries (or 2 cups fresh elderberries, stems removed)

• 4 cups water

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced

• 3–4 whole cloves

• 1 cup raw honey

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, combine the elderberries, water, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for about 45 minutes, until the liquid is reduced by roughly half.

3. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

4. Strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing the berries to extract as much liquid as possible.

5. Once the liquid is lukewarm (not hot), stir in the raw honey until fully dissolved.

6. Pour into a glass jar and store in the refrigerator for up to two months.

How to Use

• Adults: 1 tablespoon daily for immune support. When under the weather, take every 3–4 hours.

• Children: 1 teaspoon daily. Increase as needed during illness.

Elderberry Gummies (A Family Favorite)

We’ve taken elderberry syrup by the spoonful for years, and truth be told—my girls have always looked forward to it. This year, though, I decided to turn our syrup into little gummy bears. They’re easier to grab on the way out the door (especially for my husband), easier to remember to take daily, and—let’s be honest—pretty charming.

The gummies do take a bit more effort than pouring syrup into a spoon, but they’re worth it. Same ingredients. Same benefits. Just a different form that fits busy mornings and little hands a bit better.

What You’ll Need

• Gummy bear molds

• 1 teaspoon coconut oil (for greasing molds)

• 1 cup elderberry syrup

• ¼ cup gelatin powder

• ½ cup hot water (hot, but not boiling)

Instructions

1. Lightly grease your gummy molds with coconut oil to prevent sticking.

2. Pour ¼ cup cooled elderberry syrup into a large bowl. Quickly whisk in the gelatin powder until fully dissolved.

3. Add ½ cup hot water and stir briskly until smooth.

4. Whisk in the remaining elderberry syrup until completely combined.

5. Carefully pour the mixture into the molds.

6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.

7. Pop the gummies out of the molds and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How Much to Take

The amount you take will depend on the size of your molds. As a general rule:

• 1 tablespoon + 2¼ teaspoons of gummy liquid = 1 tablespoon of elderberry syrup

• If you’re using 4 ml gummy bear molds, that equals roughly 6–7 gummy bears per tablespoon of syrup

Suggested use:

• Children: 1–2 gummy bears as needed

• Adults: 3–6 gummy bears as needed

Whether we take elderberry syrup by the spoonful or tucked into little gummy bears, it’s earned a permanent place in our home. It’s practical, cost-effective, and deeply satisfying to make—knowing exactly what’s in it and why it’s there. No preservatives, no shortcuts. Just a humble berry, a few warming spices, and an old remedy thoughtfully carried into modern life.

As always, I’m not a medical professional—just a mom sharing what has worked well for our family. Every body is different, and what works for us may not be right for everyone. Please do your own research and consult a trusted healthcare provider, especially when using herbal remedies for children, during pregnancy, or if you have underlying health conditions.