This elderberry syrup recipe combines powerful herbs and honey to boost your immune system. It’s easy to make, tastes delicious, and is my go-to herbal remedy in the winter months.
What Is Elderberry Syrup?
Elderberry syrup is an herbal extract made from the berries of the Sambucus tree that is loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants called anthocyanins. Elderberry is known to contain some of the highest concentrations of antioxidants among all berries!
Elderberries have been used as medicine since ancient times. Even Hippocrates, the “Father of Medicine” referred to the Sambucus tree as his “medicine chest”. Now there are plentiful studies to support its healing effects. Studies now show that consuming elderberry syrup or other elderberry supplements can prevent and treat the common cold and flu– significantly reducing the duration and severity of illness.
If you’re looking to boost your immune system, or treat a cold or flu, then elderberry syrup is for you!
Ingredients
- Dried Elderberries- Dried elderberries are the star of this recipe with their potent immune-boosting vitamins and antioxidants.
- Dried Echinacea- Echinacea is added to the syrup for additional support. Echinacea is a potent herb shown to help ward off illness and stimulate white blood cell production– boosting your immune system.
- Dried Rose Hips- Rose hips are high in vitamin C and polyphenols, further supporting the immune system and reducing inflammation.
- Dried Ginger- Ginger not only adds a spicy kick to the elderberry syrup, but is anti-inflammatory and promotes healthy digestion.
- Cinnamon Stick- Cinnamon has been shown to reduce inflammation, as well as fight off infections. Cinnamon also adds a sweet and slightly spicy depth of flavor to the syrup.
- Honey- Honey is both antiviral and antibacterial, boosting the immune system with powerful antioxidants. It also adds a sweet, delicious flavor to this recipe.
How to Make Elderberry Syrup
1. In a saucepan, combine dried elderberries, echinacea, rose hips, ginger, cinnamon stick, and water.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the liquid is reduced by half.
3. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
4. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a bowl, pressing down on the berries to extract as much liquid as possible.
5. Discard the herbs and let the liquid cool completely.
6. Once cooled, stir in the honey until well combined. Your homemade elderberry syrup is now ready to use!
How to Use Elderberry Syrup
Some of my favorite ways to consume elderberry syrup is by adding it to warm tea, topping off a cold seltzer with the syrup, drizzling it on top of pancakes or waffles, or making gummies with it! You can also enjoy your elderberry syrup by the spoonful daily for immune-boosting benefits.
Elderberry Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried elderberries
- 1 tbsp dried echinacea
- 1 tbsp dried rose hips
- 1 tbsp dried ginger
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup honey
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine dried elderberries, echinacea, rose hips, ginger, cinnamon stick, and water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the liquid is reduced by half.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a bowl, pressing down on the berries to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Discard the herbs and let the liquid cool completely.
- Once cooled, stir in the honey until well combined. Your homemade elderberry syrup is now ready to use!
Notes
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Did you make my elderberry syrup recipe? Let me know in the comments! To explore the latest recipes on the blog, check out my recent posts: