How to Make Elderberry Syrup – Cold & Flu Remedy
This post may contain affiliate links. Readย disclosure policy.
Growing up I had terrible allergies and asthma, which always lead to me getting sick. I was constantly sick as a child. About once a month, I would have a horrible seasonal allergy issue, which would inevitably lead to a sinus infection, and then I would be given antibiotics.
When I first wrote this article nearly 5 years ago, I had just been to the allergist to find out what I was allergic to, and they told me if there was a prize for being the most allergic, I would win. Sad, right? I’m pretty sure that’s a trophy no one wants.
Constant allergies and illness have burdened my life for a long time. Thankfully, with diet changes and a switch to a more natural lifestyle, I rarely get sick now, and when it does happen, it doesn’t last long.
When my family starts getting sick, we instantly make some of this elderberry syrup and start taking it. My family recently came down with a bug from traveling to visit my parents, of course, I got hit the hardest.
My mom got sick right about the same time. I think we all just shared our germs together… true family love. We started our elderberry syrup; she did not. She was sick for about two weeks, while we were sick for about 3-4 days.
You know what else? My mom even told me that every time she gets sick, it lasts about 2 weeks, and she couldn’t believe how fast my family got over our illness.
Thankfully, there are natural remedies that we keep on hand when we start to get sick. Elderberry is a major one.
Benefits of Elderberries
The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Elderberries Can Reduce Cold and Flu Duration
Elderberries have been shown to reduce cold and flu days when taken at the first sign of symptoms, within the first 48 hours of onset. This study treated patients suffering from the flu: one group got elderberry syrup and another group got a placebo.
The symptoms of the patients taking the elderberry syrup were relieved, on average, four days sooner than pf those taking a placebo. And, they were less likely to need rescue medication (Source).
In another study, travelers took elderberry syrup (or a placebo) 10 days before traveling, and stopped taking it 5 days after they came back. Those taking elderberry syrup had a statistically significant lower duration of a cold, and had less severe symptoms (source).
These little berries are full of nutrients, like vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, iron, and potassium, that can help boost the immune system, and help prevent the cold and flu when taken regularly.
Save This Recipe
We'll get it sent to your inbox! Plus, get new recipes from us every week.
Elderberries can also help treat asthma and allergies, and decrease inflammation. This recipe in particular includes raw local honey and apple cider vinegar, which can help reduce the severity of seasonal allergies.
Benefits Of Elderberry Syrup:
Elderberry syrup contains a concentrated form of elderberries, making it a more potent form. This tasty recipe also contains local raw honey, which has been shown to help boost the immune system and relieve seasonal allergies.
Honey is not recommended for children under the age of one. Always talk to a medical professional before giving any medicines to children or babies.
Substitutions For Elderberry Syrup
- Since this recipe contains honey and it is not recommended for babies, you could substitute it with maple syrup, or just leave it out.
- Apple cider vinegar is a strong flavor that many kids may not enjoy. You can also leave this out.
- Sometimes I just use water and elderberries and leave out the other ingredients, making a more concentrated elderberry juice instead of syrup. It still has awesome immune-boosting properties.
Where Can You Find Dried Elderberries?
You can buy them online on Amazon (here), or Mountain Rose Herbs. If you’d rather buy local (awesome!), you can also find them in natural grocery stores. Many stores also carry pre-made elderberry syrup, but you will probably pay a pretty penny for it.
Can You Use Fresh Elderberries Instead Of Dried Elderberries?
Yes, but before you do, I would talk to a professional, as parts of the elderberry plant are dangerous (i.e. the stem, leaves, and green berries). Elderberries also should NOT be consumed raw. I prefer to stick to dry elderberries.
Elderberry Syrup Recipe Video Tutorial
You may also like:
- Garlic Salve – Natural Remedy for Colds and Cough
- Essential Oils For Cold And Flu
- 3 Must-Have Essential Oils For Back To School
Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Always talk to your doctor before taking any medications, including elderberry. I’m not a doctor, just a mom who likes to research natural remedies.
Elderberry Syrup
Save This Recipe
We'll get it sent to your inbox! Plus, get new recipes from us every week.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dried elderberries
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup local or raw honey I chose local to get the allergy relief benefits
- 2/3 cup Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
Instructions
- Fill a pot with water and dried elderberries. Bring to a boil and let boil for 30 minutes. Take off heat and mash elderberries up well (I used a potato masher). Strain out the liquid into a separate bowl using cheese cloth, a coffee filter, or something similar. Once strained, add honey to the elderberry liquid and stir well. Then, add apple cider vinegar. Place in a jar and put in the fridge for up 2 months or in the freezer up to 6 months.
Notes
To use for allergies or cold/flu preventative:
- Adults: 1 Tbs a day. During an illness you can take this every few hours.
- Children: 1 tsp a day.
- Babies: Do not give this to babies since it contains honey. Babies under one year are not advised to have honey.
- You can take this syrup straight or mix it with some water.
* If you’re using this during flu/cold, you can take the same dose, but every 2-3 hours instead of just once a day.
Cost-Effective Cold & Flu Remedy
This did not cost me very much to make. It was maybe $7 dollars for a large batch, and it makes me feel better that I am not ingesting a bunch of chemicals. I know exactly what is in it! Do you use other herbal treatments you take when you are sick?
Have you used elderberry syrup before?
This post was updated November 2019
I have an Elderbush/tree outside my back door. I make elderberry jelly every year. I give jars to my family to eat all winter. Easy to grow and provides lots of berries
That is awesome. It’s on my list of things to plant.
Iโve definitely been seeing a lot more herbal remedies for allergies and flu, and this definitely seems worth a shot! Thanks for sharing.
I have an Elderbush/tree outside my back door. I make elderberry jelly every year. I give jars to my family to eat all winter. Easy to grow and provides lots of berries.
I’ve definitely been seeing a lot more herbal remedies for allergies and flu, and this definitely seems worth a shot! Thanks for sharing.
For every health problem, there are foods with supplements that could suppress the effects, prevent it or even cure in some cases. like I usually say, food, vegetables and water are the best medications. There are several studies on the effects of flax seeds extracts on acute asthma. there’s other food supplements that can help you reduce the risks of asthma attack
I suffer from allergies and asthma and it seems like Fall & Winter are the worst. I have had elderberry before but I’ve never tried to make my own elderberry syrup at home.
It’s really simple to make. I just whipped up a batch for my family since we all had a slight cold. It knocked it out in no time!
Is it possible to make a larger batch and can it?
How long after starting to take this mixture you seen the effects on your asthma? Thanks
I’m sure it would be different for everyone. I was diagnosed about 5 years ago with allergy induced asthma and my dr put me on allergy meds daily and I was taking over the counter allergy meds and I stopped the day I made this allergy medicine and that was almost two years ago and I noticed an improvement in my allergy symptoms and my asthma symptoms improved some. I still have my occasional issues with my asthma but I feel that they are less now that I started taking this and I don’t have all the chemicals from the OTC allergy meds. Wether it would work for you or another I can’t say I know how it works for me but it didn’t replace my everyday asthma meds.
Hi – Can you tell me how much elderberry ‘juice’ you should have after you boil the dried berries for 30 minutes? I can’t wait to try this. Thank you.
I just started out with a cold. I was making tea with ginger, cinnimon and oranges . I was looking around and found this recipe. I went 2yrs ago to Walmart and got elderberry syrup my friend had told me. Now with they goes to say. If I use liguid form or died how much do I use. Thanks