Elderberry Syrup Home Remedy

Have you heard about the amazing benefits of Elderberry Syrup? 

I am going to spend a few minutes talking about Elderberries before I get to the recipe for this amazing syrup!

Elderberries have been used for hundreds of years for medicinal purposes.  They are the fruit from the Sambucus nigra plant.  They are loaded with antioxidants ( specifically anthocyanidins), antivirals, and nourishing vitamins such as vitamin A,and C, folate, potassium, iron, calcium and fiber.These berries should be cooked before consuming because they can have some not so favourable side effects is eaten raw like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and even more serious complications.

So how do these berries benefit me?

Elderberries have been shown to alleviate the following-

• Cold and Flu
• Respiratory infections
• Inflammation
• Stress
• Joint and Muscle pain
• Fever
• Constipation
• Acne
• Allergies
• Signs og aging
• Kidney problems 
• Fluid retention 

The suggested dose for Elderberry syrup is -

Children 3 and up ( shouldn't be given to kids under 3)- 1/2-1 teaspoon a day

Adults- 1 tablespoon a day

If you become sick its suggested to continue taking but to increase the frequency from once a day to every 2-3 hours.

Making your own Elderberry syrup is not only more cost effective its super easy and you are in control of the ingredients.  The taste of the syrup will depend on the type of sweetener you choose and how much you use.

I find this recipe tastes like a spiced cider.

You will need the following-

Fresh or dried elderberries

Local RAW honey

Spices- cinnamon, ginger and cloves they add additional nutrients!

Dried rosehips

Arrowroot Powder

A pot to boil

Mesh Strainer or Cheesecloth

Measuring cups

Mason Jars or Swing top bottles

Let's get to the recipe!

1 cup of dried elderberries ( if using fresh 4 cups)

4 cups of water

1 tsp of cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick

1 tsp of ground ginger or 1 tablespoon of fresh minced ginger

1 tablespoon of Rosehips (optional but a great source of vitamin C)

1/2-1 cup of local raw honey or maple syrup

Add elderberries, water, and all the herbs/spices to a large pot

Set to medium heat and allow for it to boil

Once boiling you will reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for approx 45 min or until the mixture reduces to half.

This makes for a thin syrup.  If you prefer a thicker consistency you can make a slurry with 1/4 cup Arrowroot powder and 1/2 cup of water and add to mixture at 30 min of simmer.  Then allow it to simmer for another 15 minutes until thickened.

Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Using a mesh strainer or cheesecloth strain liquid from berries.  I pressed a spoon into the berries to get every last drop!

DISCARD THE PULP.

Add honey to liquid and stir to combine.  I used 1 cup.  Use amount based on your preference.

Pour into a large storage container or funnel into swing top bottles and seal tightly.  

Refrigerate up to 3 months.

 Cheers to a healthy fall/winter season!