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Elderberry Syrup

Elderberry Syrup and all of it's magic!


One of the yummiest berries with an abundance of uses and health benefits.

Today we are talking about the berries on a tree called Elderberries.


Not to be confused with the flowers on the same tree called elderflowers. Elderflowers have their own variety of uses and benefits, we will get into them another day. Elderberries come from the Sambucus Tree. For years now I have watched my mom make elderberry syrup. She often made the syrup around cold and flu season to combat the ailments floating in our air. The syrup is very versatile, you can add it to tea, pour-over berries, or anywhere you’d add syrup, but since we took it daily we often just swallowed a spoonful. I have recently begun adding it to my morning tea as a sweetener, it’s enchanting regardless of how you consume it. The best part was that it is easy to make!

Is elderberry syrup actually healthy? I get asked a common question, “but is it REALLY that healthy? Is there evidence to prove the alleged perks of consuming elderberry syrup that has been explored by the scientific community? The answer is yes! Both supplements, teas and syrup alike, there is a multitude of health benefits when consuming elderberry. Elderberry is a superfood, they have ample amounts of vitamin A, Vitamin B6, and vitamin C. They also contain tons of minerals like iron, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium among a variety of other compounds that are beneficial to us healing humans! Some of the amazing health benefits of elderberry syrup Helps strengthen your immune system to help combat cold and flu. It’s full of anti-viral and antimicrobial properties. helps with respiratory infections. Elderberry is good for the skin! Its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help repair damaged skin cells, promote the growth of new cells, and help protect you against free radicals. Boosted antioxidants lead to less stress. Helps with heart health and high blood pressure Helps keep your eyes healthy, and boost vision health. Boosts bone health. Elderberries have an abundance of calcium, iron, and potassium. These minerals are all essential in boosting bone health. Cancer preventing proerties Helps combat depression, works almost like an anti-depressant. Elderberries and their toxic traits Elderberries should not be consumed uncooked. It is not recommended to consume fresh or dried elderberries raw. Both berries must be properly prepped before consumption to avoid sickness. When the berries are raw they include a chemical similar to cyanide.

Why Syrup? The most traditional reason as to why elderberries are often made into a syrup is because a good portion of the syrup is made up of raw honey and this acts as a natural preservative. I tend to use honey because honey has an amazing shelf life.

About my syrup style I make my syrup in small batches since it’s just for me daily, and I like to keep it fresh by replenishing it every 1-2 months! So, the below recipe Is how I make enough for one bottle that lasts me 1-2 months.




Simple elderberry syrup recipe:

Ingredients 1/2 cup dried elderberries 1 1/2 cup of water 1/2 – one cup of raw syrup (depends on how thick/runny I want it) TIP: I just do 3x the amount of water that I have to berries. You can do a 1:2 ratio for a thicker syrup Example: one cup of berries = 3 cups of water (I like mine runnier – if you want it thicker just do x2 or 2 cups of water) Directions

  1. Combine the berries and water in a pot and bring to a boil.

  2. Reduce heat and allow for them to simmer 30-40 min

  3. Remove from heat and let steep for 20-30 min (or up to an hour for more potency + healing benefits)

  4. Strain berries out, discard leftover berries

  5. Add back to warmer, add raw honey (or sweetener of choice)

  6. Once honey and elderberry tea is properly mixed, remove from heat and let cool

  7. Bottle in sterilized glass and store in the refrigerator

Here is the link to my video on how to make it Pro tips:

  • Be sure to add honey in a ratio that is at least half of the total volume of liquid after it has simmered. This amount can change slightly and you want to make sure you have enough preservatives (honey) so that your syrup won’t spoil. (Example: If you are left with 2 cups of elderberry decoction, you will want to add at least 1 cup of honey.)

  • This recipe is easy to multiply if you’d like to make a big batch to store or give as gifts (glass pantry jars and amber bottles are great choices!). My family enjoys a teaspoon or two of this syrup, right out of the fridge, just about every day during the sniffle season.

The above blog makes their syrup a bit different with herbs, mine is simple and has only 3 ingredients, so I normally just make mine! You're welcome to try out any type that fits your needs!

DISCLAIMER: The information contained on this website is not considered to be a substitute for any type of professional medical advice or treatment. Some of the statements made here on TheCommunityBeehive.com have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration including, but not limited to, nutrition-related advice, products, health conditions, ingredients, supplements, or lifestyle practice. No information on this website should be used to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or a health condition.




 
 
 

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