Elderberry syrup is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries to help boost the immune system and alleviate symptoms of colds and flu.

Made from the berries of the elderberry plant, this delicious elderberry syrup is packed with antioxidants and vitamins that can help protect the body from harmful toxins and promote overall health and wellness.

We do a lot to try to naturally boost our immune system during the cold and flu months. From making fire cider to four thieves vinegar to this simple elderberry syrup, I try to keep all of the natural remedies and preventatives on hand all winter long.

Elderberry Syrup Health Benefits

Dried berries from the Sambucus nigra have been used for centuries by herbalists to help boost the immune system. This is especially true when our immune systems are particularly stressed during colder months and holiday gatherings.

Black elderberries can help reduce the amount of time we have symptoms of seasonal colds and mild flu as well as help prevent us from getting sick from these common ailments.

These berries have large amounts of vitamin A, vitamin B, and vitamin C all of which help stimulate activity in the immune system.

Making a syrup out of flavorful elderberries makes this easy to take to help harness those immune-boosting properties, even for kids.

Sweeten it with a bit of local honey and add a few other complementary herbs and you have a potent syrup that also tastes great!

Ingredients for Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe

Organic Elderberries – this recipe calls for dried elderberries. However, you can use fresh elderberries if you choose. Just double the amount. Again, these berries are full of immune-boosting compounds whether you use fresh berries or dried.

If you’re using fresh berries, you’ll want to make sure they are all ripe. Any unripe berries should be discarded as they can contain toxins.

Ginger Root – freshly grated ginger is best. However, dried ginger still contains plenty of medicinal properties and can be used in a pinch.

Ginger has tons of anti-inflammatory properties, and other health benefits, making it an excellent addition to this immune-boosting syrup.

Organic Cinnamon – a couple of cinnamon sticks will infuse plenty of flavor and the medicinal properties of cinnamon right into the syrup.

Cloves – whole cloves are used in this homemade syrup. Cloves are full of antioxidants and are known to kill bacteria.

Filtered Water – filtered, purified water is the best water to use when making homemade syrups.

Local Raw Honey – is added after the syrup has cooked down, this helps sweeten the syrup and also adds medicinal properties.

*Note, if planning to give this to children under one year of age, simply substitute the raw honey for real maple syrup instead. While it won’t have quite the same medicinal benefits, it will sweeten it enough. Honey is not safe to give to infants.

Lemon Juice – while optional, I find that lemon juice is a great addition. This helps mellow out the flavor and gives some extra vitamin C and antioxidants while it’s at it. I really like the addition of fresh lemon juice to this syrup.

How to Make Elderberry Syrup on the Stove

Simply combine dried elderberries, ginger root, cinnamon stick, cloves, and water in a large pot.

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Boil, stirring occasionally for 30 minutes until fragrant and beginning to thicken.

Strain the berries and herbs out by pouring the mixture through a fine sieve or, over a cheesecloth-fitted colander into a bowl.

Cool slightly before adding honey to taste and juice from two lemons. Stir to combine.

Making Elderberry Syrup in a Slow Cooker

If you would like to slow-cook this elderberry syrup, you can.

Add the dried berries, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and four cups of water to a large slow cooker.

Cook on low for 8 hours. Strain by pouring the elderberry juice through a fine mesh sieve, or into a colander fitted with cheesecloth over a bowl.

Cool to a warm room temperature before adding honey to taste and the juice of two lemons.

Can You Make Elderberry Syrup in an Instant Pot?

You cannot pressure cook elderberry syrup safely, no. While you could cook it using the sauté feature on the instant pot and leave it uncovered, you’ll accomplish the same thing by cooking it over the stove, so I don’t even recommend pulling out the instant pot.

The reason is, elderberry seeds contain small quantities of cyanide. This toxic ingredient is actually cooked out and evaporates via steam when the syrup is prepared properly.

If you pressure cook the syrup in an instant pot with it covered, those toxic compounds can’t evaporate via steam. So, it is best if you don’t even bother trying to prepare it in an instant pot.

Again, this is not a concern as long as it is prepared so that steam can escape. Which, it can using either a slow cooker or the stovetop. Not allowing that to evaporate will make your stomach upset at best, or could accumulate at worst.

How to Dose Elderberry Syrup

This syrup can be used daily during the cold and flu season if you’d like. For adults, I recommend taking 1 tablespoon daily. For children, one teaspoon daily.

If you have flu symptoms beginning to creep up, increase that dose to 1 tablespoon of elderberry syrup three times per day for adults and 1 teaspoon three times a day for children.

Storing Elderberry Syrup

This recipe makes a small batch so you can use it up before it goes bad. Fresh elderberry syrup made at home isn’t shelf-stable like the store-bought version, that being said it will keep for a while properly stored.

While some people suggest adding a little brandy or other alcohol to homemade elderberry syrup to prolong the shelf life, I haven’t found this necessary.

You can store this homemade syrup in an airtight container like a mason jar fitted with a lid in the refrigerator for up to four weeks.

Can You Freeze Elderberry Syrup?

You can! Simply make the syrup, strain it, pour it into a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 6 months.

Is it Safe to Can Elderberry Syrup?

It isn’t. The pH of elderberries is actually quite high, making them not acidic enough on their own to be safely water bath canned.

Besides, running it through a canner means heating it up even more, destroying its medicinal properties. Just store this homemade syrup in the refrigerator or freezer and you’ll be good to go.

Other Natural Remedies to Try:

• Homemade Cough Syrup – Natural Remedy for Cough
• Herbal Homemade Cough Drops with Honey and lemon
• Fermented Honey Garlic

If you try this homemade elderberry syrup, I’d love to hear about it in the comment section below! Also, I’d love if you would leave me a recipe review on the recipe card below and tag me on Instagram with your recipe creations @therusticelk!