Elderberry syrup is an all-natural remedy designed to strengthen immunity, helping shorten colds and flu symptoms as well as act as a cough suppressant. Additionally, its properties also make an effective cough remedy.
Elderberries and their leaves can be toxic when consumed raw; however, when cooked the juice becomes non-toxic.
Ingredients
Elderberries have long been utilized medicinally and as food. Rich in antioxidants, elderberries may provide relief for colds, flus and allergies while simultaneously boasting delicious tastes!
Make this syrup using either fresh berries or dried elderberries. For optimal results when using fresh, bring to a low simmer while gently smashing berries as they cook to release juices that could otherwise remain trapped within. Stir frequently while waiting for more juices to release into the syrup. For an additional touch, consider adding up to 1/2 cup of honey once all of the berries have cooked down to add sweetness without jeopardizing any immunity-boosting benefits.
Elderflower blossoms should only be harvested from plants known to be safe for human consumption, and foraging should be conducted mindfully with just a few bunches being taken from each tree and leaving plenty of gorgeous flowers behind for birds!
This simple recipe can be prepared using only berries or you can add warming touches by including cinnamon or diced ginger for extra warmth. Both herbs can help to soothe sore throats, reduce fevers, and fight coughs!
Once the syrup has been completed, pour it into a jar or bottle and store in the fridge. Although the syrup should keep for several weeks without spoiling or developing mold or an off odor, be sure to inspect regularly for mold growth or an unpleasant aroma before using again.
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Preparation
As a general guideline when making homemade syrup, start with more water and gradually add sugar or other natural sweeteners until your desired consistency is reached. Elderberry syrup requires this same process – aside from providing sweetness, these sweeteners also act as preservatives!
No matter if you use raw honey or another sugar alternative, this recipe is both straightforward and enjoyable to create. All it requires is patience – as the syrup needs to simmer for approximately 45 minutes in order to reduce.
Once it’s finished simmering, either enjoy eating the berries and spices as-is or remove from the pot and strain off any extra liquid that has accumulated in there. At this stage you should also sift any leftover berries that might still remain or any twigs, leaves, or stems that may remain.
After straining and mixing together your berries and liquid, add honey. You can either do this while the mixture is still warm, or wait until your syrup has set before adding your honey and whisking it in.
Your syrup can also benefit from adding herbs and spices such as cinnamon, cardamon, star anise or licorice for an authentic flavor boost. Some recipes even call for adding alcohol like vodka, whiskey or brandy as another preservative step – these liquids serve to prolong shelf life even further!
Make syrup using these directions and store it in a mason jar or spring top glass jug for up to two months in your fridge – this makes an excellent gift idea if someone’s feeling under the weather – it looks beautiful when wrapped with some twine or decorated with an attractive label! Enjoy!
Storage
Refrigerating syrup for up to one month makes it an effective preventative measure against allergies, colds, and flu. For long-term storage it’s advised that it be placed into a dark glass jar with an airtight lid – this will preserve its flavour as much as possible and keep it as fresh for as long as possible.
Metal containers should be avoided for homemade elderberry syrup storage as these may react with it and alter its taste and shelf life, leading to unexpected reactions and spoilage. Glass jars or bottles work better, being nonreactive as well as easier to clean; additionally it would be wise to mark each bottle with its date of preparation for easy reference.
Dried elderberries offer another means of enhancing and prolonging the flavor of herbal remedies, while also adding vibrant hues to syrups and remedies. To use dried elderberries in this manner, place them into a clean glass jar along with high-proof alcohol such as vodka or brandy and leave for up to three months before straining and bottling it as a tincture.
While this process may appear complex, it’s actually quite straightforward. When selecting your fresh berries for use in this endeavor, use those with the most vibrant flavour. Once prepared, pour into a pot and simmer until soft – at which time use either a wooden spoon or stainless steel potato masher to break down some of them further and release their juices and aroma.
Once the berries have softened and the liquid has decreased to about half its initial volume, strain and squeeze! This step is key to producing delicious yet beneficial syrup; often combined with equal parts of raw honey as an additional natural sweetener with additional health benefits.
Dosage
Pre-made elderberry products available online or in health food and natural remedy stores will often include dosage recommendations on their labels; for those making their own elderberry syrup from scratch it’s essential that they understand how best to administer this herbal medication. Elderberry, Sambucus nigra is one of our strongest natural immune boosters, helping prevent colds and flu and treat symptoms more effectively than ever.
Studies conducted with placebo-controlled individuals who consumed elderberry syrup alongside herbal remedies found they experienced significantly shorter durations of influenza symptoms compared to those who did not take elderberry. Elderberry contains powerful anthocyanins, phenolic acid and flavonoids known to boost immunity as well as vitamin C and other essential nutrients known to strengthen it – even being shown to prevent influenza virus attachment to human cells!
Elderberry syrup for treating cold or flu symptoms should generally be taken in small doses throughout the day – usually 15 milliliters four times a day to reduce symptoms, shorten the length and severity of an illness and help the production of white blood cells, essential in fighting viruses.
Addition of other ingredients to homemade elderberry syrup can increase its effectiveness while making it more palatable for children and adults. Popular additions are ginger, cloves and unpasteurized honey; each provides different benefits; for instance ginger has antiviral, antimicrobial and analgesic properties while cloves have antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities; honey is both antiviral and antifungal as well as a natural cough suppressant!
Once your elderberry syrup is complete, place it in a glass jar with a lid and store in the refrigerator. Use as a beverage, drizzle it on food such as waffles and pancakes, add flavorful baked goods recipes such as tea brewing. It should keep in the fridge for approximately one month.
