Elderberry syrup is an essential I keep in my family’s natural remedy-based medicine cabinet, especially during the winter months. Unfortunately store-bought elderberry syrup can be incredibly expensive for how much you get and also mixed with some yucky ingredients and sugars. If you haven’t learned how to make homemade elderberry syrup yet, you are in the right place. This guide is quick, easy, and fool proof.

EASY Homemade Elderberry Syrup

Last year my entire family got the flu over Christmas and this recipe was by far a saving grace for us. Not only is it potent and we could feel the difference after taking it, but it was easy for my kids to take since it tasted so good! I hope you find it just as helpful. 🙂

Medicinal Benefits and Studies of Elderberry Syrup

Unlike getting a flu shot, elderberry syrup has potent antiviral and antibacterial compounds that work WITH your immune system naturally.

Elderberry syrup has been made for centuries and has been praised for its immune boosting and flu fighting abilities. It is high in Vitamin C and also contains excellent amounts of Vitamin A, and B6. The levels of anthocyanins in elderberry boost our production of cytokines which increase the effectiveness of our immune response.

Elderberries also contain antiviral components and their high potency of bioflavonoids are believed to deactivate viruses.

A 1995 study in Panama published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that elderberry extract cut the length and severity of Influenza B in HALF compared the placebo group.

A 2004 study published in The Journal of International Medical Research found that elderly influenza patients receiving elderberry syrup, were relieved of their symptoms 4 times earlier than patients receiving the placebo:

Sixty patients (aged 18-54 years) suffering from influenza-like symptoms for 48 h or less were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study during the influenza season of 1999-2000 in Norway. Patients received 15 ml of elderberry or placebo syrup four times a day for 5 days, and recorded their symptoms using a visual analogue scale. Symptoms were relieved on average 4 days earlier and use of rescue medication was significantly less in those receiving elderberry extract compared with placebo. Elderberry extract seems to offer an efficient, safe and cost-effective treatment for influenza. These findings need to be confirmed in a larger study.”

EASY Homemade Elderberry Syrup (with Instant Pot option)

2/3 cup dried elderberries (find some HERE at Amazon)

3 1/4 cups water

3/4  cup honey (raw, local is best)

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp cloves

1/2 tsp ground ginger powder

Stove Top Directions:

1. Bring water to boil in a saucepan, add in elderberries and reduce to simmer.
2. Simmer for 45-60 minutes or until liquid has reduced by about half.
3. Let cool to warm and then strain through a sieve, cheesecloth, or muslin.
4. Add in honey and stir.
5. Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator.

Keeps in refrigerator for 4-6 weeks.

Instant Pot Directions:

1. Place all ingredients except for honey in your instant pot or electric pressure cooker.
2. Cook on normal high pressure for 10 minutes. Release pressure manually or allow to release naturally if time (I like to let my berries simmer a bit longer while the pressure releases.)
3. Remove pot insert and let cool to warm.
4. Strain through sieve, cheesecloth or muslin.
5. Add honey and stir.
6. Store in sealed jar in refrigerator.

Keeps in refrigerator for 4-6 weeks.

Dosage:

Preventative: 1 Tbsp/daily for adults, 1 tsp/daily for children over 1 year.

Illness Remedy: 1 Tbsp/2-3 hours for adults, 1-2 tsp/2-3 hours for children over 1 year.

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