Elderberry is one of my most used herbal remedies during the cold season. A variety of recipes to boost your immunity and taste delicious. I make DIY elderberry marshmallows, tea, and even kombucha. This easy elderberry syrup recipe is a great way to get all the benefits!
dried fruit Sambucus nigra Plants are naturally rich in antioxidants that help with colds and flu. You can use it in a variety of remedies, but my favorite is this simple elderberry syrup.
Elderberry: A natural remedy for colds and flu?
There is definitely a time and place for general medicine and doctor visits. Unfortunately, there isn’t much that conventional medicine can do for the common cold or even a mild flu.
If you or your child has ever had a cold or flu, you know how miserable it can be. Especially for mothers. It’s terrible to see your child feeling so bad that you can’t fix it. Fortunately, nature provides us with remedies that can help. And when we get it, it helps shorten the period.
Studies have shown that black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) may help prevent these diseases. It may also help speed up recovery time in people who already have it. I have also found that elderberry provides some relief from the discomfort caused by minor illnesses.
Benefits of Elderberry
Elderberries naturally contain vitamins A, B, and C and stimulate the immune system. Israeli researchers have discovered that elderberry has powerful effects against colds and flu. Their complex sugars have been clinically shown to help support the immune system. It can cut your recovery time by more than half!
Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu of Hadassah-Hebrew University in Israel discovered that elderberry neutralizes the enzyme viruses use to invade healthy cells in the lining of the nose and throat. Taking it before an infection may help prevent it. If taken after infection, it can help prevent the spread of the virus through the respiratory tract. In clinical trials, 20% of study subjects reported significant improvement within 24 hours, 70% claimed complete cure by 48 hours, and 90% within 3 days. In contrast, subjects who received a placebo needed six days to recover.
Elderberry Syrup Recipe with Honey
Elderberry Syrup delivers the intensive immune support benefits of black elderberry. Plus, it tastes good! My recipe uses homemade elderberry concentrate and synergistic herbs like cinnamon and ginger. Raw honey is also added for an extra immunity boost. If you can’t or won’t use honey, see substitution suggestions below the recipe.
- Start by gathering your ingredients. I use ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, elderberries and raw honey. Cinnamon sticks and whole cloves also work.
- Pour water into a medium saucepan and add elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Bring to a boil, then uncover and simmer for about 30 minutes or until the liquid is reduced by half.
- Turn off the heat and let it cool until it becomes lukewarm. Using a spoon or other flat tool, carefully mash the berries.
- Pour through a strainer or cheesecloth into a glass jar or bowl. Discard the elderberries.
- Once the liquid is no longer hot, add a cup of honey and stir well.
- Once the honey is well incorporated into the elderberry mixture, pour the syrup into a mason jar or jar.
Why make your own elderberry syrup?
First of all, you will save a lot of money!
You can buy natural elderberry syrup at health food stores or online. However, it typically costs about $15 or more for 4 to 8 ounces. This recipe makes 16 ounces for a lot less money and the kids love the taste! You can also completely customize this recipe according to your needs and taste preferences.
Don’t have any dried elderberries? There are also elderberry syrups that are perfect for making great pre-made elderberry gummies. However, these supplements cost more. Also, if you have fresh or frozen elderberries, use double the amount in the recipe.
This recipe makes elderberry syrup easy!
Elderberry Syrup Recipe
A simple elderberry syrup recipe made with dried elderberries, honey, and herbs for an immune-boosting and delicious syrup. You can use it medicinally or in homemade pancakes or waffles.
Pour water into a medium saucepan and add elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
Bring to a boil, then uncover and simmer for about 30 minutes or until the liquid is reduced by half.
Turn off the heat and let it cool until it becomes lukewarm.
Using a spoon or other flat tool, carefully mash the berries.
Pour through a strainer or cheesecloth into a glass jar or bowl. Discard the elderberries.
Once the liquid is no longer hot, add a cup of honey and stir well.
Once the honey is well incorporated into the elderberry mixture, pour the syrup into a mason jar or jar.
Ta-da! I just made homemade elderberry syrup! Store it in the refrigerator and consume it daily to have an immune-boosting effect.
Nutrition Facts
Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Amount per serving (1 teaspoon)
calorie 14
% Daily Value*
province 0.01g0%
Saturated fat 0.001g0%
Polyunsaturated fat 0.004g
Monounsaturated fat 0.001g
sodium 1mg0%
potassium 7mg0%
carbohydrate 4g1%
0.1 g fiber0%
3g sugar3%
protein 0.03g0%
Vitamin A 7IU0%
Vitamin C 0.5 mg1%
calcium 1mg0%
steel 0.04 mg0%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
The standard dosage is ½ to 1 teaspoon for children and ½ to 1 tablespoon for adults. If you have the flu, take your regular dose every 2 to 3 hours instead of once a day until your symptoms go away.
Are you more of a visual person?
Here is a one-minute tutorial video on how to make elderberry syrup.
What does elderberry syrup look/taste like?
I find that the elderberry itself has a slightly sour taste, like grape juice. But honey turns it into a sweet and delicious syrup. Unlike some store-bought versions or syrups made with sugar, this one is thinner. So don’t be surprised if your elderberry syrup looks more liquidy!
What is the difference between elderberry syrup and elderberry juice?
This recipe makes a strong elderberry tea or concentrate mixed with honey. Traditionally, herbal syrups are typically made using herbal tea and sugar to create a thick syrup. This version is thinner because it is made with raw honey. However, elderberry juice is simply juice squeezed from fresh elderberries.
How long does homemade elderberry syrup last?
The short answer is that it really depends. I found that if I put the finished syrup in a canning jar while it was warm, it would block the air. This will allow them to last longer in the refrigerator, up to several months. Typically, it will last about 2 weeks in the refrigerator. I generally freeze anything I won’t be using during that time. You can also freeze some in ice cube trays and thaw small amounts as needed.
Fresh Elderberry Syrup Recipe
You can also harvest fresh elderberries and grow your own elderberry bushes. However, it is important to make sure you are growing the right plants. We also recommend working with a local herbalist to find and harvest fresh elderberries. Be sure to harvest only the fruit. The stems and leaves are toxic.
Where is the best place to order elderberries?
We do not have a local distributor, so we have always placed bulk orders from online distributors. (Order early because they always sell out in the fall!) You can find wild harvested or organic elderberries here. If you want to buy the whole kit, our friends at Kombucha Kamp have a great kit for sale.
What is elderberry syrup used for?
My family uses it as a preventive remedy during the height of cold and flu season, taking 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per day. If you have a mild illness, double or triple your dose until you feel better. Elderberry is commonly used for immune support and can be used year-round as needed for its health benefits.
Elderberry’s unique and complex flavor makes this syrup a great ingredient in certain recipes. I made elderberry panna cotta by replacing the sweetener with elderberry syrup. It can also be a delicious topping for homemade ice cream or pancakes.
How much elderberry syrup should I take every day?
This is actually an important question for any herbalist or natural health care provider. Personally, I take 1 teaspoon per day for adults and give half to my children. During illness, this amount doubles or triples.
Elderberry Syrup Ingredients and Substitutes
I prefer to use locally produced raw honey whenever possible, but store-bought raw honey will also work. I also use fresh ginger here, but you can use powdered ginger if you have it (reduce the amount to 1/2 teaspoon). And cinnamon sticks and whole cloves can be replaced with herbal powder.
If you want to use ground elderberries, use about 1/2 cup instead of 2/3 cup in the recipe. I’ve used it before when I couldn’t get whole elderberries.
Is there a honey substitute for elderberry syrup?
Some people prefer not to use sweetener. Honey is also not recommended for babies under 1 year of age. Some easy substitutions include:
- Instead of honey, use maple syrup or nutrient-dense molasses.
- Omit the sweetener altogether (this will force you to consume the elderberry juice much more quickly).
- Make elderberry tincture for adults. Mix equal parts concentrated elderberry syrup with food-grade alcohol, such as vodka or brandy, instead of sweetener. This is definitely not for children, but it is a sweetener-free elderberry extract option for adults.
Can elderberries be reused?
Reuse is not recommended. Ideally, boiling or mashing removes many of the nutrients from the fruit. Additionally, there is some evidence that consuming large amounts of whole berries may be problematic.
We have more elderberry recipes on the blog, including elderberry kombucha and elderberry tea. You can also use the syrup to make elderberry jelly!
This article has been medically reviewed. Dr. Scott Soerries, MDHe is the medical director of Family Medicine and SteadyMD. As always, this is not individual medical advice and you are advised to consult your own physician.
Have you ever tried elderberry? Would you like to try this recipe? What natural methods do you use to prevent disease?
