A couple winters ago, I had pneumonia, and ever since, I have been more aware about keeping my immune system strong.  One of the things I happened upon was dried elderberries, and after reading through some recipes, figured it would be easy to make syrup and other recipes.  Elderberry syrup is a great way to help power you through the cold and flu system, boosting your immune system as far as prevention and also recovering from being sick.

Homemade Elderberry Syrup

To start, you’ll have to find dried elderberries.  I buy mine on Amazon, making sure that they are always organic.  I get a decent size bag that is at least 1 lb.  My bag came with instructions for elderberry syrup as well.  

(Amazon affiliate links)

Note: do NOT eat the dried elderberries on their own!  They can make you sick, as small as they are!

Ingredients

  • ⅔ cup dried organic black elderberries
  • 3½ cups of water
  • Optional – spices (you may want to take a look around on the internet for ideas for what spices will add more health benefits).  For example, 1 tablespoon fresh or dried ginger root and 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder.
  • 1 cup raw honey – I recommend a local honey, as I love to support local when I can, and I have also heard there are benefits to using local honey as far as allergies

Directions

Bring water to a boil.

Add elderberries (and any spices you might want to add, like ginger and cinnamon).

Elderberry Syrup

Mix, and simmer for about 45 minutes or more.  You want your mixture to reduce down.  Honestly, my elderberry syrup doesn’t seem particularly “syrupy”, but you can see how much the water level has dropped.

Elderberry Syrup

Once the mixture has cooled, strain your mixture.  I use a fine mesh strainer, pressing the berries with the back of the spoon to extract the liquid as much as possible.

Elderberry Syrup

At this point you can toss the berries (I compost them).

Elderberry Syrup

Mix in your 1 cup of honey.

I store in a large glass jar, such as a Mason jar or old pickle jar.  We avoid plastic when possible as far as leaching.

Homemade Elderberry Syrup Jars

From what I have read, take 1 tsp daily as a preventative measure; more during the onset or duration of a cold.

*NOTE: Please consult your doctor as needed. I am not a doctor or herbalist. This recipe is adapted from the manufacturer instructions and a combination of recipes I have found. Research and prepare your remedies with care!