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

Harvesting Elderberries

This summer, my neighbor and I spent the day harvesting elderberries. I live in the beautiful PNW, where the trees grow abundantly along the roadside. I had never harvested them from the wild before, and it was such a fun experience—spending time outdoors in the last of the summer sunshine, picking until our baskets were overflowing. Black elderberries (Sambucus nigra) are the best variety to use for syrup, as they have the highest concentration of beneficial compounds. However, it's important to know that underripe berries, as well as the stems and leaves, contain toxic compounds and should be avoided.

This is only about a quarter of what I harvested this last summer!

Why Elderberry Syrup?

For centuries, elderberries have been used as a natural remedy for colds, flu, and overall immune support. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and antiviral properties, elderberry syrup is a powerhouse for boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, and even shortening the duration of colds. Instead of reaching for over-the-counter medications, many families—including ours—turn to homemade elderberry syrup as a tried-and-true wellness staple.

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

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Instructions:

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

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, until the liquid is reduced by half.

3. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.

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

5. Once the liquid is lukewarm, stir in the raw honey until fully dissolved.

6. Transfer the syrup to a glass jar and store it in the refrigerator for up to two months.

   
   

How to Use:

• Adults: 1 tablespoon daily for immune support; increase to every 3-4 hours when feeling under the weather.

• Children: 1 teaspoon daily; increase as needed when sick.

  
  

Making elderberry syrup at home is not only cost-effective but also ensures you're getting a pure and natural remedy without added preservatives or artificial ingredients. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about crafting your own wellness remedies from nature’s bounty!