Elderberry Syrup Recipe for Cold & Flu Season

Seasonal sniffles have nothing on us here at Oak Creek Family Farm! My elderberry syrup is a must-have for our family, especially during the cooler months. Not only is it delicious and soothing, but elderberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins to keep your immune system strong. Plus, the warm spices make the whole house smell like a cozy fall day.

This recipe is simple but loaded with love, warmth, and some of nature’s best remedies. And because we don’t like to waste anything here on the farm, I’ve got a bonus tip for you at the end!

Ingredients:

• ½ Cup Dried Elderberries

• 2 Cups Water

• ½ Fresh Lemon (just the juice)

• 2 Cinnamon Sticks

• 3 Whole Cloves

• Ginger Root (sliced, to taste)

• Local Honey (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Simmer the Goodness
   In a medium-sized pot, combine the water, elderberries, cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger root, and the juice from half a lemon. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
   (Pro tip: Stir with love and maybe hum a little tune—it’s my secret ingredient!)

2. Strain & Save the Liquid
   Once simmered, remove from heat and strain the liquid into a glass jar, setting aside all the elderberries, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and ginger root. This is where the magic happens, but don’t toss those elderberries just yet—we’ll get to that in a moment!

3. Sweeten to Taste
   While the syrup is still warm, stir in local honey to taste. I like mine sweet, so I usually add a bit more, but you can adjust based on your preference.

4. Enjoy & Store
   Pour your delicious elderberry syrup into a clean jar. It can be stored in the fridge and should keep for about two weeks, though it rarely lasts that long with my crew around!

How to Use:

Take a spoonful daily for prevention, or up to 3 times a day if you’re already feeling under the weather. You can also drizzle it on pancakes, stir it into tea, or take it straight for a boost of healthy goodness!

Bonus Tip: Elderberry Tincture

Now, if you know me, you know I’m all about making the most of everything in the kitchen. After you’ve strained your elderberries, don’t throw them away! Instead, place the strained elderberries in a glass jar, cover them with vodka, and let the mixture sit for 4-6 weeks in a cool, dark spot. After that, strain it once more, and voilà—you’ve made an elderberry tincture!

This tincture can be used in small doses when you need an extra boost for your immune system. Waste not, want not, right?

I hope this elderberry syrup recipe brings a bit of warmth, comfort, and health to your home this season. From one busy homesteading mom to another, it’s all about finding the time to nourish your family with love (and a little elderberry magic).

Stay cozy,
Jess & the Garcia Crew

Important Warnings About Elderberries

While elderberries are a wonderful natural remedy and immune booster, there are a few important considerations and warnings to keep in mind before using them:

1. Raw Elderberries Can Be Toxic
   Elderberries should never be consumed raw. Raw elderberries, as well as the stems, leaves, and roots of the elderberry plant, contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can produce cyanide and cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Always cook elderberries thoroughly before consumption, as heat neutralizes these toxins..

2. Autoimmune Conditions
   Elderberry boosts the immune system, which can be a concern for individuals with autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple sclerosis. If you have an autoimmune condition, consult your doctor before using elderberry to avoid potential interactions with your condition or medications.

3. Allergic Reactions
   Some people may be allergic to elderberries, especially if they have a known sensitivity to plants in the same family, such as honeysuckle. If you or your child have known plant allergies, it's wise to be cautious and consider a patch test before consuming elderberry products.

4. Diabetes and Medications
   Elderberries may have a mild effect on blood sugar levels. If you’re on medications for diabetes, or any other medications that affect blood sugar, speak with your doctor before introducing elderberry into your routine.