Did you know that elderberries have been prized for their healing properties for centuries? These tiny, dark purple berries might look unassuming, but they pack a serious punch when it comes to supporting our immune systems. Whether you’re dealing with seasonal sniffles or just want to stay ahead of the wellness curve, elderberry syrup is a must-have in any household.
In this post, we’re diving into everything you need to know about elderberry syrup, from what makes elderberries so special to how you can make your own syrup at home. Plus, we’ll share tips on using it to get the most out of its health benefits. Let’s get started!
What Are Elderberries?
Elderberries come from the elder tree, which grows in many parts of the world. These berries have been used for thousands of years in natural medicine to treat everything from colds to digestive issues. While elderberries are known for their immune-boosting powers, they should never be eaten raw. Uncooked elderberries contain toxins that can upset your stomach.
When properly prepared, though, elderberries become a powerhouse ingredient packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and flavonoids. No wonder they’ve earned a top spot in the world of herbal remedies!
The Health Benefits of Elderberry Syrup
So, why should we be taking elderberry syrup? The benefits are pretty impressive:
- Immune System Support: Elderberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which help strengthen the immune system.
- Shorten Cold and Flu Symptoms: Studies suggest that elderberry syrup can reduce the duration and severity of colds and flu when taken at the first sign of illness.
- Daily Wellness Boost: Taking elderberry syrup regularly may help protect against oxidative stress, keeping us feeling energized and well.
It’s not just about fighting off bugs—elderberry syrup can be a simple, natural way to keep us thriving year-round. We also wrote another blog post about the health benefits of elderberries in genereal, if you would like to check it out just click the link.
Tips for Using Elderberry Syrup
First of all, we are not Doctors, so please do not think this is a medicine or something that we are reccomending. We love elderberry syrup because it’s so versatile and has proven to us that it helps with immunity during the cold season and beyond. Here are a few ways we like to use it:
- Take 1–2 tablespoons up to four times daily during cold and flu season.
- Mix it into hot tea for a soothing drink.
- Drizzle it over pancakes or oatmeal for a sweet, immune-boosting treat.
- Add it to smoothies for a flavorful health kick.
For kids, a teaspoon or two is usually enough, but always check with your doctor first, especially for younger children.
Equipment Needed
Elderberry Syrup
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup
elderberries (dried organic or non irradiated) - 4 cups filtered water
- 2 inch ginger (chopped, fresh, or freeze dried)
- 1 Peel lemon (try not to get any of the white pith)
- 2
cinnamon sticks (organic) - 8-12
cloves (whole)
Add After Pressure Cooking and Cooling:
- ¾ – 1 cup
raw honey - juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except the honey and lemon juice to the instant pot
- Place the lid on the instant pot
- Set to pressure cook and let it cook for 15 minutes. Once completed, allow it to natural release all of the pressure (usually takes around 10 – 15 min.)
- Strain the liquid into another bowl and allow to sit as it cools down.
- Add the lemon juice (one lemon) and mix together. After you have mixed everything together, taste the liquid and add more honey if you would like it to be sweeter.
- Transfer the elderberry syrup to a bottle or mason jar with a lid and refrigerate for up to 2 months.
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