Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe With Raw Honey
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Homemade Elderberry Syrup is a natural anti-viral and remedy to the common cold and flu and is a cinch to make at home using only a handful of ingredients and saves you a lot of money.
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Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe With Raw Honey
Prep Time: 5 Minutes Cook Time: 30 Minutes Total Time: 35 Minutes Servings: 22 Ounces |
One of the most potent natural remedies I have in my home is my jar of Homemade Elderberry Syrup. My kids will often say; “I don’t feel good or my throat is sore”. Out it comes to the rescue. I start hearing the words “Flu Season” and we started taking a daily dose for prevention.
I first started purchasing elderberry in a little 8- 8-ounce jar from my local health food market for $14.99. OUCH! Right? Being frugal, I didn’t want to continue spending that much. I started researching research articles for recommended dosages, not just based on what my little bottle stated. I pulled information on the ingredients too.
If you are looking for a tea to help perk you up try this Homemade Ginger Root Tea.
Ingredients Needed
Elderberry syrup has been known to fight off both type A and B flu viruses as well as all types of swine and avian flu.
- 3/4 cup Dried Elderberries – not fresh berries
- 1 cup Raw Organic Local Honey
- 1/3 cup Raw Unfiltered Vinegar
- 2 Cinnamon sticks
- 6 Whole Cloves
- 1 tbsp Fresh or 1 tsp Ground Ginger
- 3 cups of water
The Health Benefits of This Syrup
New research on taking Elderberry syrup for the treatment of the common cold to even the flu has been proven effective. The newest report states that the substances present in elderberries can stop an influenza virus from entering and replicating in human cells.
Elderberries – Packed with antioxidants and vitamins (including Vitamin C) that may boost your immune system. The USDA has compiled a database on the antioxidants in food and lists elderberries as a standout. Elderberries are the second-highest antioxidant fruit in the database.
Local Raw Honey – contains an array of plant chemicals that act as antioxidants. Plus research has shown that local raw honey can kill unwanted bacteria and fungi.
Apple Cider Vinegar – This can boost your immune system and lower blood sugar levels. It does not contain many vitamins, but contains some amino acids and antioxidants.
Dried or Fresh Elderberries?
Fresh elderberries are very hard to come by when not in season. You can typically find fresh elderberries out in nature or at your local health food store. Unless you are well-versed in berry identification, I do not recommend taking a walk in your backyard to search out and pick berries.
There are many berries that look similar in shape and size but are not edible. Elderberries can be toxic if picked and eaten unripened. The best way to acquire them is by purchasing them in-store.
How to Make Homemade Elderberry Syrup
STEP ONE: In a large pot, combine 3 cups water, elderberry, and spices only. (Do not add honey or apple cider vinegar).
STEP TWO: Over medium heat, bring the elderberry mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to simmer. Simmer the mixture for 20 – 30 minutes or until the mixture has been reduced to half. Remove from heat and let stand until cool to room temperature.
STEP THREE: Strain the elderberry mixture through a mesh strainer, making sure to squish all the juice out of the berries. No waste is best.
STEP FOUR: Add in the honey and apple cider vinegar. Mix well. Then store in a glass bottle or jar in the refrigerator!
Best Way to Store Your Syrup
Once the syrup is completely cooled, store it in a glass air-tight container. Since this recipe contains no preservatives, it is important to store it in the refrigerator. Based on personal experience only, I have been able to store mine for just about 3 months.
Freezing your syrup will lengthen its life. You can store it in the freezer for up to a year.
Recommended Elderberry Syrup dose
(Adults) – A daily dose of 1 tsp a day for the prevention of colds and viruses. For cold or flu-like symptoms, take 15 ml or 1 tbsp four times a day. Dosage based on proven research study.
(Children over 2 years or older) – A daily dose of 1 tsp a day for prevention. For cold or flu-like symptoms, take 1/2 tbsp four times a day.
Please note: as this recipe contains raw honey, it should be noted that the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend that children under the age of 12 months consume raw honey
Homemade Elderberry Syrup Printable Recipe
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Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe - Made with Raw Honey & Vinegar
Elderberry Syrup is a natural anti-viral and remedy to the common cold and flu and is a cinch to make at home using only a handful of ingredients and saves you a lot of money.
Ingredients
- 3 cups of water
- 3/4 cup whole dried elderberries
- 2 cinnamon stick
- 6 whole cloves
- 1 tsp ground ginger or 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 cup raw local honey
- 1/3 cup raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- In a large pot combine water, elderberry, and spices only. (Do not add honey or apple cider vinegar)
- Over medium heat, bring the elderberry mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to simmer.
- Simmer the mixture for 20 - 30 minutes or until the mixture has reduced to half.
- Remove from heat and let stand until cool to room temperature.
- Strain the elderberry mixture through a mesh strainer, making sure to squish out all the juice out of the berries. No waste is best.
- Add in the honey and apple cider vinegar. Mix well.
- Store in a glass bottle or jar in the refrigerator!
Notes
If making for child under 12 months of age, substitute raw honey for maple syrup.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
44Serving Size:
1 tbspAmount Per Serving: Calories: 25Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 0gSugar: 6gProtein: 0g
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This is my first time making the syrup. For what purpose is the vinegar? I need to have it appeal to picky eaters who are 5 and 7 year olds. TIA!!
Hi Amanda,
Great question. I have it explained in the post, but you may have missed it. Apple Cider Vinegar – Can boost your immune system and lower blood sugar levels. It does not contain many vitamins but contains some amino acids and antioxidants.
You can feel free to remove it from your mix. 🙂
Can you use a slow cooker????
Hi Gina, I am sure you could. I wouldn’t know the cooking time as making on the stove top is quicker. Just a few minutes versus using a slow cooker.
Thank you for sharing, Jen! This is the first elderberry syrup that both of my kids and husband have all liked, and it was a cinch to make! I didn’t have whole cloves (thought I did and had already started boiling), so I subbed 1/4 tsp ground cloves and it seemed to work just fine.
This is FANTASTIC!!! I am excited that the whole fam enjoyed it. Also, I appreciate your situation.
This is super interesting! Thanks we love to try this recipe.
I’ve tried elderberries in many formulations and love it. It wouldn’t have occurred to me to make it. Happy Holidays Season!
Wow, elderberries are really expensive! With all of the health benefits from them, I can see why people buy them to make recipes.
i did not know elderberry syrup helps w/ the common cold and flu. wow. thanks for sharing the tips and the recipe. joy
Thank you for this! We have been using store bought gummies but I’d love to try this!
i have never tried to make this myself. i really should i use the syrup from the store when i get sick. what a great idea.
Thanks Katrina!
Hhhhhmmmmm….it’s my first time hearing of this syrup! I wanna try it out.
I have been giving my kids elderberry syrup for a few years now and it works so well during cold and flu season. It can get expensive, so I would love to try making some myself.
Tons cheaper…. That is why I decided to make it too….
Not sure if I have ever tried elderberry syrup. This looks amazing! Will have to try it sometime.
This looks delicious and your instructions are great. Now, I just need to get myself to make it.
Thanks, JK!
This makes a lot of sense to make and have on hand, as most over-the-counter elderberry products can tend to be pricey. I love that it can be stored for up to 3 months, so that is handy to have for when someone in the family starts to become ill.
It absolutely is…. I feel like it is always one of my go too for when we are sick. Thanks for your comment.
I’ve heard how great this is when you are feeling ill! Going to make a batch for my husband asap!
I am going to try this! I have been using the elderberry gummies, but maybe this would be better! Thanks!
You’re Very Welcome Nicole..
We start drinking Celestial Seasonings Raspberry Zinger tea to ward off sicknesses. It works for our family! My dad loves elderberry pie and my husband’s boss makes elderberry wine and they’re both healthy guys. LOL
Elderberry wine… now there is a win/win happening there. 🙂