Natural Cold Remedy: Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe

Jan 19, 2015 | Posted by Kelly | Medicinal Herbs, Natural Health, Real Food, Sauces, Dressings, Dips, and Broths | 22 comments

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This Natural Cold Remedy: Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe is a time tested remedy and well loved for a reason.

image: http://simplelifemom.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Natural-Cold-Remedy-Homemade-Elderberry-Syrup-Recipe-550x412.jpg

The thing is, many people don’t realize how completely EASY and FRUGAL it is to make your own elderberry syrup (and it tastes really good!!). It costs on average $15 for you to buy an 8oz bottle that is already made.a ready made.  I bought a 1 pound bag of dried elderberries on Amazon for under $17, made a large batch, and still have enough elderberries to last me another 8 batches at least! Elderberries are being sold out everywhere right now because it is winter. People know about and believe in this remedy.  Mountain Rose Herbs and Amazon are out of their good priced organic dried berries, but there are some for a few dollars more still available.  I’m guessing more places will be in stock again by the beginning of February.

Why Elderberries?

Elderberries (sambucus) have been used traditionally to fight off cold and flu symptoms by boosting your immune system.  They have high levels of Vitamins A, B, and C.

The Journal of International Medical Research posted a study in 2004 comparing the use of Elderberry syrup by people with the flu to those who took a placebo (60 people total). “Symptoms were relieved on average 4 days earlier and use of rescue medication was significantly less in those receiving elderberry extract compared with placebo.” (1)

We’ve heard of the powerful effects of different types of flavonoids found in blueberries, chocolate, tea and many vegetables. These flavonoids have been shown to boost immune systems and have antiviral activity. Black Elderberries are full of flavonoids, which is why they seem to do such a great job.  Combine them with other ingredients that boost your system like cloves, cinnamon, and lemon, and you have yourself a powerhouse of a concoction.

Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe

To Use: Take 1 tsp daily to boost immune system and help prevent colds. If sick, take up to 1 tsp per hour. (1/2 for small children). You can also eat it over pancakes, in teas, etc.  It’s really yummy!!

How Long Does it Keep: 2 months or so in the refrigerator (the lemon helps to elongate its shelf life).

Ingredients: RAW honey, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger (all fresh if you can do it) all make this a great vitamin and  flavonoid boosted syrup.

image: http://simplelifemom.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Natural-Cold-Remedy-Homemade-Elderberry-Syrup-Recipe4-525x700.jpg

4.6 from 5 reviews

Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe

 

image: http://simplelifemom.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Natural-Cold-Remedy-Homemade-Elderberry-Syrup-Recipe-467x350.jpg

Print

Cook time

1 hour 30 mins

Total time

1 hour 30 mins

 

Natural Cold and Flu Remedy or to Boost your Immune System

Author: Kelly - Simple Life Mom

Serves: 2 cups

Ingredients

• ½ cup dried elderberries

• 3 cups water

• juice from ½ lemon

• ½- 1 cup raw honey (to taste)

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp clove powder (or 1 clove)

• ½ tsp ginger (or s small slice of fresh)

Instructions

1. Combine elderberries and water in a saucepan and let simmer for 30 minutes.

2. Turn burner to low and add cinnamon, clove, and ginger. Let sit on low for 1 hour.

3. Remove from heat and add lemon and honey, stirring until honey is dissolved.

4. Taste, add more honey if needed.

5. Strain through a cheese cloth, coffee filter, or a cloth and discard berries.

6. Store in an airtight jar for up to 2 months.

To Use: take 1 tsp daily to boost immune system and help prevent colds. If sick, take up to 1 tsp per hour. (1/2 for small children)

Read more at http://simplelifemom.com/2015/01/19/natural-cold-remedy-homemade-elderberry-syrup-recipe/#pCkBHWdEUdxMjfMf.99