Recipe for Elderberry syrup

Elderberry syrup

For centuries the elderberry has been used as a winter remedy for colds. There’s not a ton of clinical research on elderberry, but the studies that do exist conclude that it helps shorten the length and severity of symptoms. It’s an easy home remedy that you can make with kids, and although you probably won’t find fresh elderberries at the grocery store, you can often find dried elderberries at health food stores. 

Elderberries can be toxic if not cooked, so please don’t eat them raw. And also, I’m a soap maker, not a doctor, so talk to your health provider for concerns and any other drug interactions. 

Recipe

Two cups fresh or frozen elderberries (alternatively, one cup dried elderberries)
Three cups water
Two cinnamon sticks

Combine ingredients in a pot and simmer for about 45 minutes, until liquid is reduced by about half. Remove from heat and let cool for about ten minutes. 

Strain the warm into a large mason jar and discard the berries and cinnamon sticks. To the jar of juice add 8-12 ounces of honey. Stir until combined. 

I keep the jar of syrup in the fridge. Between the cold and the large amount of honey, it should keep most of the winter. I take a spoonful twice a day if I have a cold. It’s also a good alternative to cough syrup for kids.