Elderberry syrup is incredible easy to make and is for all family budgets & busy schedules.

When winter strikes, you don’t have time to be sick.  Your clients are calling. The kids want fed.  Your husband needs you.  The laundry doesn’t do itself (but that would be super cool…).

What if you could build up your immune system to avoid illness? What if you cut the duration of a cold or the flu in half if you did get sick?  What if you could reduce the typical symptoms with a bunch of berries, herbs and spices with about a 10 minute prep of an amazing concoction? Would you give it a try?

I’ve been making Elderberry Syrup for my clients all across the country for the last 4 years. It’s now one of our go-to natural wellness short-cuts that has been touted by my tribe to have cut colds in half and reduce symptoms of the flu.  It’s has been an amazing tool that is quick and easy to make.

Can you buy elderberry syrup from a store? Sure! For about 3-4x’s the cost and it’s loaded with high fructose corn syrup, corn, soy, wheat, gluten, alcohol, nuts, artificial colors and flavors, not to mention preservatives.

Yes!  You can buy elderberry syrup elsewhere but those pesky ingredients create toxins in your body (that replicate) and break down your immune system even farther because your body has to focus its energy on processing out the indigestible and synthetic ingredients since it can’t use it for fuel. And the prices – just ridiculous because they know there is a huge benefit in what they are selling.

The Benefits of Elderberry Syrup

I’ve created my secret elderberry syrup recipe because I’ve researched it to contain the best antioxidants to fight infections during cold and flu season, rivaling storefront options. In addition, the flavor profile is amazing with raw honey. Without, it’s quite bitter. I’m going to share with you the FOUNDATION of how to make elderberry syrup, below.

Elderberries are a very good source of fiber vitamin C (87%) and A (17%) and the syrup’s supporting ingredients are jam packed with other minerals and vitamins like iron, potassium, B6 and betacarotene – all incredible immune system support tools.

Herbalremediesadvice.org shares that
“In clinical trials, patients who took the elderberry juice syrup reported fast termination of symptoms. 20% reported significant improvement within 24 hours, 70% by 48 hours, and 90% claimed a complete cure after three days. Patients receiving the placebo required six days for recovery. As proof that elder has more to it than the enzyme-neutralizing constituents, researchers found that the patients who took it also had higher levels of antibodies against the flu virus”

Roschek Jr., Bill, Ryan C. Fink, Matthew D. McMichael, Dan Li, and Randall S. Alberte. “Elderberry Flavonoids Bind to and Prevent H1N1 Infection in Vitro.” Phytochemistry 70, no. 10 (2009): 1255–61. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2009.06.003.

 What is in Elderberry Syrup?

This is a basic elderberry syrup recipe that anyone can make.  It’s the base of my master-formulated signature blend that I’ve perfected over the years. I have a sample of the hundreds of testimonials on my “Where to Buy Elderberry Syrup” page and in my Facebook Community.The easy elderberry syrup recipe includes organic elderberries (sustainably sourced from a small farmer), ginger, cinnamon, cloves and local raw honey. All of these contains an amazing amount of antioxidants to fight whatever infection comes our way. Here’s the breakdown:

• Cinnamon: A high source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, cinnamon fights free radicals and stimulates the immune system. It can also be effective against viruses and the flu.
• Cloves: Loaded with antioxidants, clove reduces inflammation. Clove protects our filtration system via the liver,  is an expectorant to help break up mucous and quell coughs. It can also be used for diarrhea and relieve upper respiratory infections.
• Elderberries: Known as the “medicine chest for the common people,” it’s used for arthritic and pain management.  In addition to being an incredible fighter of viral and bacterial infections, it effectively boosting the immune system. Elderberries are also used for sinus pain.  They are purported to reduces the duration and severity of colds and flu.
• Ginger: It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Ginger can help break down the accumulation of toxins in your organs and cleanses the lymphatic system, our body’s sewage system.

Where to Buy Elderberry Syrup

If the thought of making your own elderberry syrup is still daunting and cost prohibitive (buying ingredients in bulk is expensive), I sell it to clients for a drastically reduce cost. You can buy elderberry syrup here.

Other resources to find herbs can be found in the resources section of my blog.

How to Make Elderberry Syrup

The instructions for how to make elderberry syrup are simple for both Instant Pot and Stovetop directions. Homemade elderberry syrup is much healthier for your body, full of all organic ingredients and void of synthetics. This recipe is inexpensive in comparison to elderberry syrup purchased from a grocery store.  I’ve included links to bulk products because quite honestly, you want to have these on hand to make over and over again in a minute’s notice and don’t want to be scrambling at the last second.

*Update: As of Oct 2018, the price per pound of elderberries is still incredibly expensive. I do expect a shortage of elderberries again this year, as many retailers and small businesses fell prey to last year. I also expect a shortage of all of the other ingredients listed below (and a corresponding price inflation) as more and more people become aware of this natural solution.  Despite the shortage, I stayed stocked without a price increase so not to worry.

Homemade Elderberry Syrup Ingredients:

• 1c    organic dried elderberries
• 1t     organic dried ginger root, cut and sifted
• 2      organic cinnamon sticks
• 5-6   organic whole cloves
• 4c    filtered water
• 1c    raw honey

Instructions on How to Make Elderberry Syrup on the Stovetop

• Add dry mix to 4c water in a saucepan.
• Bring to a boil and then simmer for 30 minutes until liquid reduces to half.
• Remove from heat and allow to come to a luke warm temp.
• Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl. Use a spatula to push the liquid out.
• Add 1c of local raw honey and stir well.
• Pour into a jar and refrigerate. It will keep for 3-4 mos if stored in the back of your fridge.

Instructions on How to Make Elderberry Syrup in the Instant Pot

• Fill the IP pot to the 4c line
• Add in dry mix
• Manual high pressure for 5 minutes
• Natural pressure release & let cool to luke warm.
• Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl. Use a spatula to push the liquid out.
• Add 1c of local raw honey and stir well.
• Pour into a jar and refrigerate. It will keep for 3-4 mos if stored in the back of your fridge.

How to Use Elderberry Syrup

Standard Dose: 1/2 – 1tsp for children over 1. 1-2T for adults. If illness occurs then take double the dose every 2-3 hours until your symptoms subside. CAUTION: Children under 1 year old should not consumer raw honey.

Questions? Join my Facebook Community dedicated to this topic: Trisha’s Elderberries