If you have been hanging around my Instagram lately, you know that I am so obsessed with the amazing benefits of elderberry syrup! I cannot get enough of this stuff!
Elderberry syrup is our household go to for keeping our immune system strong and healthy, especially during the winter months. If you haven’t had elderberry syrup or if you are looking for more inspiration to get yourself some, this post is for you.
The Natural Way to Fight Cold and Flu
Elderberry syrup is a natural remedy that has been used for ages as a way to fight colds, the flu, sinus issues, nerve pain, inflammation, chronic fatigue, allergies, constipation and even cancer. This study here shows how elderberry syrup can shorten the duration of flu symptoms by 4 days!! There has even been a study showing that elderberry syrup my benefit those who travel.
Elderberry is a powerful way to fight cold and flu symptoms, but it is also a great way to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. Other benefits are naturally treating sinus infection, allergies, and elderberries may prevent cancer due to their high antioxidant power.
Where Do I Get Elderberry Syrup?
Now that you know the powerful benefits of elderberry, you are probably wondering where you can get your hands on some. I highly recommend keeping elderberry syrup in the house ready to go, just in case you or a family member comes down with a cold or the dreaded flu.
This season I decided to make our elderberry syrup so I could be in control of the ingredients in the syrup. It is super simple to make and I love adding more ginger to the recipe for flavor. My recipe is below for you, also.
However, I know that most people want to know where they can buy this amazing syrup. So here are a few things I recommend.
Find an elderberry syrup that is organic and does not have a sweetener. Like this one from Nature’s Answer. If you want to add sweetener, add your own raw, local honey. I choose an elderberry syrup that is not sweetened as a way to limit the ingredients inside and I cannot give honey to my little one.
If you have kids or picky adults ;-), you may want to consider making these easy elderberry gummies. They also have tart cherry juice in them, another one of my favorites for boosting the immune system and improving sleep! Another option for you or your picky adult would be these elderberry capsules.
How Do I Take Elderberry Syrup?
In our home we take a teaspoon every other or every three days to keep our immune system powerhouse strong. If we are going to be somewhere where a lot of people are or if we are around people that were sick, I will increase our dosage every day for a few days before and/or after. Children under 1 should not be given elderberry with honey sweetener.
If we get sick, I will double or triple the amount of elderberry syrup we take.
Ideas for Elderberry Syrup
If you want to get creative with your elderberry syrup, try mixing a few tablespoons with avocado oil, raw apple cider vinegar, and herbs for a salad dressing. You can also add elderberry syrup to pure maple syrup and use it as a pancake or waffle syrup.
My favorite right now is a kombucha mock-tail, mixing 2 tablespoons of elderberry syrup with ginger kombucha! I add a sprig of rosemary to mix it and for the fresh aroma!
As a disclaimer, you should always do your own research and check with a doctor you trust before adding in any supplements. **Glad we got that out of the way, aren’t you? ;-)**
A Recipe for Elderberry Syrup
My recipe for elderberry syrup is done in my instant pot. It is easier for me to get the ingredients ready and do other tasks while it simmers.
When my son was under the age of 1, I set aside a jar of unsweetened elderberry syrup for him.
If you would like to sweeten your batch, 1/2 – 1 cup of raw, local honey. Raw, local honey also has antibiotic like properties and can be beneficial when you are sick.
I have added a little orange zest and more ginger and cinnamon to my recipe. The warm aroma they bring makes the syrup taste better to me.
Making my Own Elderberry Syrup
Making elderberry syrup for our family is more cost effective than buying the store bought stuff. In a pinch, there are great brands you can buy online or in your health food store. If you have the time, I recommend making your own. It allows you to control the ingredients and flavor of your elderberry syrup. I get my organic dried elderberries on Amazon from Frontier Co-Op.
You can also pick up a preassembled elderberry kit in my shop. The kit has everything you need, except water and your preferred local honey. You just dump the contents of the kit, follow the instructions, and you have homemade organic elderberry syrup in your home.
I hope you found this post helpful! I would love to know if you will be making your own elderberry syrup at home. Tag and follow me on Instagram!
Also, I have linked my Instagram Live replay from last week! I shared over 5 different things I use in our home to keep our immune system strong all year long.
Elderberry Syrup – Instant Pot Version
Equipment
- Pressure Cooker
- Potato masher or large spoon
- Mesh strainer
- Glass bowl
- 2 1/2 cups (or larger) glass jar for storing
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 cups filtered water
- 1 cup Organic Elderberries
- 2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and diced
- 2 cinnamon sticks (Or 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon)
- 3-5 cloves
- 1/2 cup raw local honey
Instructions
- Add water to your Instant Pot (pressure cooker) and put in the elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Put on the lid and set the valve to sealed.
- Set the Instant Pot to manual pressure cook mode, cooking on high pressure for 15 minutes.
- After the 15 minutes is complete, let the Instant Pot natural pressure release for 10 minutes. **If you prefer your elderberry syrup thicker, you can do a simmer reduction on the syrup after the 10 minute release. Remove the lid, turn the pot on to Sauté mode and let it simmer for 5-15 minuets. Stir it frequently so it does not burn to the sides or bottom of the pot.**
- Turn the Instant Pot off using the cancel or off button. Let liquid cool until you are able to handle the pan.
- Mash the elderberries using a potato masher or large spoon.Pour the liquid through a mesh strainer in to a glass bowl.Discard the elderberry mash.
- Let the liquid cool to warm temperature and add in your honey.Stir well until the honey is mixed in to the mixture. Pour in the jar, close the lid, and refrigerate.
- Elderberry syrup will keep in the fridge 4-6 weeks. Shake the syrup before each use.
Notes
