Elderberry Syrup & Why It's All the Rage

It's that time of year, when you start to hold your breath around coughing/sniffling co-workers, kiddos and even that person in line with you at Target!

I recently learned how to make Elderberry Syrup and I think EVERYONE should have this recipe. Making it at home could save you a lot of money! (Especially if you're avoiding trips to the doctor.)

“ Three things in life – your health, your mission and the people you love. That’s it."

Elderberry syrup is making a huge comeback. You can find it in grocery stores, but nothing is fresher (or cleaner) than making it yourself.

All you need are dried elderberries (I order mine from Amazon), raw honey and some essential oils.

Why Elderberry Syrup?

Elderberry syrup is a centuries-old remedy for colds, flu, bronchitis, and fever. These dark purple berries are said to have powerful natural antiviral effects. Elderberries contain vitamins A, B and C and stimulate the immune system.

There are many other possible benefits as well:

• Fights bacterial & viral infections

• Reduces symptoms & duration of cold or flu

• Eases symptoms of allergies & sinus infections

• Natural diuretic & promotes bowel movements

• Anti-inflammatory & anti-carcinogenic properties

• High in antioxidants

• Great for healthy skin

• and more!

In addition to elderberry, raw honey also has natural anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. The phytonutrients in honey are responsible for its antioxidant properties and antibacterial/antifungal power. Heavy processing destroys these valuable nutrients, so we like to buy the best quality RAW honey. Cooking also decreases the benefits, which is why we add it after the juices have cooled.

When paired together, elderberry and raw honey is said to be a great way to naturally help prevent or lessen the symptoms of the flu and common cold.

Is it safe?

There is a toxin in dried elderberries that is deactivated if cooked properly. The berries have to be cooked for at least 45 minutes (less in an instapot) to deactivate the toxin that can result in adverse gastrointestinal symptoms. Elderberry Syrup contains raw honey so this recipe is not safe for babies under one.

Consistency

If you've purchased this syrup from the stores, it probably had a rather syrupy consistency. This recipe doesn't. It's all natural and therefore doesn't have enough sugar to make it thick. 

How to use it

Always shake the bottle well before use, as the honey can settle at the bottom of the bottle.

• Take 1 tablespoon of Elderberry Syrup daily for immunity.

• Take 3 tablespoons a day at the very first sign of illness.

• Kids take 1 teaspoon a day or up to 3 teaspoons.

*Not safe for babies under one

How long will it last?

Homemade Elderberry Syrup can be stored in an air-tight container for up to 6 months in the refrigerator. If you make a large batch, you can store it in the freezer for over a year.

Suggestion: use an ice cube tray to store smaller doses.

Obviously, if it starts to look weird, smell funky or grow anything crazy, it's time to toss it.

Let's get to the good stuff!

Ingredients:

1 cup dried elderberries

3 cups water (4 cups for Instant Pot or Pampered Chef Quick Cooker)

1 drop Young Living Cinnamon Essential Oil

1 drop Young Living Clove Essential Oil

1 drop Young Living Thieves Essential Oil

1 drop Young Living Lemon Essential Oil

1 drop Young Living Orange Essential Oil

1 cup raw honey

Stove Top:

1. Add elderberries and 3 cups water to a large pot.

2. Cook uncovered over medium heat.

3. Once it's reached a boil, continue to cook uncovered for 45 minutes.

*Check occasionally to make sure water hasn't reduced below berries. If this happens add a cup of water at a time until the entire cooking time has finished.

Instant Pot:

1. Add elderberries and 4 cups water to cooker.

2. Lock the lid, set to MANUAL and cook on HIGH PRESSURE for 7 minutes.

3. When the timer goes off, set the valve to VENT.

Quick Cooker:

1. Add elderberries and 4 cups water to cooker.

2. Lock the lid, press CUSTOM, then TIME and use the (–) button to adjust to 7 minutes.

3. When the timer goes off, hit CANCEL & hold steam-release button to manually release pressure.

Once elderberries are cooked:

1. Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.

2. Once cool, pour berries & syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl.

3. Using a spoon or cheesecloth, squeeze all remaining liquid out of the berries.

4. Add raw honey and Young Living essential oils to the elderberry syrup.

5. Mix well.

6. Portion out syrup into air-tight glass containers. (These are from Amazon & work perfectly!)

7. Put any extra in the freezer
   

Enjoy!