Elderberry syrup is especially great for the fall and winter months. I have been making elderberry syrup for years now, following the same original recipe as always. It is so easy to make, tastes amazing and is great for adults and kids over the age of one.
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Elderberry Syrup
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ESSENTIAL OILS
I make sure my medicine cabinet is always stocked with the top 10 oils that I use for making my immune-boosting roller bottle, which we use a lot of when we aren’t feeling our best.
Learn more about essential oils and their benefits with my free class.
GARLIC
Garlic is a natural antibiotic and can be very effective at fighting environmental threats and boosting the immune system. I keep fresh garlic, garlic pills, and liquid garlic on hand for when we are exposed or not feeling well.
We use garlic for ear discomforts and when we want to boost our immune systems naturally.
ELDERBERRIES
Elderberries are loaded with vitamins A, B, and C making them great for stimulating the immune system and keeping us healthy throughout the winter.
HAND SANITIZER
I also make a bottle of my hand sanitizing spray for my husband to take to work and one for my purse. We also keep an extra bottle of hand sanitizer gel to have on hand while we are out and about.
As always, be sure to be drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep, and eating a healthy diet. These things play a crucial role in staying well.
HOW TO MAKE ELDERBERRY SYRUP
Making elderberry syrup is very easy to do! You can buy it, but it is much cheaper to make your own. It is best to use local elderberries if you have access to them. If not, you can purchase dried elderberries on Amazon.
You will need essential oils or dried spices and herbs, raw honey, filtered water, and dried elderberries. Just like it is best to use local dried elderberries, it is also best to use local raw honey.
Thankfully, we live close to an Amish community that sells local raw honey. If you don’t have a source close to you, this honey is my favorite.
You won’t need any fancy tools to make elderberry syrup. All you will need is a pot and a strainer. That’s it, friends.
ELDERBERRY SYRUP FOR TODDLERS
As always, consult with a doctor before trying anything new with your own kids.
This elderberry syrup recipe is made with honey, so it is NOT safe for babies under the age of 1. If you want to give a younger child elderberry syrup, you can buy a syrup made without honey. Or you can substitute the honey for maple syrup or molasses.
When I have a nursing baby under the age of one, I make sure to be taking my daily dose so the baby can get it through my milk.
My kids love the taste of elderberry syrup and rarely let me forget to give them their daily dose. I have also made elderberry gummy bears, which they absolutely love.
HOW MUCH ELDERBERRY SYRUP SHOULD I TAKE?
To prevent environmental threats and keep our immune system boosted, we will take it up to several times a week.
Children can take one teaspoon and adults can take one tablespoon.
During the cooler months, we take elderberry syrup 3-5 days a week.
ELDERBERRY BENEFITS
Elderberries naturally contain vitamins A, B, and C and stimulate the immune system. In addition, they boost the immune system to protect against environmental threats. This syrup is delicious and makes it easy to get the immune-supporting benefits of elderberries.
- Powerful immune booster
- Clear skin and helps with acne
- Anti-aging, reduce wrinkles and fine line
- Supports a healthy digestive system
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve joint and muscle pains
- Protect the heart
- Reduce stress
- High in vitamins and antioxidants
ELDERBERRY SYRUP RECIPE
INGREDIENTS
- 2/3 cup dried black elderberries
- 3 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons fresh or dried ginger root
- 2 drops cinnamon essential oil
- 2 drops clove essential oil
- 2 drops wild orange essential oil
- 1 cup raw honey
DIRECTIONS
- Add water, elderberries, and ginger to a medium-size saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Once it is cooled, mash the elderberries with a spoon to get all the juices out and into the liquid.
- Strain the liquid into a mason jar (or into your storage container) and discard the elderberries. I give them to my chickens!
- Add the honey and essential oils when liquid is completely cool.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
NOTES: If you prefer not to use essential oils, you can omit them and add dried cinnamon spice and ground cloves. If you are making this recipe for a child under the age of 1, substitute the honey with maple syrup or molasses.
How to Make Elderberry Syrup
Equipment
- saucepan
- Mason jar
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup dried black elderberries
- 3 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons fresh or dried ginger root
- 2 drops cinnamon essential oil
- 2 drops clove essential oil
- 2 drops wild orange essential oil
- 1 cup raw honey
Instructions
- Add water, elderberries, and ginger to a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a boil and then cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Once it is cooled, mash the elderberries with a spoon to get all the juices out and into the liquid.
- Strain the liquid into a mason jar (or into your storage container) and discard the elderberries. I give them to my chickens!
- Add the honey and essential oils when liquid is completely cool.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Katharina says
What amount do I use if I have fresh elderberries instead of dried?
Lisa Puckett says
I am watching my carb in take for health reasons and I cant have honey but can have maple syrup and coconut sugar. Do you happen to know what the carb count is for the mixture?
Laura says
I am not sure.
Tammy Lambert says
How long will this last in the refrigerator? Thank you.
Laura says
We keep it for 2 weeks and then make a new batch.
Paula says
How are we supposed to use it? Specially for the kids ? Thank you 😊
Laura says
I have specific directions for use in the post for children and adults.
Children can take one teaspoon and adults can take one tablespoon.
During the cooler months, we take elderberry syrup 5 days a week and take off two.
Stephanie says
hi there!
I am seeing 2 almost identical recipes…one says 3 cups water and the other says 2 cups of water…
Just wondering what the reasoning is?
Thanks!
Laura says
3 cups
Sandra says
I really want to make this recipe but I don’t want to ingest essential oils. Can you please give equivalent in using dried herbs, cinnamon, cloves, wild orange. Thanks so much.
Laura says
I would do a teaspoon of each.
Lucie says
I never had elderberry syrup before. I heard it’s good for this time of year for cold and flu‘s. wondering if you could use less honey or if I have to use any at all? Is the honey for taste and a preservative for the Elderberries? How long will this keep in the fridge? Thanks😊
Laura says
Elderberry is very bitter without the honey and raw honey has a lot of great benefits too! We will keep it for about a month in the fridge.
Mari says
Hi! I love all of your diys! Quick question. I don’t have ginger root and frankly at this moment I try to avoid the grocery store . But I do have ground ginger. Can I use that instead of the ginger root? If so, how much? Thank you!
Laura says
Yes you can! 1/2 teaspoon