Elderberry syrup is a must-have for every natural home apothecary. Packed with antioxidants and immune-boosting properties, it’s an effective remedy for colds, flu, and overall wellness. While store-bought versions can be convenient, making elderberry syrup at home is incredibly simple, cost-effective, and allows you to control the quality of ingredients. Let’s dive into this easy, nourishing recipe!

Benefits of Elderberry Syrup

Elderberries are rich in vitamins A and C, flavonoids, and antioxidants, which support immune health and fight inflammation. Many families use elderberry syrup as a daily supplement during cold and flu season or as a remedy at the first sign of illness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup dried organic elderberries
• 4 cups filtered water
• 1 teaspoon organic cinnamon powder or 1 cinnamon stick
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger or a small slice of fresh ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¾ to 1 cup raw honey

I recommend sourcing your dried elderberries and spices from Azure Standard, which provides high-quality, organic bulk herbs and spices. For a ready-to-use elderberry syrup option, Earthley Wellness offers a clean, natural version made with simple, organic ingredients.

They also sell an Elderberry Syrup Kits with slightly different ingredients if you don’t want to track down all of the items.

Earthley Wellness PDF What You Need to Know About Elderberries

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Simmer the Elderberries – In a medium saucepan, combine the dried elderberries, water, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the liquid is reduced by half.
2. Strain the Mixture – Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly. Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the liquid into a glass bowl, pressing the berries to extract as much juice as possible.
3. Add Honey – Once the liquid has cooled to warm (not hot) temperature, stir in raw honey. This preserves the beneficial properties of the honey while naturally sweetening your syrup.
4. Bottle and Store – Pour the syrup into a clean glass jar or amber bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.

How to Use Elderberry Syrup

• Daily Immune Support: Take 1 teaspoon daily for kids and 1 tablespoon for adults.
• When Feeling Under the Weather: Increase to every 3–4 hours until symptoms improve.

Where to Find the Best Ingredients

For the best results, using high-quality ingredients is key. I recommend:

• Azure Standard for organic elderberries, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.
• Earthley Wellness for a pre-made elderberry syrup option if you’re short on time.

Making your own elderberry syrup is a simple way to take control of your family’s health and wellness naturally. Give it a try and enjoy the benefits of this time-tested remedy!

Do you make elderberry syrup at home? Let me know in the comments!