Elderberry Syrup Recipe

Flu season is back again, and you might be looking for a natural way to boost your immune system and fight off those pesky viruses.

Well, look no further than this elderberry syrup recipe, a delicious and easy remedy that has been used for centuries to treat flu and colds.

Elderberry syrup is made from the berries of the elder plant, which have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. In this article, I’ll show you how to make your own elderberry syrup at home with just a few simple ingredients.

What is Elderberry?

We’ve all heard about blackberries and blueberries, but what’s an elderberry?

Elderberry is a genus of flowering plants from the Adoxaceae family with 5-9 leaflets ranging in size (usually between 5 and 30 cm.).

The genus occurs in subtropical regions in the world and has been commonly used in natural medicine for centuries. Even the great Hippocrates once referred to elderberry as a “medicine chest”, and he’s the father of modern medicine, so we’re inclined to believe him.

Elderberry Tree. Source: treeoftheyear.org

In medicinal studies, elderberry has been used to stop the progress of influenza A and B thanks to its antibacterial properties.

The plant can easily soothe respiratory infections and inflammation as well, making it a perfect remedy for flu and colds.

Although not confirmed, elderberry has been tested against some types of cancer and the results are positive. Of course, further studies are needed to confirm these findings, but doctors are hopeful that it may be the cancer cure we’ve all been waiting for.

What Makes It So Powerful?

The health benefits of elderberry are due to the presence of compounds such as antivirin, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, with the latter also responsible for the berries’ dark color.

Consuming elderberries will stimulate the immune system to fight the influenza virus (and other viruses and bacteria), while also soothing fever, pain, and various aches.

Dr. Josh Axe was the leader of a randomized trial testing the effects of elderberry against influenza strains in 2009. The group which received the 175-milligram extract managed to relieve all symptoms of the flu, while the placebo group experienced no improvements at all.

Another study revealed that elderberry can subdue the symptoms of flu and colds if taken during the first 48 hours and also shortens the duration of the symptoms by a whopping 4 days. As it turns out, elderberry may be the cure for colds and the flu we’ve all been waiting for.

Additionally, the berry showed powerful effects against the Avian flu, more specifically, the Panama B strain. According to data from the CDC, this strain kills about 60% of annual reported cases, and further mutations may be deadlier. Elderberries, as it seems, may be the cure we’ve been looking for.

Elderberry Benefits

Here are some of the benefits of elderberry that are backed by scientific literature:

Elderberry may reduce the duration and severity of colds and flu. A systematic review of five randomized trials found that elderberry may shorten the duration of influenza by about two days, and reduce the severity of symptoms, compared to placebo or other treatments [1].
Elderberry may lower the risk of influenza complications and adverse events. One randomized trial compared an elderberry-containing product (Sambucol) to oseltamivir (Tamiflu), an antiviral drug, for the treatment of influenza A and B. The trial found that Sambucol was associated with a lower risk of complications, such as pneumonia and sinusitis, and a lower rate of adverse events, such as nausea and vomiting, than oseltamivir [2].
Elderberry may have anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies have measured the production of cytokines, which are molecules that regulate inflammation, after ingestion of elderberry. Elderberry may increase the production of some anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-10, and decrease the production of some pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha [3].
Elderberry may have antidiabetic effects. Some animal studies have suggested that elderberry may lower blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity [4]. However, human studies are lacking and more research is needed to confirm these effects.
Elderberry may have anticancer effects. Some in vitro studies have shown that elderberry extracts can inhibit the growth and induce the death of various cancer cells, such as breast, colon, prostate, and skin cancer cells [5]. However, these effects have not been tested in humans and more research is needed to understand the mechanisms and potential applications of elderberry in cancer prevention or treatment.

If you’re wondering how you can consume elderberries, we’re here to help. Although you can eat them raw or juice them, there’s a powerful and easy-to-prepare tonic which can be used to boost your immune system and improve your overall health.

Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients

16 oz. elderberry juice
1 tablespoon honey (organic and unfiltered)
4 tablespoons lemon juice

Preparation

First, you’ll need to prepare the elderberry juice. Put 16 oz. elderberries in a pan and pour water until it covers them.
Next, boil the mixture on low-medium heat, then let it cool down.
Strain the liquid and keep it in the fridge.
After a few hours, mix the elderberry and lemon juice in a pan and boil it on medium heat.
Simmer for 20 minutes on low heat, then add the honey and drink the mix warm.

This powerful tonic will give your immune system a nice boost and keep cold and the flu away from you. That’s all we want, right?

Here’s similar version of this Elderberry Syrup Recipe that you may want to try out.

Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe for Cold And Flu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elderberry syrup is often used as a supplement to treat cold and flu symptoms. The benefits seem to be greatest when started within 24 to 48 hours after the symptoms begin. One study found that elderberry could cut the duration of flu symptoms by more than 50%.

Most people notice a difference within a few days of taking elderberry syrup. However, it can take up to two weeks for the full effects to be felt. It’s also been noted that 15 milliliters of elderberry syrup, taken three to five times per day, is sufficient for resolving cold symptoms if taken early enough

Storing homemade elderberry syrup properly can help prolong its shelf life.

Here are some tips:

Refrigeration: Elderberry syrup should be stored in the refrigerator. It can last for about 2-3 months or even 90 to 180 days in the fridge, depending on your recipe.
Freezing: To extend its shelf life, you can freeze elderberry syrup in ice cube trays and store the cubes in an airtight container for up to a year. In the freezer, elderberry syrup can last for years.
Storage Container: The most popular method for storing homemade elderberry syrup is in glass mason jars with tight-fitting lids.
Shake Before Use: Always remember to shake the bottle well before use1.
Room Temperature: Fresh syrup will stay good on the counter for 7-10 days prior to turning/spoiling

There are a few signs that can indicate if your homemade elderberry syrup has gone bad:

Smell: The first sign that elderberry syrup has gone bad is the way it smells. The syrup goes from having the scent of heavenly nectar to slightly sour fruit.
Mold: Visually, when the elderberry syrup in your fridge goes bad, you’ll notice mold, which at first appears to be specks of dirt. By the time you notice it’s not dirt but live growing mold, your syrup is already shot.
Taste: If the syrup tastes off or different than when it was fresh, it might have gone bad.

Yes, you can definitely use frozen elderberries to make the syrup. In fact, freezing the berries first can make it easier to remove them from the stems

Elderberries have a wide range of uses, both for their health benefits and their delicious flavor.

Here are some of the ways you can use elderberries:

Culinary Uses: Elderberries can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be used fresh in muffins, pancakes, oatmeal, fruit crisps, pie, or jam. Elderberry syrup can also be used to flavor gummies, smoothies, popsicles, and numerous delicious drinks.
Health and Wellness: Elderberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that may boost your immune system. They could help tame inflammation, lessen stress, and help protect your heart. Some experts recommend elderberry to help prevent and ease cold and flu symptoms. It’s also been used as a treatment for constipation, joint and muscle pain, infections that affect how you breathe, headaches, fever, kidney problems, epilepsy, minor skin conditions, stress, HIV and AIDS.
Skin Care: Elderberry fruit contains high levels of flavonoids, which means it might have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These help to protect healthy cells from harmful free radicals. This makes them potentially useful in skin care products.
Other Uses: Elderberry is also used in food coloring and body lotions.

Yes, consuming too many elderberries can have several side effects.

Here are some potential side effects:

Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Consuming too much elderberry can lead to symptoms such as stomach pain, cramps, bloating, and other digestive issues. It’s important to limit your intake to the recommended daily allowance to avoid any uncomfortable side effects.
Diarrhea and Nausea: Eating large amounts of elderberries or drinking too much elderberry juice or extract can lead to gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and nausea1.
Allergic Reactions: In some cases, consuming too many elderberries can cause severe allergic reactions.

Final Take

So, there you have it. Elderberry syrup is a simple and effective way to boost your immune system and fight off flu and colds.

It’s packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that can help you feel better faster and prevent complications.

Plus, it tastes delicious and you can make it at home with just a few ingredients. Why not give it a try and see for yourself how elderberry syrup recipe can improve your health and wellness?

Check these recipes as well:

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Elderberry Syrup Recipe – Easy Natural Remedy for Flu and Colds!

What is Elderberry?

What Makes It So Powerful?

Elderberry Benefits