SUPPORTING YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM WITH ELDERBERRY SYRUP

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“SOUFUL HEALING ASKS, WHILE YOU ARE HEALING YOUR BODY WITH HERBS FROM EARTH, THAT YOU LOOK FOR THE MEANING IN WHAT IS HAPPENING WITHIN YOUR BODY AS IT RELATES TO YOUR WHOLE BEING.” ― Robin Rose Bennett

No matter what the season, I am always trying to find efficient and easy ways to incorporate herbs into our daily lives. Whether it’s a brothy soup with copious amounts of herbs or a simple tea infusion. Lately, I have been focusing on the respiratory system. I usually make elderberry syrup closer to Winter time, but since we are now in a full blown pandemic due to COVID, I am making this now and wanted to share this recipe with you. I deal with seasonal allergies and asthma so I am already at risk of developing some type of congestion or upper respiratory condition. Many tend to take elderberry syrup once they’re already sick but the truth is, herbs can be great tools when used preventatively. Around here we like to stay ahead and take it daily during the Winter. Either way having it on hand is a must.

You are probably already familiar with Elderberry syrup and might have seen it at your local health food store but I wanted to share my recipe because its so easy to make and everyone should have access to it!

Elderflower and elderberry are both exceptional allies during colds, the flu, and other respiratory infections. Elderberry can help soothe inflammation and encourage the release of excess or stuck mucus which is why it’s a perfect tool when battling a cold or congestion.Taken when symptoms first arrive, elderberry has been show to reduce the duration of illness by 4 days due to the fact that it interferes with virus replication and strengthens cell walls to inhibit viral penetration.

I like to add fresh ginger and cinnamon sticks to my syrup, not only because I love the taste but the fresh ginger adds warming and moistening properties to your syrup as elderberry can be a little drying. Some people like to add clove and/or anise which are also great options. Use what you have, make it your own!

Theres no better time to learn how to make this super easy immune boosting syrup than now. Its easy to make, cost efficient and better tasting than the store bought version WITHOUT all the extra sugars and additives. Dried Elderberry can be ordered online but I always recommend supporting local farms, herb shops, and herbalists. So maybe do a little search online and see if thats on option for you. Recipe is shown below. Enjoy!

Elderberry Syrup Recipe

Ingredients: 

dried Elderberry 2 oz.

chopped fresh ginger, as desired

2 cinnamon sticks

1/2 cup - 1 cup of honey

4 cups of water

Directions

  1. Look through your dried berries and remove any stems or leftover debris.

  2. Combine 2 oz of dried elderberries per quart (4 cups) of water in a saucepan.

  3. Bring to a simmer and cook gently until the liquid volume reduces by half. Keep an eye to ensure it stays at a gentle simmer. Simmer for at least 20 min. This is very important as elderberries can cause a toxic buildup of cyanide in the body if not prepared properly!

  4. Add ginger and cinnamon.

  5. Strain decoction into a glass bowl or container with a tea strainer or cheesecloth. 

  6. While the liquid is still warm (not boiling!!) add 1 cup of honey to the liquid. This enables the liquid and honey to mix easily.

  7. Transfer syrup into a clean, dry, sterilized glass bottle or jar. At this point, you can add any herbal tinctures or alcohol if desired.

  8. Label and store in the refrigerator. Shake before use.

Dosing:

For adults — 1 tablespoon every 4 hours when feeling under the weather or a tablespoon a day for general wellness.

For older children 1 — 1 teaspoon every 4 hours when feeling under the weather or a teaspoon a day for general wellness.

Note: Honey will prolong the shelf life up to a year if refrigerated. 

**NOTE: This is not medical advice. Please do your research and make sure this is something that aligns with you and your body. What works for me may not work for you and that is where your critical thinking and intuition comes in! I am using all preventative measures to SUPPORT my immune system and body however I can. Healing comes in many ways. It can be as simple as using herbs while cooking, getting proper sleep & rest, getting sun, etc. I wanted to share this recipe for anyone who may find it helpful.

Happy Healing!