Homemade Elderberry Syrup
With Cold and Flu season in full swing, I figured it was high time that I shared this recipe for homemade Elderberry Syrup.
About 9 years ago, I had the hardest winter. I was sick constantly. It seemed like I was no sooner over one illness than I would get another, and they would often turn into bronchitis or a sinus infection. It was the absolute worst, and since my kids were all little at the time, it was really tough to try to take care of them when I was always sick.
The next Fall, as Winter was approaching, I started to panic. There was no way I could face another winter like the last one. So, I started researching. I found several things that have helped me tremendously, and luckily I have never had another winter that has even come close to that winter. One of the best things I discovered was Elderberry Syrup. There is good research that shows the benefits of Elderberry. Since I am not a health professional, I will not go into all of its benefits here, but they are easily researched, and I can testify that, for me, Elderberry Syrup is a godsend.
When I first discovered Elderberry syrup, I was buying the commercial preparations. But I soon found that I could make the syrup myself for a significant savings, and it is not hard at all. Plus - I personally feel like it is much more effective than the commercial stuff.
I will eventually get around to sharing a few of the other things that I have found that have really helped me when illness strikes or even if I just start to feel like I am coming down with something. (See my post on my immune-boosting carrot berry juice here.) But for today, I am sharing my recipe for elderberry syrup that I make at home.
I based this recipe off the recipe on Wellness Mama. If you are interested in trying Elderberry Syrup, I highly suggest you read her post on it. It is very informative. I just tweaked the recipe a little, to make it a little less sweet and because I usually use all dried spices (rather than fresh ginger).
Make sure to scroll past the recipe for a few more notes, and a link to the dried elderberries that I usually buy.
So, finally... here is my version of the recipe.
Notes:
- I usually split this recipe between two jars. One I keep in the fridge and the other I put in the freezer, so it will keep longer. I have had good luck keeping this in the fridge for about three weeks, but your experience may vary.
- I usually take about 2 Tbsp per dose when I am sick, and 1 Tbsp if I am just trying to boost immunity. I usually give my kids (all over 10 years old) the same dose. Since I am not a health professional, I suggest you do a little research on dosing. Wellness Mama's post has some good information on that.
- Always make sure that your syrup has cooled down before you add the honey to it. You don't want to kill all those good healing enzymes in raw honey.
- My kids hate how this makes the house smell when it is simmering on the stove, but I like it. I think it makes the house smell like Christmas.
- I have used several different brands of dried elderberries to make this recipe, and they have all been fine. I am including an affiliate link to the brand that I have been using lately, and I have really been happy with them.
*Affiliate link
