Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry Syrup is a great elixir you can use to prevent upper respiratory infections or to shorten the duration of a cold or flu. Elderberries have the following benefits
- are high in vitamin C
- are very high in vitamin A
- are very high in quercetin (an antioxidant)
- are anti-inflammatory
- possess antiviral properties that have been shown to treat colds and flu
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of fresh dried elderberries
- 2 cups of water
- ½ cup raw honey or 1/2 cup tart cherry juice concentrate
Directions:
- Place water and elderberries in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat. If using tart cherry juice add at this time. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes
- Remove from heat and let cool enough to be handled. 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 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
Variations: Add ginger, cinnamon and cardamom to the simmering mixture.
The syrup will keep well in the fridge.
To use elderberry syrup
Adults take 1-3 tablespoons each day to prevent colds and the flu.
To shorten the duration of an illness take liberally at the first sign of a cold or flu.
Have you ever used elderberry syrup? If so, I would love for you to share your experience. If you want more information or support with staying well this winter join the next Zest and Harmony Rejuvenation Cleanse
Cassandra, I definitely needed this last month. Where do you buy dried elderberries locally? I’ll have to get some to have on hand. Morna
Morna,
Thanks for your comment. I haven’t found dried elderberries locally. I get them from a company where I order a lot of my herbs. Mountain Rose Herbs.
Cassandra,
This is fantastic and looks very easy. Fortunately I’m pretty healthy myself. I’m going to keep this in my back pocket and share it with my family.
-jane
Yes, Jane it is a good one to keep in your tool kit (smile).