Homemade Elderberry Syrup for colds and flu

Elderberry, or elder, has been used for centuries to treat influenza, colds, and sinusitis.

Elder is a large bush or shrub that is native to the U.S. and Europe. The berries are ripe enough to harvest between August and September, depending on the variety and your location

How to make a homemade Elderberry Syrup?

Yield 2.5 cups

Take this syrup at the onset of cold or flu symptoms or take as an immunity booster all winter long!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup of dried elderberries *
  • 3 cups of distilled or filtered water
  • 1 cup of honey
  • ¼ cup of dried rosehips (optional but a great addition for a vitamin C boost)
  • 1 grated ginger (optional)
  • 1 spoon cinnamon.
  • 2-3 whole cloves (optional)
  • 4-6 star anise seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. Place berries and water in a pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and then simmer over low heat for 45 minutes. If you use cinnamon, cloves, anise, or ginger, add it to the mixture with the berries.

2. Next, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or mesh strainer while mashing the berries to release remaining juice.

3. When syrup is room temperature, add honey and stir until well combined.

4. Store in glass jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

Suggested dosage

For prevention:

  • Children: ½ tbsp. a day
  • Adults: 1 tbsp. a day

At the onset of symptoms:

  • Children: ½ tbsp., 4 times daily
  • Adults: 1 tbsp., 4 times daily

Storage

Must be refrigerated. Keeps for 3 months. Can be frozen.