Elderberry syrup may be one of the most popular remedies there is for colds and there is a good reason why. It's incredibly easy to make, it lasts in the refrigerator for 2-3 months, it tastes great and has been used traditionally to prevent and ease colds and cold symptoms.
It can be drizzled on oats or pancakes, stirred into tea, or taken by the spoonful when you feel a cold coming on to help prevent and ease symptoms.
Elderberry Syrup
½ cup dried elder berries
3 cups water
1 cup honey
Place the elderberries in a sauce pan and cover with water. Bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat to low and simmer on low for 30-45 min until the liquid is reduced by about half.
Leave the lid OFF to let the toxins escape from the elderberries as they cook. (Elderberries have to be cooked to be safe for consumption and cooking removes the toxin).
If the water is simmering off too fast, you can add more.
When it's done simmering, let it cool to room temperature.
Once it's cooled, smash the berries a bit to release as much juice as possible.
Strain through cheesecloth and when it's done dripping, ball the cheesecloth up and squeeze out the excess juices.
While it's still warm (but not hot) stir in the honey. Using raw organic honey is best, just don’t heat it up as this destroys much of its healing benefit.
Pour into clean mason jars or bottles and refrigerate. Elderberry syrup can be stored in the fridge for about 2-3 months. You can also freeze any extra. Canning it is not recommended as the high heat destroys the benefits of the raw honey.
Elderberry syrup is considered generally safe for most people, but of course take into consideration age, weight, allergies and any other health conditions when consuming it.
You can order dried elderberries from sources like Mountain Rose Herbs, they do tend to run out in the fall as folks love making this and having on hand for the colder months.
Enjoy!
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