How to Make Elderberry Syrup Posted on 11 Dec 18:30 , 3 comments

We make quite a few organic herbal remedies here including tinctures, salves and herbal syrups.  Today we made more Organic Elderberry Syrup using organic dry elderberry.  *One of the benefits of making syrup is that it's ready to consume in a few minutes to an hour compared to making tincture which can take 3 to 8 weeks to "brew."
ELDERBERRY


First, let's talk about Elderberry.  From Dr. Axe,

"Health benefits of the elder plant include naturally improving colds, the flu, sinus issues, nerve pain, inflammation, chronic fatigue, allergies, constipation and even cancer. (2) When used within the first 48 hours of onset of symptoms, the extract has actually been found to reduce the duration of the flu with symptoms being relieved on an average of four days earlier. (3) During the 1995 Panama flu epidemic, the government actually employed the use of the elderberry to fight the flu.

It gets better. When it comes antioxidant power, elderberry is higher in flavonoids than blueberries, cranberries, goji berries and blackberries. (4) I’m sure you’re getting the picture that this medicinal berry is a real powerhouse for good health. Let’s examine exactly why."

Dr. Axe lists the many benefits of Elderberry including

1. Major Cold and Flu relief

2. Sinus Infection Aid

3. Lower Blood Sugar

4.Natural Diuretic

5. Natural Laxative

6. Encourage Healthy Skin

7. Ease Allergies

8. May Prevent Cancer


Elderberry syrup can be used to flavor other homemade concoctions, as an herbal tonic or even drizzled over toast or yogurt. 


Make Your Own Organic Elderberry Syrup for Flu Prevention

Ingredients:

2/3 cup organic dry black elderberry (about 3 ounces)

3 1/2 cups filtered water

1-3 tablespoons fresh or dried organic ginger
1 teaspoon organic cinnamon powder

1 teaspoon cloves or clove powder

**If you have whole cloves, use 2 cloves**

1 cup of raw honey


Instructions

Pour water into medium saucepan and add elderberries, ginger, cinnamon and cloves (do not add honey!)

Bring to a boil and then cover and reduce to a simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour. At that point, remove from heat and let cool enough to be handled.  Mash the berries carefully using a spoon or other flat utensil. Pour through a strainer into a glass jar or bowl.

Discard the elderberries (or compost them!) and let the liquid cool to lukewarm. When it is no longer hot, add 1 cup of honey and stir well.

When honey is well mixed into the elderberry mixture, pour the syrup into a pint sized mason jar or 16 ounce glass bottle of some kind.

That's it! You just made homemade elderberry syrup! Store in the fridge and take daily for its immune boosting properties. 

Standard dose is ½ tsp to 1 tsp for kids and ½ Tbsp to 1 Tbsp for adults. If the flu does strike, take the normal dose every 2-3 hours instead of once a day until symptoms disappear.

I hope you have enjoyed another educational article from Mary's Heirloom Seeds!



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