Homemade elderberry syrup recipe with lemon and sweetened with honey or monk fruit to boost the immunity. Use dried elderberries (Sambucus nigra) for the syrup and take 2-4 times per day.
When your feeling a little under-the-weather a spoon full of elderberry has powerful natural healing benefits. Plus it is remarkable how this easy elderberry syrup recipe is to make at home!
Why this Homemade Elderberry Syrup Works
- Amazing health benefits of elderberry syrup: Elderberries are loaded with antioxidants to boost the immune system, fighting symptoms of cold and flu, sore throat, bronchitis, cough, fever, and other respiratory problems. This makes it important to take elderberry syrup frequently at the first on-sight of symptoms and can prevent a full-blown cold from happening.
- Save money making homemade elderberry syrup. For years I have been giving my family elderberry syrup right at the onset of symptoms to a cold, or when we know are traveling on an airplane. But the thing is it can be painfully pricey to purchase store-bought elderberry syrup and constantly take it four times a day, especially as a family of four. Making it at home is much cheaper and I share all the steps on how to make elderberry syrup.
What Ingredients go into this recipe
- Dried Elderberries: First get your dried elderberries. These can be found in most specialty grocery stores and natural markets. You can also order it online here.
- Honey: Preferably raw and local so you get the local allergens. This adds flavor and coats the throat. You can also use Monk Fruit sugar for a sugar-free syrup.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a pop of flavor and vitamin C.
- Cinnamon Sticks: Cinnamon is an anti-inflammatory and helps reduce inflammation and gives the elderberry syrup recipe delicious flavor!
- Ginger: Aids to reduce inflammation.
- Nutmeg: More flavor.
- Whole Cloves: Bonus flavor.
Tools you will also need are:
- Mesh Bag or Cheese Cloth: Along with that you will need a good mesh bag or cheese cloth to strain the elderberry juice after it has been boiled and the berries have been strained. I love Ellie’s Best and use it also for making cauliflower pizza crust and nut cheese. It does not get fibers in the food and rinses off well for easy cleaning!
- Strainer: This separates the cooked elderberries and cinnamon sticks from the water.
How to make Elderberry Syrup
First cover and boil the elderberries in filtered water with cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger, nutmeg and cloves. When the water gets to a boil turn the heat down to a simmer. Let it simmer for 30 minutes, covered. It is optional to mash the berries to release extra flavor in the juice, but not needed.
Strain out the berries and spices with a strainer or nut bag over a large bowl (squeeze out extra juices if using a nut bag).
Add the honey and lemon juice to elderberry juice and mix well. You can also substitute honey for maple syrup if giving to children under 1 as they should not have honey.
Transfer your elderberry syrup recipe into a mason jar with a lid and store in the refrigerator.
FAQs
How long does homemade elderberry syrup stay good for?
Store this elderberry syrup recipe in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
Is it safe to take elderberry syrup everyday?
Elderberry syrup is safe to take everyday, but should not exceed recommended dosage. Take elderberry syrup 1-4 times a day but do not exceed 4 times per day. As I am not a doctor it is best to consult with a healthcare practitioner.
Can you eat the berries?
Do not eat the dried elderberries as that can cause nausea, dizziness, weakness, and vomiting.
I hope you enjoy this elderberry syrup recipe! This makes a bunch of syrup which is way more bang for your buck than buying it at the store! We keep ours in the fridge all the time and take about 2-4 tablespoons daily. Making elderberry syrup at home is a wonderful way to get all the health benefits of elderberries everyday to keep your body healthy, glowing and vibrant!
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