Mommy's Favorite Things: Natural Remedy: Elderberry Syrup Recipe



Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Natural Remedy: Elderberry Syrup Recipe



You all know how miserable the flu can be right? It's pretty terrible. 2 years ago the 3 of us all got sick with the Norovirus (not the real flu, but a different strain), it was terrible and we all got it one after the other so for a whole week one of us was sick. At that time I was just learning about Elderberry Syrup. I purchased a bottle on Amazon and I paid about $18 for an 8oz bottle. That was the sale price too.
Although this was worth it at the time and we started taking it and didn't get sick again the rest of that season (no colds or anything) once I learned I could make my own for a LOT cheaper I jumped on that chance.

Elderberries have been shown to prevent flu and speed recovery of those with the flu. It also helps lower cholesterol, improve vision, boost the immune system, improve heart health, and for coughs, colds, bacterial and viral infections and tonsillitis.


INGREDIENTS

I didn't have ginger root, so I used a bit of garlic instead and then some liquid echinachea! 

DIRECTIONS
Pour water in medium saucepan and add elderberries, ginger, cinnamon and cloves (NOT HONEY)


Bring to a boil and then cover and reduce heat to a simmer for 45m-1 hour until the liquid has reduced by almost half. At that point remove from heat and let cool enough to handle. Pour through strainer into glass jar or bowl.
Yes I was impatient and it was still hot :)

Discard the elderberries and let liquid cool to lukewarm.  When it is no longer hot add 1 cup honey and stir well.
When honey is well mixed in the mixture, pour the syrup into a pint size mason jar OR 16oz glass bottle of some kind.
I got 3, 8oz containers out of it :)

TA-DA!! You just make Elderberry syrup!

This must be refrigerated. 

Standard dose is 1/2tsp-1tsp for kids and 1/2tbsp-1tbsp for adults just take this ONCE a day! If the flu (or a cold) strikes take the normal dose every 2-3 hours instead of once a day until symptoms disappear. 

Before I take my dose I give the container a little shake and then I just take a small swig right out of the container. 

Avery loves taking her elderberry and now she will get this daily since she's in school. If Emerson gets sick I'll put it in a dropper for him and give him some. It's very tasty (even with the garlic!) and the kids will just devour it. Just make sure to keep it on a high shelf in the fridge so young kids can't reach it. I'm sure it wouldn't hurt them to drink more than the normal dose, but you don't want to take any chances. 

Have you ever taken elderberry syrup???

*Disclaimer- The information included in this post is intended for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. None of the opinions are meant to  diagnose or treat any disease or illness. 


113 comments:


Diane @ Philzendia said...

I've never heard of this. I love natural and herbal remedies and this is one I definitely have to try.


Unknown said...

I'd never heard of taking this before so it was quite an interesting read! Thanks for the heads up, I'm all about doing things holistically and in a preventative measure then relying on a doctors prescription. Thanks!


Michele Clarke said...

I have heard of this and looking for more suppliers. While MT Rose Herbs is lovely I want more choices.

Thanks for the recipe! How do you feel it's working?


Unknown said...

I've seen this in health food stores, I think it could be neat to try and make, where did you find elderberries?


Heather S said...

Link is in the post where it says Black Elderberries, Shannon


Mayela lozano said...

this is very interesting and new Pára porq I liked what I can do myself and q ingredients you can find in the market thanks for the recipe


judy gardner said...

i have not heard of this before but will keep the recipe for winter months!

velvetelvis46@yahoo.com


Sandy Cain said...

This is new to me. I have not heard of elderberry's medicinal properties before, but all too soon, the cold weather and flu (ugh!) will be here. I am saving this - hope I don't need it - but it's good to be prepared. Thank you! scain54 (at) aol (dot) com


freddie said...

I have never heard of this before and would love to try it. It will be nice to have something that every will like taking instead of running when they see the medicine bottle coming.


Unknown said...

I've always wondered how to make this. I might just have to try it now. Thank you! :)


GeorgiaBeckman said...

I have not taken elderberry syrup, but would love to make this to have on hand. When I was a child, the nice folks that owned the Christmas tree farm we went to annually always gave my dad a bottle of elderberry wine for Christmas. :)


DesiredOne said...

Love a natural remedy for any health problems. We are all here fighting some nasty bug as I type this. Sending hubby to store later, so I can make this.


Unknown said...

I will be making this for the fall and winter, just as soon as I can order some Elderberries! I love natural remedies. If this works, it will save me days and days of sick time (either out sick myself or taking care of sick kiddos)!


Unknown said...

I'd never heard that elderberries could do all of this! That $18 price tag isn't too good, but your recipe to make it at home is great. Thank you very much for posting it! Couple of questions... How much syrup does the recipe make? And in what do you store it and where?


Shayna said...

I have never tried elderberry syrup, I hate to take medication so having a healthy preventative measure to try is a great idea !!

shebebes@yahoo.com


Heather S said...

Yes $18 for a pre made bottle, but you can make this MUCH cheaper.
I bought 1 pound of elderberries from the website above for $12 (right now they're $10!!) and it will be enough for probably 6-8 batches for me.

I got 24oz out of what I made above
and you store it in the fridge.

I put mine in Mason Jars since they're easy to open close and take a sip out of (or use a spoon). But any sealed container would work well.


Unknown said...

I love this recipe and I made it last year when my son had the flu. I had gotten the vaccine but he cannot due to some medical issues he had as a child. He loves this soup and it seemed to make him feel better.


Unknown said...

I've never heard of this before. I have had a bug for 10 days now. Maybe I'll see if I can locate some Elderberries and try this out. Thanks!


Bri Sherman said...

I'd never heard of elderberries being able to kick sickness in the butt! Now I'm going to have to get my hands on some!


Dianna said...

Never knew you could really do anything with elder berries --just on the Walton's with the 2 sister and their specile recipe-- sounds good


Pam said...

I've been hearing more and more about the benefits of Elderberry. I haven't tried it myself, but I may in order to boost my immune system for flu season.


deniseyweesy said...

Honestly, for all the work, I think I'll stick with modern medicine!


ALee said...

I have never heard of this before, but sounds way better than many of the over the counter meds. Thank you!


Maryann D. said...

I do love natural remedies and natural products. I have never heard of Elderberry Syrup before. But it seems like it is fantastic for you. We do not get the flu much anymore, but I could use this to help with lowering cholesterol and boosting the immune system.
twinkle at optonline dot net


J. Olson said...

I have been hearing lots of great things about Elderberry lately and I will definitely be trying it out with this recipe! Thanks!


Jules Jessica said...

Ill have to remember this for the flu season!


Unknown said...

I have never heard of this but pinned the recipe and I am going to cook up a batch of this for the grandchildren and myself. Thanks for the recipe.


Unknown said...

This is awesome to know never heard of it but will be getting some for sure.


Unknown said...

This is very interesting! I wouldn't know where to buy elderberries. Maybe whole foods? Thanks for sharing!


Anonymous said...

I love natural/home remedies! This really sounds like a great one! My little girl is sooo picky. Getting her to take medicine is like pulling teeth, I'll definitely be giving this a try. Thanks!


elisesmom922 said...

Love a natural remedy for any health problems. My daughter tends to get sic, so may try this!


Unknown said...

I am always looking for 'natural' remedies for what ails us. I will be makingt this for the family however it looks like quite a bit of work...


Kristen said...

I have been looking for this recipe. THank you thank you thank you!


Anonymous said...

This looks great! Thanks for the share!


Puddles and Poop said...

I have never had elderberry. However, I am an emetophobe (fear of vomiting) so I might need to try this now during the stomach bug season! Thanks for the recipe too!

Erin K. (erinknack08@yahoo.com)


Marcia Lee said...

I will be making this, not only for prevention for colds and flu, but also to reduce my cholesterol. Thank you so much for sharing your recipe.


Charity said...

A natural remedy that actually tastes good! I'll have to try it!


Ashley-Raye said...

I definitely want to try this! Our family got the Norovirus last year and we were miserable.


Unknown said...

Wow! It's flu season - and I'm definitely going to give this a try. Thanks for the information.


Unknown said...

We've used elderberry flowers for natural remedies in the past, especially for facial use. I'm a huge fan of any natural remedy over store bought products.


Unknown said...

Never heard of this, but if prevents sickness I am all for it. We all get sick over the winter here in NE and I am tired of it!


Unknown said...

I love natural preventative remedies but I had never heard of this one. I can't wait to try this one.


Jen at A Heart Full of Love said...

I am going to have to try this. I am having surgery next month and absolutely can not get sick or they will postpone it. Thanks for sharing.


Rebecca009 said...

Omg so cool! Thanks for this, I have been trying to make everything in our cabinets. Love this!


PAFM1964 said...

This recipe looks like it would appeal to adults and children alike. Pretty easy to make too.


Shannon said...

This is interesting, I have never tried this...Pinning for later. Thanks for posting this.


Taylor Schell said...

brilliant! I'm all fit making it yourself if you can! (it being anything you can buy :p) thanks for the recipe I'm bookmarking this!


Marcia Lee said...

I still don't have the elderberries, but I am even more motivated now that more and more kids are sniffling and coughing in my after-school Good News Bible Club.


Unknown said...

Never heard of this, but my poor little guy seems to catch every bug that makes its round in the church nursery. My husband is about to go on deployment also, so I definitely don't need to come down sick or I would be in trouble. ;-)


Unknown said...

I have never even heard of elderberry syrup before, but if it can help me not get sick while pregnant I am willing to try it. Thanks for sharing!!


Unknown said...

This is great!


Mary Schuh said...

I've never even seen elderberries! Thanks for the recipe!


Unknown said...

It never occurred to me before that I could make this on my own. Thanks for sharing!


Unknown said...

I so need to try this!


Unknown said...

I'll try this the next time I get the flu!


Amy said...

Yes! Also works great for my littlest's asthma.


Unknown said...

Thank you for the step by step instructions! Ive been looking for a good recipe. I'll have to do this. thank you!


Kimberly B. said...

oh i would love to try this thanks:)


Unknown said...

I have never heard of this before. Since my family is always sick, I will have to check this out.


Yvonne W. said...

Oh wow I wish I could get my hands on some of this, this second, my poor hard working husband just emailed me from work and said he feels just absolutely awful and has flu like symptoms and that a lot of the people at his work don't feel well. He sure could use some Elderberry syrup right now apparently!

Thanks for sharing.

manifestmiracles@live.com


Kimberly said...

I will have to try this!


Shanna M said...

I love homemade things! Especially natural remedies, not sure if I can find elderberries around here though


Anonymous said...

This is the first I have ever heard of elderberry syrup. I want to try it out when they come into season!


Kathy P said...

I will have to try this out if I can find elderberries.I hate getting sick and this year it seems I was sick most of the winter :(


Tina Tapia said...

I love this recipe! We use elderberry syrup all the time, especially during the winter months for added immunity support. I've never tried to make it. I've had a hard time finding local honey however we just moved and I'm in the midst of farmland. Hoping to score some organic and local produce around here. Definitely keeping the recipe! Thank you!


clc408 said...

Elderberries grow wild all around here. I'll have to try this when they ripen this summer.


Unknown said...

I can't wait to try this! I'd love to prevent any colds that I can... moving to a new place has exposed me to new germs.


Shannon said...

I have never used this syrup, thank you for the review.


cmroberts said...

I have heard of Elderberry before but never knew much about it. Thanks so much for the info !!


shigdon said...

This is interesting. I don't know much about the natural remedies and such, but I may need to try this.


Unknown said...

Oh, super cool! I supplement with elderberry juice but I never thought about making my own. Thanks for the great step by step (:


Anonymous said...

I think I will try this.


tannawings said...

I remember my Grandmother making this and from what I recall it worked and didnt taste bad either. I havent tried making it myself but natural is always better!


sheila ressel said...

This is the first I've heard of an Elderberry tonic. I am definitely interested in using this since my hubby has high cholesterol and cannot handle medication.


Priscilla S. said...

I heard that Elderberry Syrup is not only good for beating the flu, but also for avoiding it altogether. I would love to make this recipe for the months going into winter to stay flu-free.


Anne Marie said...

I can buy elderberry concentrate locally but it's very expensive. Thanks for sharing this tutorial!


Unknown said...

This is a fantastic idea. I hope I can find elderberries!


Sarah Hayes said...

this is totally new to me but I could def give it a try. sounds neat


Christine said...

I notice you didn't specify what type of elderberry... fresh or dry. I have scoured many recipes and usually the recommendation is 1:1 fresh berry to water, or 1:2 dry berry to water.


Sandra Watts said...

I love elderberries. Gosh they bring back such childhood memories for me. We had so many where I grew up we were always mashing them up and making stuff out of them.


Sarah Matos said...

I am always looking for natural home remedies and will save this for the future.


Beth R said...

I had no idea you could make your own. I can't wait to give this a try


Unknown said...

I've heard of Elderberry Syrup before (my family on my Dad's side use all kind of homemade, as they call them, "elixers"! However, I didn't know that it was terrific for a cold or the flu! Guess they forgot to tell me that one! Can you purchase Elderberries at the regular grocery store? When are they "in season"? I would love to mix up a batch for my family considering we will normally get something in the winter! 2 kids in school, plus I'm a diabetic. This would be great to have on hand if we need it. How long can you keep it for in the fridge? Can it be frozen? I'm going to write down your recipe so that I have it (my printer is broke again!) Thanks so much for this recipe! I truly do appreciate it very much! Thanks again, Michele :)


Theresa said...

The herbalist at our community pharmacy recommended Elderberry tea for my cold. Now I have a recipe that sounds like it will taste delicious! I can't wait to try it.


Unknown said...

This sounds interesting. I would be willing to give it a try. I don't think it would hurt anything.


Connie Sowards said...

I would love to find elderberries so I could try to make this syrup.


barniebad said...

I love this Natural Remedy, Elderberries. I am going to get a bottle and help my family and prevent the flu and if does hit I will be prepared. It's also great to know how many other great uses it has. I will give them a try. Thanks for the tips.


Unknown said...

I have to admit I had never heard of Elderberry syrup for the flu. Now that I have, I am very excited about trying it!!


Kelly O said...

I am pinning this. I want to make this next summer, and can a bunch. Now that my whole family is sick, this would be great to have on hand.


burgerlady said...

I had no idea elderberries were so beneficial to health. Now to find a store that sells them...


Unknown said...

I have not thought about elderberry syrup in years. My Mama use to give it to me. Thanks for the recipe!


Unknown said...

I might try this elderberry syrup recipe. I love homemade stuff!


Unknown said...

never tried this before, but it looks amazing ill have to give it a try


Sandra Watts said...

This brings back memories. I used to pick elderberries all the time growing up. Love them!


kate mills said...

I love natural remedies and would love to give elderberry syrup a try. I actually found a recipe that called for it but I couldn't find it in stores so I can use it for cooking I imagine as well.


Unknown said...

I love that this is natural and so easy to make! Ty for posting such an amazing and useful recipe.


Unknown said...

Will fresh elderberries work? My neighbor has them now growing in his backyard. I'm just wondering if I could pop over and grab some.


tisme143 said...

when I was younger I have taken it so this would be nice to be able to make my own, so thanks for sharing your recipe :)


Amber Ludwig said...

I've heard so much about this on my natural mom's group!! I didn't know it was this easy to make!!! I'm definitely making it this fall so we can be ready :)


Jerry Marquardt said...

Thank you for the recipe, I would have never thought of this. Thanks for the share.


Unknown said...

I love this and am definitely trying it !!


Anonymous said...

I really like how this is made. I will be pinning this to make so we have it on hand when we need it.


Sweetpetunia said...

Oh! Great article. I've been wanting to make elderberry syrup for years and this is the first time anyone's linked to a site to actually purchase the elderberries. Your link is actually broken, btw, but it did lead to the site where I easily found them with their search box. Thank you so much. I gave elderberry syrup to my children years ago but it is so expensive. Hopefully these are gluten free so my son can have it too. Thanks!


honey_cup18 said...

We use elderberry in our house especially in the wintertime around cold and flu season. It keeps us from getting sick and if someone does, it wont last long and doesn't get passed around the house. Plus it reminds me of the syrup from Mary Poppins. Does anyone else get that?


tisme143 said...

I have never made this before,but am going to look for the ingredients that I need so I can make it on my own :) so happy I found this,, thanks


justwin4once said...

I have never tried this, but it might be worth a shot.


Beth said...

Might need to try this homemade version!


Unknown said...

I am so so glad I found this. I have been looking for a recipe for this. Thank you for posting.


tisme143 said...

I would love to make my own , for the winter time, We had so many illnesses this winter it was unbearable at times.. I really like that I can do this at home.


Michelle Elizondo said...

Very cool recipe.


Amy D said...

Thanks for the recipe. I spend a lot of money on the prepackaged elderberry syrup for my family. I didn't realize making my own syrup was so easy.


Gluten Free Celiac said...

I have never tried elderberry syrup. It seems like a pretty easy recipe.


Antoinette M said...

I have never heard of elderberry syrup for flu. Thanks for the recipe.