DIY Elderberry Syrup
Eldberry Syrup is not the cheapest and is so easy to make! Why not give it a try XO
Elderberry has been a staple in our “medicine” cabinet for years now! We always like to have some on hand to help boost our immune system when sick and also to use it preventatively. It’s definitely great especially for the fall and winter seasons. When one of the kiddies is sick, I always give it to everyone to help prevent the spread within the house if possible. Elderberry has SO many benefits.
Here are just a few of them:
fight and protect against bacterial infections
fight and protect against viral infections
reduce the symptoms and duration of a cold or the flu
helps clear sinus infections
has natural diuretic effects and promotes bowel movements
anti-inflammatory properties
anti-carcinogenic properties
eases symptoms of allergies
high in antioxidants
high in vitamin A, which makes it great for healthy skin
Here is the recipe I have used and tailored to our liking! (sweet but not too sweet)- This will yield one big mason jar full.
1 1/2 cup dried elderberries
6 cups water
1 teaspoon dried cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon dried cloves or 4 whole cloves or 3 drops clove essential oil
1 tablespoon fresh ginger or 1 teaspoon dried ginger or 2 drop ginger essential oil
3 tablespoons (I add at the end and just sweeten to taste)
Instructions
Mix elderberries, water, cinnamon, cloves & ginger in a pot and bring to a boil. When boiling, cover and bring to a simmer. Let simmer for 40-45 minutes. You will notice the liquid start to condense. No need to watch the pot or fixate on the time.
Drain elderberries from the water. Make sure you press all the water out of the elderberries and get all the goodness. You can throw out the berries (we gave ours to our chickens and they ate them up!)
Let the liquid slightly cool. When warm add in the honey to taste. Every batch I make I add in a different amount of honey to taste.
Store in a mason jar in the fridge!
You can purchase your dried eldeberries on Amazon here or source them locally: Dried Eldeberries
OR
If you are not in the mood to make it, this is the brand of elderberry I purchase for our family: Elderberry Syrup
Happy Fall!
