If you are looking for a natural remedy that is an option for colds, flu, coughs, and even issues with allergies. It has been used in folk medicine for centuries – Romans used the juice to create hair dye, and Native Americans used the elderberry plant for healing through medicines and foods.
Elderberry is a natural remedy that is most commonly used in the fall when kids go back to school, as flu and cold season typically hits.
Elderberry Syrup as a Preventive Option
We mention elderberry as a preventive option because it’s not just good when you are sick – it’s actually something that is great when used daily to reduce symptoms. Elderberry syrup is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and is anti-inflammatory.
Though it’s a natural remedy, scientific research does support elderberries as a preventive measure – in this random trial of 60 patients, symptoms of the flu were relieved earlier in those who received elderberry syrup compared with a placebo.
If your family takes Fermented Cod Liver Oil, elderberry syrup can be a great way to help your kids take that liver oil without resistance. Combine a single teaspoon of elderberry syrup with cod liver oil or give after their cod liver oil dosage.
Elderberry Syrup Dosage
A standard teaspoon of elderberry syrup for adults, and 1/2 – 1 tsp for kids once daily is sufficient for prevention. If you are suffering from the flu or a cold, then take 3-4 times daily as needed.
I have found that a syringe is the best way to administer to my children – it may be for yours too. Just remember that infants 12 months or younger should not consume raw honey.
This elderberry syrup below is super easy to put together, requires just three simple ingredients, and can be used through the year on a daily basis for prevention (once daily). If cold/flu hits your family, then use several times through the day to help combat the flu and cold like symptoms.
Don’t limit elderberry syrup to prevention – it also tastes great on pancakes and waffles, or added to ice cream.
A simple 3-ingredient recipe for elderberry syrup that will support a healthy immune system through cold and flu season.
Ingredients
- 2/3 C. raw honey
- 1/2 C. dried organic elderberries
- 3 C. water
Instructions
- Pour your water in a medium saucepan and add your elderberries. Be sure not to add honey at this point.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low/medium and simmer until the liquid is reduced by almost half.
- Remove from the heat, and pour through a strainer into a glass bowl. Allow to cool to lukewarm.
- Add the honey and stir well to combine.
- Once mixed thoroughly, pour into a 12 oz mason jar or glass bottle and store in the refrigerator (covered of course). Remove when needed to administer to family/children.
- Discard the elderberries and use in your compost. If refrigerated, this syrup should last several months.
Notes
Kids under the age of 1 year should not consume raw honey.
Honey serves two purposes in this recipe – one, as a natural sweetener, and the second for it’s medicinal properties. It’s important to understand that you should allow the syrup to cool sufficiently before stirring in the raw honey so as to keep the antibiotic properties in tact.
