As cold and flu season rolls around, we all search for ways to strengthen our immune systems and fend off those pesky germs. But what if there was a natural remedy that could not only support your health but taste delicious too? Enter Homemade Elderberry Honey Syrup - Natural Remedy! An essential for the long winter season.
Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and immune-boosting properties, elderberry syrup is a powerhouse of wellness that’s been used for centuries to fight off colds, coughs, and even the flu. Homemade remedies, easily made with just a handful of simple ingredients, this homemade syrup is a total game changer for your family’s health.
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Not only is it a simple recipe, but it’s also a great alternative to store-bought cough syrups, which often contain added sugars and artificial ingredients. Plus, you can adjust the sweetness and spice level to fit your taste! Whether you’re trying to prevent illness or soothe a sore throat, elderberry syrup is a must-have in your natural medicine cabinet during the long winter months. Ready to boost your immunity the tasty way? Let’s dive into this homemade elderberry syrup recipe!
Why Elderberry?
There are many benefits of elderberries. Elderberry has medicinal properties and has been used for years in herbal medicine for medicinal purposes with many health benefits. It is high in vitamin C and well known for its antiviral and powerful antioxidants which help fight off infections. Elderberry can boost the immune system by reducing inflammation which can shorten the severity and duration of colds and flu. Furthermore, elderberry has been used to affectively treat pain and inflammation. What a powerful superfood!
Why Honey?
Like elderberries, honey has antioxidant properties. In addition, its anti-bacterial properties of the raw honey and anti-inflamitory properties assist in wound healing and digestive health. Honey has A lower glycemic index than regular sugar, which makes it a great alternative to regular table sugar in natural remedies. In addition, It contains soothing properties that can soothe sore throats and coughs. All that said, honey makes this the perfect ingredient for a homemade cough syrup!
Looking for other recipes that use honey? Check out these homemade frozen yogurt pops here!
Ingredients
- Elderberries - fresh elderberries or dried elderberries will work. Just be sure fresh berries are cleaned and free of stems and leaves. Most local health food store will carry elderberries.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Honey - raw local honey is always the best option, but any honey will do.
- Water - distilled water is the bet option.
- Cinnamon (optional)
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: In a medium sized saucepan, combine elderberries, cinnamon, and 4 cups water. Over medium heat, bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Liquid should reduce to about half.
Step 2: Using a potato masher, mash the berries. Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the berry components from the liquid.
Step 3: Stir the honey into the liquid elderberry juice until dissolved. Next, stir in the apple cider vinegar. Transfer to a glass jar with a lid. Let cool at room temperature.
Substitutions
Maple syrup can be substituted for the honey, but will lack in the benefits compared to the fresh raw local honey. Frozen elderberries can be used rather than dried elderberries.
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Fine Mesh Strainer
- Glass Jar and Lid
- Potato Masher
Storage
Store homemade elderberry syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two months.
How to use Homemade Elderberry Syrup
For preventable measures - take one tablespoon (adults) or 1 teaspoon (children under 12) of syrup daily during cold and flu season.
While battling illness - take one tablespoon (adults) or 1 teaspoon (children under 12) of syrup every 3 hours until cold or flu symptoms improve or during the duration of cold symptoms.
Pro Tip
For kids, try freezing the Homemade Elderberry Honey Syrup - Natural Remedy in these sucker molds for a “sweet treat” that naturally boosts their immune system as well.
Also, homemade electrolyte pops, bone broth, and cough drops suckers (coming soon)!
FAQ
It can last in a tightly sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 12 weeks.
The leaves, bark, and uncooked fruit can be toxic.
Yes, if you use ripe, cooked elderberries.
Homemade Elderberry Honey Syrup - Natural Remedy
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Fine Mesh Strainer
- Glass Jar and Lid
- Potato Masher
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried elderberries (3 cups fresh)
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- 4 cups water distilled
- 1 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon optional
Instructions
- In a medium sized saucepan, combine elderberries, cinnamon, and 4 cups water. Over medium heat, bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Liquid should reduce to half.
- Using a potato masher, mash the berries. Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the berry components from the liquid.
- Stir the honey into the liquid elderberry juice until dissolved. Next, stir in the apple cider vinegar. Transfer to a glass jar with a lid. Let cool at room temperature.
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