Elderberry Syrup Recipe

Well friends, it’s that time of year. Our school had 73 students absent in one day last week, and 60 were out the two days before that day. That season is upon us, and I love, love, love, making Elderberry Syrup as a way to boost our wellness and support our immune systems.

This is one of those things that I also make at home (ok, hubby actually makes it), and we share with our local friends and family. If you aren’t familiar with Elderberry Syrup, it’s something that was originally used by Native Americans to fight infection. It was used by Ancient Egyptians as well to heal burns. Elderberry originates from the Sambucus tree, which is a flowering plant belonging to the Adoxaceae family.

Known for it’s high antioxidant properties, this makes it a huge supporter of the immune system. The berries themselves are high in Vitamin C and fiber. These berries must be boiled to be eaten, and is often boiled down into a syrup, and this is how we make ours. You will definitely want to do your own research on them, and our family drinks this on a daily basis.

We noticed that it can be a little upsetting to the stomach at first, so we start low and slow, with one teaspoon per day and work ourselves up to 1 Tablespoon per day. We even give this to our sons, with the five-year-old taking one teaspoon (or gummy) per day, and our fourteen-year-old takes as much as we do. Also, the biggest factor in why I feel ours is better than buying from someone else, is we use local honey. Do your research on why using local honey is better for your immune system.

RECIPE:

1/2 C dried Elderberries

1/4 C Rose Hips

4 Cinnamon Sticks

3 C distilled water

1/2 C local honey

Please note: We use Young Living Vitality Essential Oils in our Elderberry Syrup as well.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Bring water and all other ingredients (except honey) to a rapid boil, then simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Remove from heat and allow to cool, then strain liquid.
3. Combine honey with remaining liquid and store in a glass jar.
4. Must be kept refrigerated.

Have you tried Elderberry Syrup? Do you like it? Has it worked for you? I’d love to hear more from others as well, but we swear by it.

We also make gummies for our boys. Simply take 1/4C of the syrup mixed in with four packets of Knox Gelatin and stir until grainy. Then, add another 3/4 C of the syrup. Then place in molds. We use these molds from Amazon. Let them set up in the fridge for about an hour and you should be good to go! You can spray the molds with a little olive oil to avoid sticking, but that’s up to you.