It’s that time of Year
As fall and winter season is upon us, I choose to make our own homemade elderberry syrup fortified with essential oils. You can buy this syrup (without essential oils) at health food stores at anywhere from $15-$19, so making it at home is MUCH more affordable and the essential oils just add to the support. Elderberries have gained popularity in recent years for their use in supporting immune health.
Modern research
Elderberries contain concentrated amounts of Vitamin C and beta carotene, flavonoids, fruit acids, and antioxidant polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins. Levels of these nutrients are comparable and in some cases exceed those found in blueberries and strawberries, and research suggests these are better absorbed than those from blackcurrants.
It is found that the anthocyanins in elderberries enhance immune function by boosting the production of cytokines, proteins acting as messengers to help regulate immune response.
Read the rearch study HERE
Research on cold and flu support
Evidence shows that elderberries contain potent compounds to support immune function as well as high amounts of bioflavonoids and that extracts of the fruit can help fight invaders. It is most often consumed as a syrup or even as homemade gelatin. It has been researched widely for its skill to boost the immune system.
In lab-tested results, elderberry syrup actually performed better than echinacea containing formulations to stimulate an immune response by increasing reactions to maintain health.
In a double-blind placebo-controlled trial conducted, found that within two days there were significant improvements among 93.3% of those taking an elderberry syrup. A complete recovery was achieved within 2 to 3 days in nearly 90% of the elderberry group compared to 6 days in the placebo group.
See the randomized study HERE
Benefits of elderberry syrup at a glance
- Protect a healthy immune system
- Help relieve ickies in the nose
- Viral support properties
- Maintain healthy respiratory levels
- Used for centuries on wounds and skin
- High in Vitamin A, B, C and potassium
- Natural support for day to day joint health
The Recipe for Homemade Elderberry Syrup
Homemade Elderberry Syrup
- 7 cups water**
- 1 1/3 cups dried elderberries (I get mine here)
- 1 large piece fresh ginger (use a bigger piece of you like spicy, and a smaller piece if you don’t) or ginger root powder
- 6-10 whole Chinese star anise (I get mine here)
- 4 whole cinnamon sticks
- 1-2 tsp. cinnamon powder
- A large handful of whole cloves
- Selected essential oils based on your needed support
**It’s important to use distilled water. Your tap water (and even most filtered water) already contains small bits of bacteria, heavy metals, and other icky things that may “taint” your syrup. And you want your syrup to last at least a month – if not two to three months.
- 2 cups raw honey
- Yields: About 6 cups / 1.5 quarts
Pour water into large saucepan and add elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and whole star anise (do not add honey!).
Bring to a boil and then cover and reduce to a simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour. At that point, remove from heat and let cool enough to be handled. Pour through a strainer into a glass jar or bowl.
Compost the elderberries and let the liquid cool to lukewarm. When it is no longer hot, add 2 cups of honey and stir well.
When honey is dissolved into the elderberry mixture, pour the syrup into pint sized mason jars. This should store in the fridge for up to 2 months.
Easy peasy! You just made homemade elderberry syrup (and hopefully did a few productive things at home while it cooked)! Store in the fridge and take daily for its immune boosting properties if desired. Some sources recommend taking only during the week and not on the weekends to boost immunity.
How much do I take?
Standard usage is ½ tsp to 1 tsp for kids and ½ Tbsp to 1 Tbsp for adults. If you are not feeling yourself, take the normal usage amount every 2-3 hours instead of once a day. Be sure to add in your drops of essential oils when you’re ready!
Need suggestions on what oils to add for what ails you? Reach out and I’ll send you an easy to follow chart.
