Boost your immune system with this elderberry syrup recipe

Autumn is just around the corner. When kids are bringing all sorts of exciting new germs home from the playground, everyone seems to be on the verge of one cold or the next, and seriously— who the heck has time to be sick?? Cooler weather usually means I’m personally teetering on the edge of illness most of the season, but elderberry syrup (+ a hot toddy and a good night's sleep!) is the one tool in my arsenal that keeps my immune system up & at 'em!

The berries of the Sambucus nigra plant are naturally high in immune-boosting compounds that are shown to help beat the cold and flu more quickly. For those of you who don’t fancy yourselves natural medicine savvy, and would rather a doctor’s visit to clear your symptoms — I see you. There is absolutely a time and a place for a doctor’s visit.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much that conventional medicine can do for a common cold or even a mild case of the flu. So that means resting and waiting ….

Fortunately, our friend elderberry is ready to speed recovery along.

Elderberries naturally contain vitamins A, B, and C and stimulate the immune system.

There are many ways to take your daily dose of elderberry — but syrup is my all time fave.

Why should you make it? Sure, you can grab a bottle of elderberry syrup or gummies at the local health food store. But making the syrup is SO easy and it just takes a few ingredients. If you use it religiously like me, it’ll save you a pretty penny. And making your own medicine is incredibly empowering.

Here’s my recipe (a variation of the recipe found on Wellness Mama) I add brandy to extend the shelf life and kill some extra germs, but feel free to leave it out if you’re making it for little ones or adults who don’t drink.

Ingredients

3½ cups water
2/3 cup black elderberries (dried, or 1 1/3 cups fresh or frozen)
2 TBSP ginger (grated)
1 tsp cinnamon (or 1-2 sticks)
½ tsp cloves
1 cup raw honey
½ cup brandy

Instructions

Dried elderberries & the finished product

Pour the water into a medium saucepan and add the elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
Bring to a boil and then cover and reduce to a simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour until the liquid has reduced by almost half.
Remove from heat and let cool until it is cool enough to be handled.
Mash the berries carefully using a spoon or other flat utensil.
Pour through a strainer into a glass jar or bowl.
Discard the elderberries and let the liquid cool to lukewarm.
When it is no longer hot, add the honey and brandy and stir well.
When the honey is well mixed into the elderberry mixture, pour the syrup into a mason jar or 16 ounce glass bottle of some kind.
You just made homemade elderberry syrup! Store in the fridge and take daily for its immune boosting properties.

Where is the best place to order elderberries?

You can purchase elderberries at your local health food store or herb shop, or order them in bulk online.

How do I use it? When do I take it?

I take it by the spoonful! It’s delicious. Many sources recommend taking 1/2-1 TBS per day, or as needed.

What does it taste like?

Pretty much what you might expect, like a berry syrup with a hint of ginger & cinnamon. You can also add other herbs, orange peel, etc. to taste!

Where to buy?

If you want all of the benefits of elderberry syrup without the work — I HIGHLY suggest checking out the syrups and other immune supportive products at Peace & Harmony Farm. Theresa at Peace & Harmony is a magnificent herbalist and medicine woman who handcrafts beautiful elderberry syrup in small batches. She ships all across the U.S. and I know from experience that her syrup is made with love. You can taste it!

Buy it here + stay healthy, babes!

All my love,

G 💋

Descriptions and information are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease or illness. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.