Elderberries naturally contain A, B, and C and can aid in boosting the immune system and stimulating the immune system to help in fighting cold and flu. I make a organic homemade elderberry syrup that has been helpful in maintaining the health of my family. We take the  syrup daily during cold and flu season and doubles up if illness does hit.

Making it at home allows me to control what ingredients I put in my families bodies and it saves me money. As long the syrup is kept refrigerated it will last for about 30-45 days.  I spend around 30$ for enough supplies to make about 6 months of elderberry syrup.

I posted the recipe I use below. Hopefully this recipe will help you in your work to keep yourself and your family healthy. Some of the ingredients are optional such as the clove but I find using all of them pack more of a punch.

When I add honey to any healthy item I try to purchase local raw honey. Raw honey is honey that hasn’t been heated or pasteurized, and it contains natural vitamins, enzymes, antioxidants, and alot of other goodies. I like to use local because studies have shown that local honey also contains a blend of local pollen. This local pollen can strengthen a person’s immune system, and reduce pollen allergy symptoms. It is not mandatory to use local but I prefer it for all the benefits it presents.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or healthcare practitioner. These recipes are what I have used for my family. Please consult your doctor first to find out if these are appropriate for you and your children. 

Boost the Immune System with Elderberry Syrup

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Elderberries contain natural immune boosting ingredients. Try this homemade syrup to help boost your families immune system and naturally battle illness.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Active Time 1 hour

Additional Time 20 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Difficulty Easy-Moderate

Estimated Cost 30$

Materials

• Ingredients
• 2/3 cup Organic Dried Elderberries
• 3 1/2 cup Purified Water
• 2 tbls Ginger Root Can use powdered or freshly grated. I prefer grated
• 1 tbsp Organic Cinnamon Can use powdered or grate cinnamon sticks. You can also place about 1/2 a cinnamon stick in and let set
• 1/2 tbsp Cloves
• 1 cup Raw Honey

Tools

• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Saucepan
• Strainer
• Spoon
• Mason Jars or other airtight sealing container

Instructions

1. Pour water into medium saucepan and add elderberries, ginger, cinnamon and cloves.
2. Bring to a boil and then cover and reduce to a simmer. This usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour until the liquid has reduced by almost half. At that point, remove from heat and let cool to the point it can be handled safely.
3. Mush the berries carefully using a spoon or other flat utensil. I do this by placing them in a strainer over a bowl and mush so the juices pour thru into the bowl.
4. Discard the elderberries and let the liquid cool.
5. When the liquid is no longer hot add the honey and stir well.
6. Pour the syrup into a quart sized mason jar or 16 ounce glass bottle of some kind
7. Store in the fridge and take daily. 

Notes

Dosing

½ tsp to 1 tsp for kids daily

½ Tbsp to 1 Tbsp for adults daily

Take 5 days during the week and skip the weekend to help boost immunity. It is important to skip the weekend as this aids your bodies systems in regulating its own immune system.

If you do get a cold or the flu, take the normal dose every 2-3 hours instead of once a day until symptoms go away.

Hopefully you love this elderberry syrup recipe as much as I do. Keep in mind the honey is optional but it helps the taste. The recipe is fully able to be adjusted to make different amounts or fit taste. I make a large batch for my family of 6 but feel free to tweak as needed for your family.