Learn how to make homemade Elderberry syrup and all the health benefits!
Elderberries, another name Sambucus, are packed full of properties to fight colds, flus, inflammation, sinus pressure, and allergies to name a few. It’s why I’ve been making my own elderberry syrup and take a few tablespoons a day when I’m feeling sick. Even when you may already have sickness, it’s a good idea to take elderberry syrup to relieve the symptoms and speed up recovery.
Elderberries contain:
- vitamin C
- vitamin A
- vitamin B6
- potassium
- iron
Be sure to check out more health benefits of elderberries.
Ingredients + benefits in Elderberry syrup:
- dried elderberries
- see above*
- water
- to soak up elderberries and make the syrup. Simmers on the stove and reduces to 1/2 of original volume.
- star anise
- kills off bacteria, fights flus and high in antioxidants
- high in vitamin C + other compounds
- cinnamon stick
- high in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, fights infections and viruses
- raw honey
- natural allergy relief, boosts immune system, contains disease fighting flavonoids
- be sure to buy raw honey vs. conventional honey. Raw honey cannot be heated about 95 degrees, contains bee pollen, is not filtered or highly processed and free from other additives.
- fresh ginger
- anti-inflammatory properties and fights off bacterial infections
Elderberry Syrup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup raw honey
- 1/2 cup dried elderberries
- 2 cups water
- 1 (2) inch piece ginger, sliced or 2 tsp dried ginger
- 3 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp whole cloves
Instructions
-
Slice the raw ginger into pieces.
-
Add elderberries, water, ginger, star anise, cinnamon and cloves to a large stock pot and bring to a boil.
-
Reduce heat to a simmer and allow to cook for about 30-40 minutes or until the liquid is reduced to about half. Note that you won't measure "half" in the pan as there are the berries that take up quite a bit of volume.
-
Remove from stove and allow to cool. Mash the berries in the mixture to get any remaining liquid. Pour through a strainer into a bowl. At this point you can add the honey once the liquid is cool.
-
Store in a mason jar in the fridge.
-
Take a tablespoon when needed!
Recipe Notes
I've found these ingredients online on Amazon or at a local health food store.
Can’t wait to try it!!
Thanks Becca! You’ll have to let me know how it turns out when you make it!
Just made this! Such a great recipe. Love the addition of the star anise.
So glad you loved it!