Vegan Elderberry Syrup

Elderberry syrup has been a significant part of our medicine cabinet for years. I honestly believe it is what helps us bounce back so fast when we don't feel our best!

The history of Elderberries goes back centuries and is SO interesting! Historians generally trace the tradition of the elderberry’s healing power back to Hippocrates, the ancient Greek known as the “father of medicine.” He described this plant as his “medicine chest” for the wide variety of ailments it seemed to cure. The dried berries of the Sambucis Nigra plant are naturally high in immune-boosting compounds that are specifically shown to help beat the cold and flu in record time.

Over the centuries, elderberry has been used to treat colds, flu, fever, burns, cuts, and more than 70 other maladies. In the 17th century, John Evelyn, a British researcher, declared, “If the medicinal properties of its leaves, bark, and berries were fully known, I cannot tell what our countryman could ail for which he might not fetch a remedy [from the elderberry], either for sickness or wounds." Powerful right!?

The berries are rich in vitamins and minerals and are best used as a tonic syrup to ward off winter ailments. They are full of vitamins and thus strengthen and support the whole body. In particular a vitamin J is mentioned, which is specifically indicated to counteract pneumonia. Elderberries are reported to be of value as an alterative remedy in rheumatic conditions. They also soothe sore (inflamed) nerves and help to improve poor circulation. There are SO many benefits!

Our main use is when we get coughs, fevers or body pain. If you've ever taken a natural cough syrup, it has no doubt contained elderberry as a main ingredient. Elder relax bronchial spasms, making them very useful for treating upper respiratory infections.. Elderberry may help treat cold and flu symptoms by reducing congestion and possibly making you sweat more. One study suggested that using a standardized elderberry extract, Sambucol, could shorten the duration of flu by about 3 days.

You can buy a bottle of elderberry syrup in the store but these usually cost between $12-$16 for a very small 8 oz bottle. This recipe makes about 32 oz and the bags you buy of all the ingredients will last you quite a while and make PLENTY of batches! Store bought syrup also contains honey in their ingredients and not everyone wants to use honey. You can either use coconut nectar, maple or agave syrup. I buy almost all of the ingredients on Amazon!

DOSAGE:

ADULTS: There is no standard dose of elderberry syrup. For colds and flu, I take 1 tsp a couple times a day until I feel better. Usually only 2 days.

CHILDREN: Children can take 1/4 – 1/2 tsp of elderberry syrup per day for daily maintenance. During times of cold and flu we increase it to 2-3 times per day for 2 days. 


INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup dried elderberries
• 1 Tbsp dried organic ginger OR 1 large piece fresh ginger, sliced thinly
• 2 whole Chinese star anise
• 2 whole cinnamon sticks
• 8 whole cloves
• 4 cups water
• 2.5 cups raw honey

DIRECTIONS:

1. Add water, elderberries, ginger, star anise, cinnamon and cloves to a medium sized pot and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer until liquid is reduced by half, about 1 hour.
3. Strain over a large bowl to remove berries. Allow liquid to cool to room temperature, then stir in coconut nectar or agave/maple syrup.
4. Carefully pour elderberry syrup to a 32 oz mason jar with air tight lid. Store in fridge.
5. You can even put this in a smoothie if your kids are not keen on the flavor. They will never know it is in there! ;-)

DISCLAIMER: I am not a physician, this is just what I do for my family. It is best you seek out dosage best for you and your family through a medical physician or herbalist.