This homemade immune enhancing elderberry syrup is just right for this time of year.  Winter is definitely in full swing across the country.  It’s been pretty chilly here forcing us to stay inside more than I’d like and with that comes a greater exposure to germs.

We’ve had a good streak of health lately which I’m hoping keeps up.  My kids take vitamins on a daily basis which I feel helps to keep them from getting sick but I wanted another remedy in my medicine cabinet this winter.  I’ve seen all sorts of recipes for various cold busting syrups and tonics and finally arrived on this recipe which is a combination of a few I found including this one on the Mountain Rose Herb website.

Benefits Of Elderberry Syrup

Elderberries contain large amounts of antioxidants, potassium, beta carotene, calcium, phosphorus, and Vitamin C.  Elderberry syrup is a proven remedy that helps prevent and recover from the flu, colds, excessive mucous, and sore throats.

In addition to the elderberries this syrup also contains raw local honey which is not only great for soothing a sore throat but it also contains vitamins (folate, B2, B3, B5, B6 and C) and minerals (calcium, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, selenium, sodium and zinc).  Raw honey also has anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antiseptic properties.  If the honey has been pasteurized, which most honey is from the store, then it has been heated which destroys most if not all of these beneficial nutrients.

I have also added cinnamon and dried ginger which both contain antioxidants and anti-viral properties and are a lovely addition in this syrup.

How Much To Take?

Adults can take a tablespoon daily to help ward off illness and I give my kids 1 teaspoon daily.  You can use a spoon or a medicine syringe to administer the syrup to children.  Younger children might do better with the syringe. If you should fall ill take a teaspoon every 2 hours while sick to help speed recovery.  For children who are under 2 you can add the syrup to hot water to create a yummy honey sweetened berry flavored “tea” to kill any microbes in the honey.  You can also use this syrup on pancakes, yogurt and ice cream or mix it into juice like apple or grape juice.  Store the syrup in a glass container with a lid in the fridge for 2-3 months.

I was lucky enough to find dehydrated Elderberries at my local health food store but you can also order them here as well. Here’s what you’ll need and how to make it.

Immune Enhancing Elderberry Syrup

1/2 c. dried elderberries (can be purchased here)

3 c. water

1 c. raw local honey

2 t. dried ginger (I used this brand)

1 t. cinnamon ( I used this brand)

Fine mesh strainer ( I use this one)

Small saucepan

Glass measuring cup (like this one)

Glass storage container with lid (I use this)

Directions:

1. Add dried elderberries, water, cinnamon and ginger to a saucepan.  Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer for 30-45 minutes until liquid has reduced by half.

2. Remove from heat and let cool.

3. Pour through a fine mesh strainer over a glass measuring cup, press elderberries with a spatula to squeeze out every bit of liquid.  Discard elderberries.

4. Stir in honey, store in airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 months.