Did you know that elderberry syrup has been used traditionally for fighting off coughs, colds, and flus? It is said to have antiviral properties and has even been shown to decrease symptoms and duration of the flu! My suggestion is to make a batch at the beginning of cold and flu season when you’re feeling well and store in the fridge so it’s ready to go at first sign of cold or flu.
A word of caution: While elderberry syrup is generally considered safe, elderberries can cause nausea or vomiting when consumed uncooked. Please consult your Naturopathic Doctor or Herbalist about dosing and safety before consuming any herbal medicine.
Elderberry Syrup
Prep time: 35 minutes, Cook time: 60 minutes
Ingredients:
1 cup dried elderberries
4 cups water
1 cup honey
1/2 cup maple syrup
Directions:
- Soak elderberries in water for 30 minutes
- Bring water and elderberries to a boil
- Simmer for 45 minutes
- Strain mixture.
- Tip: Don’t throw out the berries, add them to smoothies or baking. Check out this elderberry muffin recipe.
- Mix in honey and maple syrup and simmer for another 10-15 minutes
- Pour into jar and refrigerate after it has cooled.
Sources
1. Zakay-Rones, Z, et al. “Randomized Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Oral Elderberry Extract in the Treatment of Influenza A and B Virus Infections.” Journal of International Medical Research, vol. 32, no. 2, 2004, pp. 132–140., doi:10.1177/147323000403200205.
2. Vlachojannis, J. E., et al. “A Systematic Review on the Sambuci Fructus Effect and Efficacy Profiles.” Phytotherapy Research, vol. 24, no. 1, 2010, pp. 1–8., doi:10.1002/ptr.2729.
3. Porter, Randall S., and Robert F. Bode. “A Review of the Antiviral Properties of Black Elder (Sambucus NigraL.) Products.” Phytotherapy Research, vol. 31, no. 4, 2017, pp. 533–554., doi:10.1002/ptr.5782.
4. Franklin Institute of Wellness. (2018). The Proper Way to Make Elderberry Syrup. Retrieved from https://franklininstituteofwellness.com/proper-elderberry-syrup/ on January 5, 2019.