Oh man, elderberry syrup. It’s like the hippie holy grail of immune support and this kitchen witch is all about it. The thing I know is that with delicate humans in my world our immune systems need all the support they can get. This recipe is a culmination of several I like with a boost of some beautiful essential oils that are also immune supportive. Some recipes call for grain alcohol to extend the shelf life but if I can avoid adding alcohol to things I would prefer to avoid it. The essential oils will extend the shelf life on their own and besides, we take it so regularly that really, as long as it’s in the fridge, it isn’t around long enough to spoil….
There are a lot of things to love here like the fact that they are so rich in flavonoids, particularly anthocyanins which are a powerful antioxidant that keeps the immune systems strong. This high antioxidant activity stimulates the immune response while bioflavonoids and other proteins in the juice of the berry deactivate the cold or flu virus enzymes that can infect our cells. They are also really rich in vitamins A, B & C. Basically, the immune-boosting compounds in Elderberries have been specifically shown to help beat the cold and flu more quickly by inhibiting duplication of the virus. Who doesn’t need that?!
Honey has some amazing immune boosting qualities on it’s own and you can totally deep dive into the amazingness of different types of honey to boost the benefits of the syrup. Try adding some Manuka honey or sage honey, I love mixing local orange and blackberry honey for extra deliciousness. Keep in mind that honey is not recommended for infants so, while this is safe for children, it is not recommended for anyone under 1 year of age. Substitute agave, maple syrup or sugar (any kind) if you want to share with your little ones.
Keep in mind, your end result is only as good as your ingredients so be sure to avoid reactive or non stick pans and use filtered water. Also, I only use Young Living essential oils because I’ve been to their farms and know how committed they are to clean growing practices and high quality, un-adulterated essential oils. If you want to get some of these amazing oils, go here.
Elderberry Syrup
Notes
For an adult, take 1 Tablespoon a day to support your healthy immune function, 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon for children 2 & up.
Keep in mind that honey is not recommended for infants so, while this is safe for children, it is not recommended for anyone under 1 year of age. There are a variety of other sweeteners you can substitute if you have little ones:
- Agave
- Maple syrup
- Sugar
- Coconut sugar
- Brown rice syrup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Dried Black Elderberris
- 3 cups Filtered Cold Water
- 1 cup Raw Local Honey OR Maple Syrup Or Agave Syrup (if you want to use with younger children)
- 1 inch Sliced Ginger
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
- 1 piece Star Anise
- 4 drops Thieves Vitality Essential Oil
- 4 drops Citrus Fresh Vitality Essential Oil
- Optional:
- Frankincense Vitality Essential Oil
- Jade Lemon Vitality Essential Oil
- Cinnamon Bark Vitality Essential Oil
- Clove Vitality Essential Oil
- Orange Vitality Essential Oil
- Cardamom Vitality Essential Oil
Instructions
- Add Water and elderberries to a large pot, bring to a full boil
- Reduce heat and simmer on low until the liquid is reduced by half (about 45 minutes depending on your stove)
- Remove from heat and let cool until it is a temperature that is easy to handle, then filter through a fine mesh sieve, smash the pulp to get all of the juice out of the berry mash, discard the mash
- Mix the essential oils with the honey, then mix the honey in the juice while it is still warm, stirring well to completely melt the honey
- Let the mixture cool and then pour into a glass container or jar, store in the refrigerator