Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe With Raw Honey

Homemade Elderberry Syrup is a natural anti-viral and remedy to the common cold and flu and is a cinch to make at home using only a handful of ingredients and saves you a lot of money.

Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe With Raw Honey

Prep Time: 5 Minutes Cook Time: 30 Minutes Total Time: 35 Minutes Servings: 22 Ounces

One of the most potent natural remedies I have in my home is my jar of Homemade Elderberry Syrup. My kids will often say; “I don’t feel good or my throat is sore”. Out it comes to the rescue. I start hearing the words “Flu Season” and we started taking a daily dose for prevention. 

I first started purchasing elderberry in a little 8- 8-ounce jar from my local health food market for $11.99. OUCH! Right? Being the savings queen I have put a stop to that extravagant spending. I started researching research articles for recommended dosages, not just based on what my little bottle stated. I pulled information on the ingredients too.  

Elderberry syrup has been known to fight off both type A and B flu viruses as well as all types of swine and avian flu.

It is just fantastic stuff. I know you will agree. And if you are looking for a tea that will help perk you up, you can also try this Homemade Ginger Root Tea.

Ingredients Needed for Recipe

• 3/4 cup Dried Elderberries – not fresh berries
• 1 cup Raw Organic Local Honey
• 1/3 cup Raw Unfiltered Vinegar
• 2 Cinnamon sticks
• 6 Whole Cloves
• 1 tbsp Fresh or 1 tsp Ground Ginger
• 3 cups of water

What are Wild Elderberries?

Elderberries are the fruit of the Sambucus tree. The most common type is Sambucus nigra.

This tree contains clusters of small white or cream elderflowers. Once flowers are pollinated they will be replaced with small blue or black elderberries in early fall.

The Health Benefits – Elderberry Syrup

New research on taking Elderberry syrup for the treatment of the common cold to even the flu has been proven effective. The newest report states that the substances present in elderberries can stop an influenza virus from entering and replicating in human cells. 

Isn’t this news amazing?

Elderberries – Packed with antioxidants and vitamins (including Vitamin C) that may boost your immune system. The USDA has compiled a database on the antioxidants in food and lists elderberries as a standout. Foods are measured by their “ORAC values,” or their Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity. For a quick comparison, blueberries, a popular antioxidant fruit, have a total ORAC value of  4,700. The total ORAC value of elderberries is 14,700 — the second-highest antioxidant fruit in the database. Incredible!

Local Raw Honey – contains an array of plant chemicals that act as antioxidants. Plus research has shown that local raw honey can kill unwanted bacteria and fungi. Honey is used in folk medicine.

Apple Cider Vinegar – This can boost your immune system and lower blood sugar levels. It does not contain many vitamins, but contains some amino acids and antioxidants.

Should I Use Dried or Fresh Elderberries?

Fresh elderberries are very hard to come by when not in season. You can typically find fresh elderberries out in nature or at your local health food store. Unless you are well-versed in berry identification, I do not recommend taking a walk in your backyard to search out and pick berries.

There are many berries that look similar in shape and size but are not edible. Elderberries can be toxic if picked and eaten unripened. The best way to acquire them is by purchasing them in-store.

Dried elderberries can be readily available. They store well and you can conveniently grab them as needed to make small batches of syrup that will remain fresh and potent before you need to make another batch. I do purchase mine through my local health food store as I often get coupons.

I do prefer the brand Frontier Organic Elderberries. Which can be purchased online as well. Price Point – Dried Elderberries purchased in bulk by the pound can cost between $15 – $27.99.

Prices will fluctuate based on supply and demand. I have found that the higher price point exists during the cold and flu season. One pound of elderberries contains 4 cups of dried measured. 

Currently (Nov 2024) my local health food store is selling dried elderberry for $27.99 per lb. The highest I have seen it. It is cheaper to purchase online right now. 

How to Use Elderberry Syrup Recipe

I recommend taking your homemade elderberry syrup at the first sign of illness. Feeling a little tickle in your throat? Pull out your syrup. If you are around people who are feeling under the weather, start taking your elderberry syrup to prevent you from getting sick. 

Best Way to Store Your Syrup

Once the syrup is completely cooled, store it in a glass air-tight container. Since this recipe contains no preservatives, it is important to store it in the refrigerator. Based on personal experience only, I have been able to store mine for just about 3 months. 

Freezing your syrup will lengthen its life. You can store it in the freezer for up to a year. 

Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe

This homemade elderberry syrup recipe is easy and worth the effort for the money savings. 

Important Tips

• The raw honey and vinegar are added as the last step after the cooking process. The high temperature of the cooking process will damage the antiviral and antibacterial properties of each ingredient.  
• If making for a child less than 12 months of age, you can substitute honey for maple syrup or agave syrup. 

How to Make Homemade Elderberry Syrup

In a large pot, combine 3 cups water, elderberry, and spices only. (Do not add honey or apple cider vinegar).

Over medium heat, bring the elderberry mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to simmer. Simmer the mixture for 20 – 30 minutes or until the mixture has been reduced to half. Remove from heat and let stand until cool to room temperature.

Strain the elderberry mixture through a mesh strainer, making sure to squish out all the juice out of the berries. No waste is best.

Add in the honey and apple cider vinegar. Mix well. Then store in a glass bottle or jar in the refrigerator! 

And there you have it! Delicious homemade elderberry syrup!

Recommended Elderberry Syrup dose 

(Adults) – A daily dose of 1 tsp a day for the prevention of colds and viruses. For cold or flu-like symptoms, take 15 ml or 1 tbsp four times a day. Dosage based on proven research study. 

(Children over 2 years or older) – A daily dose of 1 tsp a day for prevention. For cold or flu-like symptoms, take 1/2 tbsp four times a day. 

Please note: due to this recipe containing raw honey, it should be noted that the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend that children under the age of 12 months consume raw honey

Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe

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