Boost Your Immunity with Homemade Elderberry Syrup

Homemade elderberry syrup is a top personal go-to year-round for immunity boosting. I especially lean on this powerful DIY medicine for staying healthy amidst freezing winter temperatures. The multitude of healing benefits of the renowned Elder tree date back millennia in many traditional cultures. Please enjoy one of my favorite recipes that you can also share with family and friends! 

Ingredients
2 cups dried elderberries
4 cups water
1 cup raw, sustainably harvested honey
3-4 cinnamon sticks
½ - 1 Tbsp grated lemon peel
¼ oz cloves or star anise
¼ - ½ cup elderflower brandy (optional)

Directions:
1. Bring the water and berries to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes
2. Smash the berries and strain through a muslin cloth
3. Return the syrup to the stove, add the spices and lemon peel, and simmer for an additional 15 minutes
4. Strain, stir in the honey when 110 degrees or less and allow to cool before bottling

Herbal Actions of Elderberry, Sambucus nigra, S. canadensis:

• Anti-inflammatory

• Antioxidant

• Antirheumatic

• Antiviral

• Decongestant

• Diaphoretic

• Diuretic

• Immunomodulator

• Mild laxative

• Nutritive

Contraindications: avoid eating raw elderberries; when cooked, the berries are extremely safe for adults, children and breastfeeding mothers. 

The sustainably sourced, high quality, delicious local raw honey that I used in this recipe is from friends at The Blackberry Herbarium in Harrisonburg, Virginia. 

The gorgeous white flowers of the elder tree are also incredibly medicinal. Children love to eat, decorate and play with them! I hope you enjoy the multitude of healing applications gifted by the elder tree. 

In health, peace and gratitude,
Whitney

References

Easley, T., & Horne, S. (2016). The modern herbal dispensatory: A medicine making guide. North Atlantic Books. 

Gardner, Zoe & McGuffin, M. (2013). American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook. CRC Press. 

Hoffman, D. (2003). Medical herbalism: The science and practice of herbal medicine. Healing Arts Press.

Milagro School of Herbal Medicine. (2021). Elder. https://www.milagroschoolofherbalmedicine.com/materia-medica.html

Moerman, D. E. (2009). Native American medicinal plants: An ethnobotanical dictionary. Timber Press. 

Williamson, E. M. (2003). Potter’s herbal cyclopaedia. The C. W. Daniel Company Limited.