how to make elderberry syrup

AFTER RECENTLY DISCOVERING HOW EASY IT IS TO MAKE ELDERBERRY SYRUP FOR THE COLD AND FLU SEASON, I HAVE TO SHARE THIS SIMPLE RECIPE!

Elderberry syrup is the latest trend to combat colds and flu, as well as shorten the duration of illness.  It is much cheaper to make your own than to buy at the store.  That being said, if you’re in a crunch and need it right away, I recommend this brand.


BENEFITS OF ELDERBERRY
The elderberry contains high immune boosting compounds, including vitamins A, B, and C.  German scientists conducting studies on Elderberry showed that:
“Elderberry anthocyanins enhance immune function by boosting the production of cytokines. These unique proteins act as messengers in the immune system to help regulate immune response, thus helping to defend the body against disease.”
Besides cold and flu, elderberries have also been known to help with yeast infections, nasal and chest congestion, and hay fever.


WHEN AND WHERE TO PURCHASE ELDERBERRY
I live in Zone 9 and elderberry grows rampant here, but most are found along ditches that are sprayed with chemicals.  You can grow your own elderberry and use fresh berries.  It is much easier to purchase dried berries.
Grab a bag of dried berries in the summer while prices are low.  The berries keep for at least a year, and you can make the syrup later in the winter months once cold and flu season has hit.  If you wait until winter to buy dry berries, you’ll be paying a higher price because of supply and demand!
The below recipe makes a big batch, which is great if you’re wanting to give to friends and family.  If not, a good idea is to cut the bag in half or in thirds and make in batches as you run out of fresh syrup.  The shelf life in the refrigerator is 4 months once made.   The dried berries last up to a year.


If you want to make a small amount for yourself, the kit pictured above is great!  It contains the dried berries, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and many other immune boosting ingredients, such as echinacea and rose hips.  Just add water and honey.  It will make 18-20 ounces of syrup.


HEALTH BENEFITS OF REMAINING INGREDIENTS
Cinnamon has a plethora of benefits.  It helps stabilize blood sugar levels, relieves nausea, stimulates circulation, and is great for arthritic conditions.  This recipe calls for cinnamon sticks.


Clove contains an unusual combination of compounds found in no other plant.  It has analgesic and antimicrobial properties, can aid in digestion, and can act as an expectorant.  This recipe uses whole cloves.


Ginger is an anti-inflammatory herb.  This recipe uses chunks of fresh organic ginger.  It is a warming remedy and is anti-viral, making for a perfect remedy for cold and flu symptoms.  It is great for nausea, arthritis, and lymph-cleansing.


Raw honey is quite acidic, which counteracts the growth of most bacterial species.  It is rich in antioxidants and is anti-viral.  Besides the clove, honey is an important healing element to this recipe.  Avoid if under the age of one.  Try to find local honey.  We have a honey shack down the road that uses an honor system to pay.  We pour our own honey from big steel containers.  Lots of fun!


SHOULD I ADD ESSENTIAL OILS TO MY SYRUP?
I highly recommend using fresh or dried ingredients for this recipe.  The flavor will be less intense and go down smoother.


That being said, I always add Thieves Vitality oil to my elderberry syrup.  It contains clove, lemon, rosemary, eucalyptus, and cinnamon bark essential oils.  I attribute our strong immune systems to this blend, over elderberry syrup.  I sometimes just use Thieves, honey, and apple cider vinegar instead of this syrup.  Here’s a little bit more medicinal information about the Thieves blend.
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There’s nothing wrong with adding essential oils, if that’s what you prefer.  Just be careful which brand you ingest.  Young Living’s Vitality line is safe to consume. Lastly, essential oils are very concentrated, so a little is all that is needed.


HOW MUCH TO TAKE?
To boost my immune system, I take a teaspoon of elderberry syrup a day.  My kids take the same amount.   If sick, double or triple this amount.  You really cannot over use it.  Do not give to babies under the age of one. When in doubt, ask a doctor or research.
Here is the recipe.  Let me know if you try it and how you like it!  I always like to hear how people change these recipes, too.


ELDERBERRY SYRUP RECIPE
This recipe makes 104 oz.

INGREDIENTS:
-1 pound organic dried elderberries (try this kit if you want to make a smaller batch)
-16 cups of water
-8 cinnamon sticks
-4 inches organic fresh ginger chopped into 1″ pieces
-15 whole cloves
-1 quart raw, local honey (or this brand if you cannot get local honey)
-5 ml Thieves Vitality essential oil (optional) OR 10 drops to 8 ounces of syrup


INSTRUCTIONS:
​1.  In a large pot, add water, berries, cinnamon sticks, ginger, and cloves.
2.  Simmer 30-45 minutes.
3.  Strain all ingredients using a colander and cheese cloth.
4.  Let cool 10-15 minutes and add honey.  Stir well.
5.  Add Thieves Vitality essential oil (optional).  Stir well.
6.  Store and label in jars or bottles.  I use these 8 ounce bottles.
Again, the shelf life in the refrigerator is 4 months.  Because of the antimicrobial benefits, I tend to let mine last longer.


Enjoy!  Hopefully you will only have to use this to prevent illness!


Disclosure: I am not a doctor or medical professional.  Please read, research and find what works for you and your family. This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This product is not intended to treat, diagnose or cure disease.


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