Immune-Boosting, Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe - Oh So Savvy Mom (2024)

Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe

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Ugh…

I think my boys are getting every single virus that is going around. Since moving to Utah from Louisiana in July we seem to be on a 2 weeks on 2weeks off schedule with colds and stomach viruses. I don’t know what the deal is! I have a couple theories about why we’re suddenly plagued with sickness. Unfortunately, theories won’t help my boys get better and stay better. Looks like it is time to break out my homemade elderberry syrup recipe.

One thing that I’ve relied on over the years to help prevent illness and shorten the duration of illness if, in fact, we do fall ill, is elderberry syrup. The immune boosting benefits of Elderberry Syrup are plentiful and well researched. According to the University of Maryland Medical center (which cites specific research studies):

Elderberry, or elder, has been used for centuries to treat wounds, when applied to the skin. It is also taken by mouth to treat respiratory illnesses such as cold and flu. In many countries, including Germany, elder flower is used to treat colds and flu. Some evidence suggests that chemicals in elder flower and berries may help reduce swelling in mucous membranes, such as the sinuses, and help relieve nasal congestion. Elder may have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer properties….Elderberry may help treat cold and flu symptoms by reducing congestion…One study suggested that using a standardized elderberry extract, Sambucol, could shorten the duration of flu by about 3 days.

I first discovered and started giving my boys elderberry syrup about 6 years ago. I used to buy the kids Sambucol, but with more than one child, that soon got very pricey. I could easily spend $30 on elderberry syrup in a couple weeks. It was about a year ago now that I hit the Pinterest in search of a goodHomemade Elderberry Syrup recipe.

I pinned this Homemade Elderberry Syruprecipe from Real Food RN. I’ve made it following the recipe exactly as it states a couple times, but my kids are sooo picky! So, I’ve tried a couple of my own variations. The following is my favorite so far:

Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe

This homemade elderberry syrup recipe is really one of the easiest things to make. It will make your house smell delightful too!

In case you’re curious about what each ofthe ingredients do, here is a breakdown of the ingredients:

Homemade Elderberry Syrup Ingredients:

Elderberry: See above. I purchase my dried elderberries on Amazon.

Ginger: Contains potent anti-oxidants which are anti-inflamatory and analgesic (pain-relieving)

Cloves: High vitamin A and beta-carotene levels. These compounds are known to have antioxidant properties. Vitamin A is also helpfulfor maintaining healthy mucus membranes. Also a good source of vitamin-K, vitamin-B6 (pyridoxine), thiamin (vitamin B-1), vitamin-Cand riboflavin. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps the body develop resistance against infectiousgerms.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon is loaded with powerful antioxidantslikepolyphenols. Cinnamon is anti-microbial and fights various types of infection and bacteria. I learned recently (after making the Elderberry Syrup shown in the picture) that it is important to make sure you are using the Ceylon variety of cinnamon. The Cassia variety commonly found in supermarkets can be harmful in large doses. The Ceylon variety is much more effective, and safe, for medicinal use. You can find the Ceylon variety for a good price on Amazon.com.

Raw Honey:Raw honey is antibacterial and will actually act as a preservative for your elderberry syrup. Honey also calms inflamed mucous membranes and is more effective than cough syrup forsoothing a cough.

Precautions via University of Maryland Medical Center:

Do not use unripe or uncooked elderberries. They may be poisonous.

Elderberry appears to have few side effects when used properly for short periods of time (up to 5 days).

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take elderberry.

If you have an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, you should ask your doctor before taking elderberry, as it may stimulate the immune system.

You can find Organic Elderberries on Amazon here.
You can find Organic Ceylon Cinnamon on Amazon here.

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