Elderberry Syrup for Colds and Flu
Learn how to make this delicious elderberry syrup to boost your immune system and fend off the common cold, flu, and cough!
Servings: 64 Tablespoons
Calories: 37kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups blue or black elderberries (fresh or 1 cup dried)
- 2 cups water
- 3 slices fresh ginger
- 1" cinnamon stick
- 8 whole cloves
- 8 cardamom pods
- 2 dehydrated orange slices (or fresh orange slices)
- 2 cup raw honey
Instructions
- Add elderberries, water, fresh ginger, cinnamon stick, whole cloves, cardamom pods, and orange slices to a small saucepan.
- Simmer gently for 30 minutes on low. Use a potato masher to gently mash the berries to extract as much juice from the elderberries as possible, without crushing the seeds.
- Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or a reusable soup bag.
- Pour the strained syrup back into the pot over low heat. Once warm, add honey and stir until the elderberry syrup comes together.
- Pour the elderberry syrup into a sterilized 8-ounce jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
Video
Notes
- This syrup is not intended for infants under the age of 12 months.
- Elderberry syrup may not be suitable for pregnant women. Please consult your doctor before using it.
- 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.
- You can substitute dried elderberries for fresh ones. You will need ½ the number of dried berries as fresh.
- To make this elderberry syrup last longer, add ½ 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.
Nutrition
Serving: 1Tablespoons | Calories: 37kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 1mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 9g
