These little dried berries have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. The Benefits of Using Elderberry Syrup is too valuable not to share! Elderberries are certainly growing in popularity. Our body loves the boost elderberries give to our entire immune system.
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Elderberries are fascinating! It would seem others are also intrigued by this berries health benefits. Friends are talking about getting their hands on elderberry syrup and want a tried and true recipe. Keep reading (or scroll to the bottom) for the elderberry syrup I use every time.
More About the Elderberry
Elderberries are really funny little berries that can be both harmful to our health, if consumed in the raw form and prevent illness, when consumed in the cooked form.
Please note that I am not a doctor or scientist! I promote a healthy lifestyle and do thorough research (and double check sources) before relating anything to you. My hope is that you’ll enjoy the general information and be slightly more educated on the medicinal qualities of the dried (or cooked) elderberry.
The Benefits of Elderberry Syrup – Learning about Elderberries
Learning is fun, especially about natural plants that can play such a significant role in our health. To keep this post a modest length, we’ll cover 4 aspects of elderberry:
- Features of the elderberry bush and berry
- Medicinal benefits of consuming elderberry extract
- Two popular ways to take elderberry; syrup and chews
- Elderberry Syrup Recipe
The Fascinating Elderberry
Bushes (elderberry) can grow anywhere from six feet to sixteen feet tall. Their are two types of elderberry species, the American Black Elderberry, referred to as Sambucus canadensis, and the European Elderberry, referred to Sambucus nigra. The black elderberry bushes love the sunshine and are found growing in old fields and meadows.
It’s a general rule of thumb to not eat any wild berries until you have clearly identified them. The elderberry is a bit different. You’ll want to identify it first, but not eat it in raw form, as it will give humans quite the gastrointestinal upset & feelings of nausea if eaten without being cooked. However, other species like bears, deer, and elk enjoy eating it raw without negative side effects. Humans can safely consume it once it’s been cooked and dried.
Medicinal Benefits of Elderberry Extract
Elderberry extract is made by simmering elderberries for at least 45 minutes over the stove top. This potent little berry is considered to be among the top antiviral herbal remedies for colds and respiratory virus.
Benefits of Elderberry Extract:
- Loaded with antioxidants and bioflavonoids.
- Natural source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron and potassium
- Aids your body in removing waste (a natural diuretic)
- Lowers blood sugar levels
- Treats common cold and seasonal flu symptoms
- Anti-inflammatory properties
Dr. Mercola has a concise article called What Are Elderberries Good For?
Elderberry Syrup
It’s amazing how many grocery stores and health food co-ops are stocking their shelves with this syrup. I chose to purchase dried elderberries and brew my own syrup. It just takes 1 tablespoon a day to boost immunity. Buy elderberries from Amazon: Frontier Elder Berries Whole Organic – 1 lb
How do I make mine? First, I gently simmer dried elderberries, cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger slices, rose hips and whole cloves in purified water. Keep the lid slightly ajar.
Once this mixture simmers for 45 minutes, strain them (squeezing berries with a spatula), cool, then you add raw honey to cooled juice. I chose to store it in an amber colored bottle to preserve the freshness.
Storage Bottles: 16-Ounce Amber Glass Bottles with Reusable Chalk Labels and Lids (2 Pack), with Black Caps
The health benefits from consuming this safe elderberry syrup is numerous.
Health Benefits of:
- Elderberry extract: treats cold and flu symptoms, reduces inflammation
- Cinnamon Sticks: antibacterial, antiviral, improves digestion, reduces inflammation
- Fresh Ginger: aids in digestion, reduced inflammation, boosts metabolism, anti fungal
- Whole Cloves: boost immunity, relieves congestion, reduces flatulence, eases headaches
- Rose Hips: excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants.
Fun fact: whole cloves contain minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and zinc.
Recently I began adding in rose hips to simmer with the elderberries. They are known for preventing and treating colds and flu due to the high vitamin C content. More on Rose Hips at The Spruce.
Keeping reading to see why I use raw honey ……..
Elderberry Chews
The fun way to take your immunity boost: elderberry chews. They are made with elderberry syrup, raw honey, lemon juice, and Great Lakes Gelatin.
Taking just 2-3 chews a day will give your immunity a boost! Raw honey is unfiltered, unpasteurized honey that retains all its original vitamins, enzymes and phytonutrients. This ingredient is more than a common sweetener!!
Benefits of Raw Honey
Raw honey is antiviral, antibacterial, prebiotic (meaning it’s good for digestion), contain antioxidants, eases allergy symptoms, boost immune system, improves circulation.
I originally created the Dino Chews for kids, but they have been purchased by all ages!
Benefits of Great Lakes Gelatin
It’s the highest quality gelatin! Great Lakes brand can tell you exactly where they pasture-raise their cows and how it’s extracted. The gelatin is make by cooking the bones, connective tissues, skin and tendons of cows. This is not your regular super market gelatin; where gelatin is harvested from from factory farmed animals. Get yours here: Great Lakes Unflavored Beef Gelatin, Kosher, 16 Ounce Can
Health Benefits of Consuming Gelatin:
- soothing/healing to our gut
- rich in protein
- reduces signs of aging
- good for our joints
- increases our body’s ability to absorb calcium
I found this article by Food Renegade helpful: “How to Heal Your Gut with Gelatin.”
Buy Pre-made Gummies: Garden of Life mykind Organics Elderberry Plant Based Immune Gummy – 120 Real Fruit Gummies for Kids & Adults – Echinacea, Zinc & Vitamin C, No Added Sugar Herbal Supplements
Free Printable Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Elderberry Syrup
Ingredients
- 4 c. purified water
- 1 c. dried elderberries
- 1 c. raw honey
- 2 sticks cinnamon
- 4 whole cloves
- 2-4 slices fresh ginger
- 1 tsp. rose hips
Instructions
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In a medium saucepan add the water, elderberries, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and rose hips. Bring to a low simmer.
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Simmer for a solid 45 minutes.
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Using a sturdy metal strainer, strain out the extract into a glass mixing bowl.
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Set aside to cool.
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When cool enough to touch, add the raw honey.
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Stir and refrigerate.
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Lasts 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator.
Elderberries: Frontier Co-op Elderberries, European Whole, Kosher, Non-irradiated | 1 lb. Bulk Bag | Sustainably Grown | Sambucus nigra L.
Silicone Dino Molds: Mini Dinosaur Silicone molds/Dragon Gummy Bear Mold, Non-Stick Gummie Tray (4-Pack+4 Droppers) Creates 192 Sweet Snacks Triceratops T-Rex Stegosaurus Brontosaurus
Raw honey: 100% Pure, Raw & Unfiltered Honey; 32oz.
Question and Answers about Elderberry Syrup & Chews
Question: When should I take it?
Answer: As a preventative during high cold/flu season and peak allergy season.
Question: Can I take it year-round like my other supplements?
Answer: No. Your body doesn’t need a constant boost every single day of the year. Take a few weeks off or even a month during the summer months.
Question: Do you have a name brand you recommend?
Gaia Herbs Black Elderberry Syrup
Question: How long does it last in the refrigerator?
Answer: Usually 2-3 weeks. Chews can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Question: Are the Syrup and Chews the only way to take elderberry?
Answer: No. Homemade elderberry tea, elderberry/zinc lozenges & echinacea & elderberry herbal tea.
Elderberries make it easier to stay well this cold and flu season! Please message me if you have any further questions about this incredible herb.
Enjoy the many benefits of Elderberry Syrup!
Pursing Better Health Together,