Elderberry syrup has been used as a natural remedy for fever, asthma and allergies. As the world has become more polluted, elderberries and their high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have become even more beneficial in helping your immune system fight off infections.
What Is Elderberry?
Elderberry is a natural plant that has been used for centuries to fight the symptoms of colds and flu. It’s an all-natural option that can be taken and has very few side effects. One study found that elderberry could reduce the length and severity of cold symptoms by over half.
Quick Facts
- All-natural
- Very few side effects
- Rich in antioxidants
- Easy to make at home
Great For
- Cold & flu season
- Fever
- Allergies & congestion
- Everyday immune support
Prefer to skip the simmering? Shop my ready-made wellness products instead.
If you aren’t familiar with elderberries, here are a few of their benefits
- Elderberry extract has been shown to be more effective than vitamin C or zinc in treating colds and flu. This is because the supplement contains a variety of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.
- Elderberry extract can even reduce illness duration by up to 4 days and can be taken in liquid, capsule or tablet form. It is easy to find in many pharmacies and grocery.
- Elderberries have a natural antiviral compound called “elderflower”. It has been shown to help with respiratory infections, improve immunity, and strengthen the immune system.
- Elderberries contain flavonoids and antioxidants which destroy free radicals in the body which are known to damage DNA cells. Free radicals are known to damage DNA cells, and many diseases like cancer are caused by this type of cell damage.
- Elderberries also contain vitamin C which provide protection to cells in the body by boosting immunity.
People who are interested in boosting their immune system can take advantage of the health benefits of elderberries.
Reasons to start taking advantage of the benefits of elderberries
High in nutrients
Elderberries are high in vitamins and minerals and can provide a low-calorific intake. They provide a good sources of dietary fiber, antioxidants and are rich in vitamin C, containing between 6 to 35g per 100g of fruit.
Elderberries may be tiny, but they sure pack a healthy punch!
Apart from ample amounts of vitamin A, vitamin B6 and vitamin C, elderberries contain minerals like iron, phosphorus, potassium and calcium, and a variety of other beneficial compounds.
Fights colds and flu
Black elderberry extracts have been shown to reduce the severity and duration of the flu, decrease pain and sinus inflammation, and reduce symptoms of upper respiratory infections.
Boost vision health
Given the high vitamin A content in elderberries and the importance of vitamin A with regards to vision health, one may speculate about the importance of elderberry in keeping the eyes healthy.
Allergy relief
The immune boosting and anti-inflammatory properties of this superfood make it a great natural remedy for allergy symptoms. The anit-catarrhals found in this berry make it an effective medicine for clearing up runny noses, congestion, sneezing and itchy watery eyes.
Gut health
In various studies, elderberry has been seen as a natural way to support the immune system. Elderberries contain polyphenols, an antioxidant found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, known for their ability to combat cell damage. It is thought that the health benefits one would get from combining antioxidant-rich foods with a probiotic would be greater than what could be achieved using each individually.
Build strong healthy bones
Minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium are important in boosting bone health, and elderberry is a decent source of all of them. Every little bit helps, right?
Heart health
Limited research has found that elderberry may be beneficial for the heart. Black elderberry contains anthocyanin, which may help reduce cholesterol levels and improve HDL function. It also contains polyphenols which are beneficial for those with high blood pressure.
How To Make ItHomemade Elderberry Syrup
This elderberry syrup will help keep you and your family healthy year round. I personally find buying elderberry syrup can get expensive, especially for a family of four — so when I learned how easy it was to make, I had to jump on it.
Homemade Elderberry Syrup
- 1 cup dried elderberries
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger or 1 teaspoon dried ginger (added to boil)
- 1/2 – 1 cup raw honey — based on your taste buds
Simmer the Elderberries
Add 1 cup of dried elderberries and 4 cups of water to a saucepan, along with your fresh or dried ginger. Bring it up to a boil.
Reduce by Half
Lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered until the liquid has reduced by about half — roughly 45 minutes. Your kitchen will smell incredible.
Strain the Berries
Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly, then strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, pressing the berries to get every last drop of liquid.
Add Lemon & Honey
Once the liquid is warm rather than hot, stir in the fresh squeezed lemon juice and raw honey to taste. Bottle it, refrigerate, and it is ready to use.
More Ways to Enjoy Elderberry Syrup
Once you have a jar of syrup in the fridge, it is easy to work into your day:
A spoonful straight
Stirred into hot tea
Drizzled on pancakes
Blended into smoothies
Mixed with sparkling water
Elderberry syrup
Shop Dr. T’s Naturals
Skip the prep and shop the ready-made favorites:
Key Takeaway
- Elderberry has been used for centuries to fight the symptoms of colds and flu, with very few side effects.
- Elderberry extract has been shown to be more effective than vitamin C or zinc for colds and flu.
- It may reduce illness duration by up to 4 days and also supports gut, heart, bone and vision health.
- Making your own syrup at home is far cheaper than buying it — and it only takes five ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although I am a pharmacist, the content in this blog post is for informational purposes only. I can't be held responsible for your results & choices. I encourage you to do your own due diligence on the possible health benefits/side effects of this elderberry syrup recipe before making or using it.