Elderberry Syrup is a must have in any natural medicine chest. Find out how to make your own elderberry syrup at home for cold and flu prevention!
Elderberries have a rich history in herbal medicine, and they are a wonderful item to have in your natural medicine cabinet to ward off the common cold and flu.
Romans used the juice of elderberries 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. While you can buy elderberry syrup at the farmers market, it’s pretty cost effective to make your own at home.
You can also use elderberries to make a variety of other things. I actually even infuse elderberries in olive oil to make a tinted lip balm!)
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. The syrup is a deep reddish/purple and when combined with a little honey, is absolutely delicious.
Though it’s usually something that you hear about when the weather starts to cool down in the fall, it’s perfect all year round.
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
Elderberry syrup dosage will vary between adults & children:
- Adults: 1 tsp/daily
- Children: 1/2 – 1 tsp/daily
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, and requires just three simple ingredients. Just three! Don’t feel like you have to resort to elderberry syrup in the fall though! It can actually be used through the year on a daily basis for cold and flu prevention.
Because those of us with kids know that the sickies don’t just happen once a year. ☺️
Don’t limit elderberry syrup to prevention alone! It also tastes great on pancakes and waffles, or added to ice cream.
Homemade Elderberry Syrup
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
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 intact.
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