Elderberry Syrup
Learn how to make your own elderberry syrup using simple, wholesome ingredients. This traditional herbal remedy is rich in antioxidants and has long been used to support the immune system, especially during seasonal transitions. Making elderberry syrup at home ensures quality, freshness, and affordability — allowing you to keep a nourishing remedy on hand for your whole family whenever you need it.
Get Ready to be Empowered
As mothers, seeing our children happy and healthy is one of the most important things in our lives. Learning ways to support their robustness can be incredibly empowering. Creating your own herbal formulas helps because you can:
- Ensure quality organic products are used.
- Save money by buying in bulk and avoiding branding and packaging costs.
- Always have a batch on hand when needed, and use it generously thanks to the lower cost.
Herbal formulas work very differently from pharmaceutical medicine. Rather than targeting a single symptom, they have traditionally been used to support the body as a whole, and often work best when taken consistently throughout the day. Making your own allows you to use them in a way that truly nourishes the system.
The Healing Lore of the Elder Tree
In Europe, the Elder Tree was once considered so sacred that people believed it should not be cut or burned. It was said that the Elder Mother lived within the tree, and villagers would respectfully ask before harvesting any gifts such as berries or leaves.
The berries are commonly used in jams, jellies, syrups, juices, and teas. They are rich in antioxidants and contain vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, calcium, and potassium. Note that elderberries should not be consumed raw — they may upset the digestive tract. When dried and cooked, however, they are both safe and highly nutritious. Traditionally, they have been used to support overall robustness and taken proactively as a seasonal strengthener.
The leaves have emollient properties and have been used in creams and washes to soothe rashes, sore muscles, and bruises. The flowers, high in flavonoids, have been traditionally used to support the respiratory tract and soothe mucous membranes.
Benefits
- Rich in antioxidants and supportive nutrients
- Traditionally used to support immune health
- May be used daily as a seasonal tonic
- Gentle and enjoyable for both children and adults
- Versatile in both food and beverage preparations
Creating herbal syrups is a delicious and effective way to support your family’s health. Elderberry syrup is a time-tested favorite that people of all ages enjoy. Whether taken on its own or added to beverages, this is sure to become a staple in your home.
If you are harvesting elderberries in the wild, please be certain of your plant identification before collecting or consuming them. Use only positively identified elderberry (Sambucus nigra or American elderberry, Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis). Elderberry can be confused with other plants, including pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), which has poisonous berries. When in doubt, do not harvest or consume the plant.
Elderberry Syrup
Immune Boosting & Family Friendly
A traditional herbal remedy made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Rich in antioxidants and long used to support the immune system, especially during seasonal transitions.
- Add water, elderberries, and herbs to a pot.
- Gently simmer for 30 minutes, or until the liquid is reduced by half.
- Turn off heat and allow to steep for one hour.
- Strain liquid into a bowl and compost herbs.
- Rinse original pot and return liquid to pot.
- Add 1–2 cups of honey (or apple honey for vegan version) and the freshly squeezed lemon juice, stirring until fully blended.
- Pour into jars and allow to cool completely before refrigerating or freezing.
- Take 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon on its own to support overall wellness
- Add to sparkling water or lemonade for a refreshing drink
- Stir into herbal teas for an added boost
Dosage
- Traditionally used for children over 1 year of age
- Ages 1–7: 1 teaspoon daily
- Ages 8 and up: 1 tablespoon daily or as desired
- If bowels become loose or digestive upset occurs, decrease the amount
Variations
- Batches can easily be increased
- Additional herbs may be added based on taste preference
- For a vitamin C boost, double the water and add 2 cups of rose hips
This is not medical advice. If questions, check in with a holistic practitioner.
- Traditionally used for children over 1 year of age*
- Traditionally ages 1–7: 1 teaspoon daily*
- Traditionally ages 8 and up: 1 tablespoon daily or as desired*
*If bowels become loose, or if you experience digestive upset, decrease amount. If questions, check in with a holistic practitioner.
- Batches can easily be increased.
- Additional herbs may be added based on taste preference.
- For a vitamin C boost, double water and add 2 cups of rose hips.
This is a perishable syrup.
- Store in the refrigerator and use within two weeks.
- Increasing honey to 2 cups can help extend shelf life.
Freezing
To increase shelf life and prevent jars from cracking:
- Allow syrup to cool completely before freezing
- Pour into glass jars, leaving at least 1–2 inches of headspace
- Place jars in the freezer without lids until fully frozen
- Once frozen solid, add lids securely
Can I use this daily?
Yes — start with small amounts and adjust based on how your body responds.
Is this suitable for children?
Yes, it is gentle and flavorful. Begin with small amounts and adjust as needed.
Can I increase the amount?
During times of increased stress or when feeling run down, you may take this multiple times per day (up to 6 times), adjusting based on digestion and age.
Children and adults adore this syrup! Even better, it is incredibly versatile — adding nourishment on its own, to beverages, and even to pancakes. Delicious in both warm and cool drinks or taken straight from the spoon, this recipe is sure to be a keeper. May it bring robustness of health and spirit to you and yours!
To your health,
Penelope
