This natural remedy is said to contain powerful antiviral effects that can help combat and minimize symptoms associated with cold and flu viruses, and contains raw honey which has antifungal and antibiotic properties.
This liquid supplement offers an effective way to support immunity throughout the year. It combines elderberry with vitamins C and Echinacea as well as zinc.
Ingredients
Elderberries (Sambucus nigra) are one of the greatest allies for strengthening an immune system. Naturally antiviral and antimicrobial, elderberry products offer natural protection from viral infections like colds, flus, and others that strike throughout the year. With this in mind, now is an opportune time to stock up on Elderberry-rich syrup, extract and tea as an important way of strengthening immunity during this winter season.
Making elderberry products yourself can be both cost- and time-effective; all it requires are a few ingredients and some time. In addition to elderberries, honey (preferably raw and locally sourced if possible) and filtered water will all come together seamlessly for an amazing immune-boosting syrup recipe!
For making homemade elderberry syrup, combine elderberries and water in a saucepan, cooking over medium heat until the mixture begins to boil before simmering for 30-40 minutes with regular stirring. After cooling down, strain and add in honey for flavor and extra health benefits; spices such as cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, ginger root, cardamom pods, astragalus root or lemon zest may add additional flair or health benefits.
Making elderberry syrup requires using high-quality ingredients. When selecting organic dried black elderberries or ones grown without pesticides as alternatives. Raw honey offers maximum nutritional benefit to your body.
Elderberry can provide additional health benefits by way of creating a tincture. A tincture is an alcohol-based liquid containing nutrients from an herb; once prepared properly it can last up to five years.
This Nature’s Way product contains elderberries, vitamin C, echinacea and zinc to promote healthy immune function. Gluten-free and non-GMO with no added sugar – perfect as an elderberry syrup cold remedy or mood booster! Great choice for anyone new to taking elderberry supplements or those wanting an immune system boost!
Preparation
Elderberries (Sambucus nigra or Sambucus canadensis) contain anti-inflammatory, antiviral, diaphoretic and immune-boosting properties. As an edible food they can be enjoyed in many ways: jams, syrups or wines are popular choices. You can purchase elderberries at farmer’s markets or natural food stores; for optimal use during cold and flu season they should be made into a syrup like thick cordial that can be taken by spoonful throughout winter as an herbal medicine tonic or tonic to protect.
Making elderberry syrup at home can be an enjoyable and cost-effective experience for the whole family, not to mention an attractive option to purchasing commercial products at your health food store or online. There are endless variations to this simple recipe; different ingredients or adding in additional immune booster herbs could all work.
Astragalus root tincture and eleuthero root tincture are adaptogens that help reduce inflammation and strengthen immunity; you can find these at local health food stores or herbalists and combine them with elderberry syrup for an enhanced version of this traditional remedy.
Alternative ingredients you might try adding include fresh and/or dried ginger root, which has antiviral, immune-boosting and digestive benefits. Lemon zest adds additional flavor while providing some much-needed vitamin C which may also boost immunity.
Once you’ve harvested elderberries – either in late summer or early fall depending on where you live (check out Rosemary Gladstar for guidance) or purchased online – or purchased them, begin by washing the berries in a colander before using a fork to separate the stems from each berry and use that information when selecting which pot and amount of water will bring the process to a boil. After cooking is complete, simply mash with either a potato masher or spatula until thick syrup has formed before straining and straining for distribution to yield thick syrup!
Storage
Elderberry syrup should be stored in the fridge as long as it does not develop mold or have an off-flavor, providing immune support and helping to ease symptoms associated with colds, flu and allergies.
If you prefer not to keep syrup at hand at all times, freezing it in an ice cube tray may be the way to go. Frozen doses will last about one month in your freezer and make it easy to have something on hand whenever needed.
Always choose fresh, organic elderberries that are fully ripe. Otherwise, using green or unripe berries could contain harmful toxins that could compromise your health. When selecting elderberries to use in recipes, be sure to remove all stems and leaves that might still be attached – this will prevent bitterness or rotting when defrosting the frozen batch from the freezer.
Once the elderberries have been cleaned and prepped for simmering, you can begin. Allow the elderberries to simmer for around 45 minutes – this allows plenty of time for other tasks around the house or listening to podcasts!
After your berries have finished cooking, strain them through a fine mesh strainer to remove any solid pieces and create an exquisite rich syrup. At this stage you should add raw honey as a natural sweetener; local honey offers even greater nutritional benefits as it hasn’t been heat treated or pasteurized!
While your syrup cools, you can prepare your storage jars. Be sure to sterilize them thoroughly to eliminate any bacteria or pathogens that could potentially cause illness upon consumption. Jars can be purchased from either local grocery stores or online retailers such as Amazon.
Vacuum sealing elderberry syrup can also provide an airtight seal that protects it from oxidation and freezer burn, and increases shelf life by as much as one year.
Uses
Elderberry syrup can be enjoyed as an all-season prevention of colds and flu, or added to hot beverages like coffee, tea or chamomile tea for maximum effect. A dash of elderberry syrup also adds both flavor and health benefits when sprinkled into smoothies, oatmeal or breakfast cereal for an added dose of nutrition and taste!
To create this simple syrup you will need dried elderberries (Sambucus canadensis or Sambucus nigra), lemon juice and raw honey from local sources (preferably locally farmed honey). For an immune boosting kick you could also add cinnamon sticks or fresh ginger as part of the recipe; making it yourself will likely be less expensive than purchasing it premade from health food stores.
This simple, non-canning recipe can last in the refrigerator up to 12 weeks without adding alcohol – though longer if vodka, gin, or brandy are added!
Making simple syrup is simple and enjoyable – perfect for multitasking households! Berries typically take about 45 minutes to transform into syrup so leave the process alone while doing other household tasks such as folding laundry or tidying up the house.
Be cautious when handling elderberries as they can stain easily. Wear gloves or long-sleeved shirt for protection, and use a fork to comb through and pop off small bunches of berry bunches from their stalks. Make sure that any bugs may have found shelter from washing these berries thoroughly as well.
Once your syrup is made, be sure to store it in a dark and cool place for best results. When using a jar or bottle with a lid, ensure it fits securely – otherwise it could spill out and ruin its look!
