This post is all about how to make the best immune boosting elderberry syrup.

This best ever immune boosting elderberry syrup recipe is my go-to every year when we are headed into the winter months or basically every time I hear my kid start coughing, I get the ingredients and whip this up in no time! Not only is this elderberry syrup good for cold and flu season, its great all year round anytime you’re needing an immune boost. I give this to my kiddos ages 2+ (because this recipe consists of honey) and I fully believe it helps to combat those sick germs that float around school.

Sick season can be super stressful for anybody for many reasons, but it is especially for me with little ones so this elderberry syrup is something you will always find made and ready to go during the fall and winter months.

 

The Best Immune Boosting Elderberry Syrup

Elderberries are known to be a natural immune booster and have so many benefits for our health.

Health benefits elderberries can give

• Helps fight colds
• Provides antioxidant support
• Promotes heart health
• Provides vitamin C
• Reduces inflammation
• Helps to lower blood sugar
• Promotes healthy skin
• Eases allergies
• Helps to reduce the symptoms and duration of a cold or the flu

And that’s just to name some, there’s so many more good things elderberries can help with in our bodies!

Like me, I’m sure you have seen a gummy form of elderberry sold on the shelves in stores, however in my opinion this recipe is much more beneficial than the store bought versions so even though purchasing one is much easier than making a recipe (cause trust me, us mamas have no time for anything it feels), you wont regret spending the extra time making this syrup yourself.

Before we get into the recipe, please remember that you must not ever consume the raw berries before cooking as they can be toxic and can cause unwanted side effects. So remember– always cook them first!

How to make elderberry syrup

First you want to put your elderberries in a medium-large pot and add in your water

 

Next we will add in our cloves, ginger root, and cinammon sticks

Bring this to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer, for about 30 minutes or until about half of the amount of original water is gone.

When our water level has simmered down about half the amount it was, you will strain through a small-holed strainer or colander (so the seeds don’t fall through the holes) into a bowl, while mashing the berries with the back of a spoon to ensure all juice is out of the berries, into the bowl.

Once you have strained it all into a bowl, transfer it into a glass container (mason jars work great!) with a lid to keep in the fridge.

Once it’s in the jar and is cooled, add your honey and give it a couple swirls to mix it in.

And there you have it, homemade elderberry syrup! When I’m ready to take it or give to my kids, I dip a syringe in and get out however much I need.

 

Recipe

• 1 1/2 cups elderberries
• 10 cups water
• 5-6 whole cloves
• 2-3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tbsp ginger root
• 1/2 cup raw honey

Instructions 

1. In a medium-large pot, bring your elderberries, water, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger to a boil.
2. Reduce your heat to a simmer and let cook for about 30 minutes or until the water has reduced by half of it’s original amount.
3. Let liquid sit for about 5-10 minutes and strain the liquid into a bowl using a colander or strainer with small holes so that the berries can’t fall through.
4. Use the back of a spoon to press on the berries to extract as much of the liquid as possible.
5. Transfer liquid into an airtight glass container (mason jars work great for me)
6. Allow to cool and then add in your honey
7. Give your liquid some mixes to mix your honey in well
8. Store in refrigerator for up to two months

For dosage amounts, 1 tablespoon for adults and 1 teaspoon for kids ages one and older (since this recipe contains honey). When sick, these dosages can be taken multiple times throughout the day to give the immune system extra boosts!