Elderberry syrup is a popular cold remedy. That’s because it’s believed to be good for the immune system. Having a healthy immune response, I’m convinced, is the best way to overcome a nasty bug.

This is a lesson I learned first hand. When my children were young, they caught everything that went around. Every play date would result in a new illness. We spent so much time at the pediatrician’s office. My youngest was subjected to 21 rounds of antibiotics.

Finally, I realized something. If you want healthy kids you have to feed them right. I also discovered the power of natural remedies. Now, we treated our illness with homeopathy and plant-based medicine. The difference was amazing. Eventually, my children emerged with stronger immune systems.

So, today, in our house, you no longer find over-the-counter cold medicines. That’s because we’d much rather use natural remedies, instead of laboratory made drugs.

How to Make Organic Elderberry Syrup

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To make elderberry syrup you obviously need elderberries. I used dried elderberries that my husband picked up at the local health food store. These berries were selling at a premium. I knew I could do much better, pricewise, ordering dried elderberries online. So I had him get just a small bag of dried elderberries.

My daughter was fighting a terrible cold. So I wanted to make organic elderberry syrup right away. I decided to get the berries locally, for now, instead of ordering. If you’re willing to wait, you can probably find a better price for dried elderberries online.

I’d seen a lot of recipes for organic elderberry syrup online. They looked pretty easy. Plus, I’ve gotten really used to making my own herbal remedies, essential oil blends and natural cosmetics. I’d much rather make my own elderberry syrup than buy it. That way I know it’s fresh. Also, I know just what’s being added.

DIY Elderberry Syrup

Elderberry syrup is pretty expensive when you buy it off the shelf. You also need to make sure to get a good brand. Last winter, during our cross country trip to visit my parents, I came down with a terrible cold. I went to the local supermarket and picked up a generic brand of elderberry syrup. It was a well-known brand, from a large healthy foods chain. But the results were less than impressive. Homemade organic elderberry syrup seems to work better, at least for me.

Also, when you make your own elderberry syrup, you can add additional ingredients. Many of the recipes I saw called for cinnamon and chopped ginger. These herbs are also thought to be good for the immune system. In general, it’s a good idea to take multiple complimentary herbs at once. That’s because it’s possible they create a positive synergy.

Where to Buy Whole Organic Elderberries

One trusted source for wildcrafted dried elderberries is Wilderness Family Naturals. This family-run busines, based in northern Minnesota, sells a wide and affordable range of organic herbs, gluten-free flours, superfood powders, nuts, oils and more. The prices for a pound of dried elderberries are much better than what I found locally.

However, there is a shipping charge, unless you place a minimum order. You’ll want to avoid this charge by reaching that minimum yourself, or possibly eaming up with another family or two. As of this writing, the minimum for free shipping was $125.

Here’s another option that can save you even more money. If you have several friends committed to natural health, you can place a group order at WFN and qualify for a “volume discount.” All you would need to spend is $300, which is very low for co-op type shopping.

Organic Elderberry Syrup Recipe

At my house, I was working with a small supply of dried elderberries. That’s okay, because DIY syrup made from dried elderberries will only last a couple of weeks in the refrigerator. So it makes sense to make small batches, if you’re trying to fight or prevent a cold.

If you order a bag of dried elderberries, store them in a glass container, in a cool dark place. I’m not sure how long they last, but perhaps a year would be a safe bet. If you’re not sure you’re going to use a pound of elderberries within that time, perhaps consider splitting a bag with a friend.

Making your own elderberry syrup is definitely less expensive than buying a bottle of organic elderberry syrup. Plus, it’s really easy to make.

Dried Elderberry Syrup Recipe

The amount of dried elderberries I had on hand amounted to less than 1/4 cup. That’s okay, because the average adult will probably only need 3 teaspoons of syrup a day. From what I understand, elderberry syrup is designed as a short-term immune boost, and is not to be taken indefinitely.

I also need to point out that I’m not a medical doctor. (I’m a certified homeopathic educator.) So I can’t promise that any natural remedy you read about here will solve a particular health problem.

But I can make organic elderberry syrup with dried elderberries. Here’s how I did it.

Elderberry Syrup Organic Recipe

I’m going to assume that you want to make a little more than I did, with only 1/4 of a cup. So I’ll double this recipe.

1/2 cup of dried elderberries (They’re available here)

2 cups of water

1 teaspoon of organic Ceylon cinnamon. (It’s available here) The reason I specify using Ceylon cinnamon is because most cinnamon you see at the grocery store is not the real thing. Instead, it’s derived from a related species called cassia. This contains a chemical that can potentially cause liver damage.

1/4 to 1/2 cup of pure raw organic honey (It’s available here)

Put the water, cinnamon and dried elderberries in a sturdy saucepan and simmer on low to medium-low heat for 40 minutes. Check on it while it’s cooking and add more water if necessary. Cool and strain. When it’s still warm, strain with a small wire strainer. Add the honey and stir. I put my homemade elderberry syrup in a glass jelly jar.

Easy Elderberry Syrup Recipe

Anyway, it’s incredibly easy to make your own elderberry syrup with dried elderberries. I never plan to buy it again. Below you can see what my cooked berries looked like in the wire strainer. The dark purple syrup was collected in a jar below.

Disclaimer

These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use herbal remedies unless directed to do so by a healthcare professional.