Last winter I became quite ill with a mysterious respiratory illness. Looking back, I wonder if I had COVID-19 or not, but no one was testing for it or even tracking that virus here back in January. Either way, I was feverish, short-of-breath, coughing for weeks, congested, and so very exhausted. Doctor’s determined it wasn’t bacterial since 2 rounds of antibiotics did zilch to improve symptoms. 4 weeks later and I was still sick. So I decided to give natural remedies a shot including the following homemade elderberry syrup recipe.
Between drinking cups of echinacea tea and eating homemade chicken soup, I was sipping spoonfuls of elderberry syrup. The trio worked! Within a week I was feeling better! At the time, my sister-in-law was providing me with jars of her elderberry syrup, but as soon as I was well I asked for the recipe to start making my own elixir. (At this point I don’t remember the original origins of this recipe, otherwise I’d give credit here!)
Disclaimer: Neither of us are doctors or other certified health professionals. We aren’t sharing medical advice.
Elderberry Medicinal Properties
If you’re reading this blog post, you’ve probably heard folk trumpeting the miracles of elderberries. I lean a bit more skeptical of some claims, but there have been some convincing studies done related to sinus and respiratory health. Elderberries have antibacterial properties and have been found to inhibit the growth of a common bacteria that causes sinusitis and bronchitis. It has also been shown to shorten colds and the flu. Plus, it’s full of antioxidants and high in vitamin C that support the immune system overall.
Cinnamon and Clove Medicinal Properties
Also in this recipe are two spices: cinnamon and clove. While a delicious spice cinnamon has many medicinal benefits. It’s full of antioxidants including polyphenols, has antifungal and antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. All great when you’re fighting a respiratory infection! Plus, clove, while commonly used to spice your cider or gingerbread cookies, has antimicrobial properties to give another boost to the immune system.
Raw Honey Medicinal Properties
One of the reasons I loved this elderberry syrup recipe is the use of honey rather than sugar. Raw honey has wonderful health benefits as well. It is antibacterial and antifungal, contains antioxidants, and generally soothes a sore throat. And can get rid of that annoying tickle in your throat when you have a cough. I felt like the addition of honey is a great way to add some extra immune system support instead of making a syrup out of pure sugar.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. We earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Read our disclaimer for more details.
Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups water
- ⅔ cup dried elderberries
- 1 tsp ceylon cinnamon
- ½ tsp cloves
- 1 cup raw honey
Instructions
Combine all ingredients EXCEPT the honey into a small pot on the stove and bring to a boil
Reduce to a simmer for about an hour to allow some water to evaporate and concentrate the elderberry goodness
Remove from heat and press and smoosh the berries with a spoon to help them release all their juices.
Allow to cool for 15-20 minutes. You want the elderberry juices to be warm enough to dissolve the honey easily, but not so hot that it removes the benefits of raw honey.
Pour through strainer into bowl with honey and stir until dissolved
Decant into jars and store in the refrigerator for 2 weeks or in the freezer for a few months.
Yield – about 2 cups
Dosage: 1 TBS daily for adults as a preventative
When you feel like you’re coming down with something, take a tablespoonful 3-4 times a day.
(Reminder: We’re not doctors or medical professionals!)
Watch how to make it
If you’d like to watch the process of making this elderberry syrup recipe from start to finish, check out our step-by-step video to make your own immune-boosting elderberry syrup.
Frugal Breakdown
In our area a bottle of elderberry syrup runs about $20 for 8 oz at the store. The same goes for a standard bottle ready-made on Amazon. Here’s the cost of homemade elderberry syrup.
16 oz for $9.40 (or $4.70 for 8 oz.)
- $5.00 – 1 cup Raw local honey from neighbor
- $4.20 – dried elderberries from Amazon
- $0.20 – spices from local bulk store
Hope you stay healthy and hale this cold and flu season!