Elderberry Syrup for Colds and Flu

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Elderberry Syrup is commonly used for boosting the immune system and fighting off colds, cough, and flu symptoms. And because the syrup is so tasty, taking a few spoonfuls is a pleasure, not a chore. So make sure you have this Elderberry Syrup for Colds on hand for the next time you need it!

Besides the Elderberry Syrup, I will show you how to make a simple, two-ingredient Elderberry Tincture.

Elderberry Benefits

In one study, 60 people with flu-like symptoms took 15 milliliters (ml) of elderberry syrup four times a day. Their symptoms improved 4 days before the people who took a placebo.

In another study, 32 people with flu-like symptoms took lozenges containing 175 milligrams (mg) of elderberry extract four times a day for 2 days. After 24 hours, they reported an improvement in symptoms, such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and nasal congestion.

(MedicalNewsToday)

My Elderberry Syrup for Colds Recipe

I’ve made elderberry syrup using various recipes. I’ve found that many of the recipes use a ratio of 1 part elderberries to 2 parts water. I personally find this ratio makes the syrup too runny.

Although this syrup won’t be as thick as store-bought syrups (or my chokecherry syrup), it won’t be overly runny either.

I use fresh berries in this recipe, but you can also substitute dried elderberries if you’d like.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh elderberries (or 1/2 cup dried)
• 1 1/4 cup water
• 2 slices fresh ginger
• 1” cinnamon stick
• 4 whole cloves
• 4 cardamom pods
• 2 dehydrated orange slices (or 1 fresh orange slice)
• 2/3 cup raw honey

Recipe Directions

Add elderberries, water, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom pods, and orange slices to a small saucepan.

Bring to a boil, then simmer for 45 minutes. Mash the elderberries to extract as much of the juice as possible.

Remove the ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom pods. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or my personal favorite, reusable soup bags.

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Clean the pot and pour the strained syrup back in. Once warm, add the honey and whisk to combine.

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Pour the syrup into a sterilized 8 oz jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Elderberry Tincture Recipe

Making elderberry tincture is even simpler than making elderberry syrup. It’s also more concentrated, so you don’t need to take as much.

One teaspoon 3 times a day is enough when suffering from cold or flu symptoms.

• Fill an 8 oz mason jar half full with fresh elderberries (or 1/4 cup dried berries).
• Top with 80 proof vodka or brandy until the jar is full.
• Seal the jar and write the date on the jar lid.
• Store the jar in a dark cupboard for approximately one month.
• Shake the bottle every now and then.
• After a month, strain the liquid and store it in a dark tincture bottle.
• Use as needed. It can also be added to tea.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the side effects of consuming elderberries?

According to RXlist.com, elderberry consumption (especially raw) can have the following side effects.

• Nausea/vomiting (eating raw berries)
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Numbness
• Stupor

However, it’s important to point out for every article that mentions you can’t eat raw elderberries, there are ten comments from those claiming they ate them by the handfuls as children without ill effect.

I’m no expert on the topic, but the research I did on the subject was very conflicting.

For this reason, I prefer to err on the side of caution and not eat them. Which brings us to the next question: How much elderberry syrup should you consume?

Unripe elderberries, as well as stems, leaves, and bark of the elder tree are poisonous. They contain a cyanide-inducing glycoside, and should not be used in this recipe.

How Much elderberry syrup should I take?

I have seen dosages range from 1 teaspoon 3 times a day, to 1-1/2 tablespoons every 3 to 4 hours.

I recommend starting on a lower dosage to see how your body tolerates it and increase the dosage from there.

• Adult dosage is 1 teaspoon daily to boost the immune system and prevent illness.
• If sick, take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day.
• Children can take 1 teaspoon daily to prevent illness or 1 teaspoon 3 times a day when suffering from a cold or flu.
• Do not give to infants under the age of 12 months, especially since the syrup contains honey.

Elderberry Varieties

There are a variety of elder trees that grow in America and Europe. This includes European elderberry (Sambucus nigra) and American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis).

There are blue, black, and red elderberries.

The elderberries I’ve come across in San Diego are the blue variety. Their light blue color, however, is actually due to the wild yeast that coats them.

Once washed, they are actually a darker blue.

In Montana, I’ve foraged black elderberries, which grow wild in the mountains around our property.

There are also red elderberries, however, they are poisonous and should not be consumed.

Cook’s Tips

• This syrup is not intended for infants under the age of 12 months.
• You can substitute dried elderberries for fresh ones. You will need 1/2 the amount of dried berries as fresh.
• Elderberry syrup may not be suitable for pregnant women. Please consult your doctor before using it.
• To make the syrup last longer, add 1/4 cup brandy, which will act as a preservative.
• Using raw honey has further health benefits since it contains anti-fungal properties, helps digestive issues, and is soothing to sore throats.

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