How to Make Elderberry Syrup

As an herbalist, it’s my goal to find natural and holistic approaches for the health of my family, community, and myself. Like this homemade elderberry syrup! It is a natural remedy for colds and flu, and for supporting the immune system. Learn how to make elderberry syrup with echinacea in 4 easy steps, using this tried and true recipe.

Elderberry syrup benefits

As a certified herbalist, I reach for my homemade elderberry syrup with echinacea during cold and flu season. And here's why...

A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial of passengers traveling on an overnight flight, aimed to investigate if a standardized elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) extract has beneficial effects on physical, especially respiratory, and mental health. It showed a significant reduction in severity and duration of having a cold.

Additionally, participants using echinacea displayed a lower respiratory symptom score and the overall percentage of participants affected by respiratory disease symptoms was lower in the Echinacea group compared to placebo.

In other words, elderberry syrup with echinacea does the following:

• Supports respiratory health
• Contains antioxidant properties
• Shown to contain antidiabetic properties
• Known to be anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating
• Contains antidepressant properties
• BONUS! A clinical trial revealed that a combination of echinacea herb and root extract supplemented with elderberry can be as effective as the conventional antiviral medicine oseltamivir for the early treatment of influenza! (source)

Now let's get to making this restorative and healing homemade elderberry syrup! (And be sure to check out my natural home remedy ear infection drops if you or your child are already congested.)

Ingredients needed for elderberry syrup

• Water
• Dried elderberries - antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant immune modulating, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, astringent
• Echinacea - antibacterial, antiviral, immune modulating
• Cloves - antibacterial
• Cinnamon sticks - antibacterial, anti-inflammatory
• Star anise - antibacterial 
• Raw honey -antibacterial, antioxidant

Where to buy quality elderberries and herbs

I have tried multiple herbal brands, and through my herbalist training and experience, I almost exclusively buy all of my herbs through Mountain Rose Herbs. They are committed to responsibly and sustainably providing the highest-quality and potent herbs for herbal medicine making. 

During peak cold and flu season, elderberries and commonly go out of stock on their online store, so I recommend stocking up in bulk.

As for raw, unpasteurized honey, it is best purchased from a local market.

Step-by-step instructions for how to make elderberry syrup

Step 1: Pour water in a pot. Add in elderberries, echinacea, cloves, cinnamon stick, and star anise. 

Step 2: Bring to a boil on high heat. Once boiling, reduce to medium and let it simmer for 1 hour, until it reduces in half. Make sure the elderberries are thoroughly cooked, because consuming raw elderberries is unsafe and can pose serious health risks. 

Step 3: Remove from heat and strain the liquid over a large glass bowl using a fine mesh sieve. Carefully push out any remaining liquid from the solid, using the back of a large spoon. Compost the solids, and let the liquid cool.

Step 4: Stir in honey. Transfer to a glass bottle or jar. Makes 16 oz of finished elderberry syrup. Label and keep in refrigerator for up to 3 months.

Helpful tips for how to make elderberry syrup

• I said it once, and I'll say it again! It is absolutely imperative that the elderberries are cooked until it has reduced in half, which is typically 1 hour. Consuming raw elderberries is unsafe and can pose serious health risks. The uncooked berries, leaves, bark and roots of the elderberry plant contain the chemicals lectin and cyanide, which can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. However, cooking the berries and seeds will remove the cyanide and are safe consume.
• Do not mix in honey when the liquid is still hot, as this can kill the natural antibacterial and antioxidant properties in honey. Feel free to add in more or less, depending on the sweetness level you prefer.
• Use a small funnel for transferring the liquid into a glass bottle for a clean transfer, as to not spill the precious liquid! I use these funnels.
• This syrup is a liquid consistency. If you want it more viscous to use as a topping on pancakes, mix into raw maple syrup or add more honey.
• As mentioned above, elderberry syrup will last for 3 months when kept in the refrigerator. The sugar in the honey prevents it from going rancid, however it will start to ferment over time and is best used by that 3 month mark.

Can you take elderberry syrup daily?

Yes, it can be consumed preventatively by taking 1-2 tablespoons daily, to boost the immune system. I take 3-4 tablespoons per day when sick. It's very nourishing for the body and immune system on a nutritional level, as it is full of Vitamin C, antioxidants, and minerals.

Is elderberry syrup safe for kids and babies?

As a certified herbalist, I give my children 1 teaspoon of elderberry syrup per day when sick, or intermittently when there is an outbreak of cold and flu going around. (Which is every fall and winter.) The youngest I have started giving them elderberry syrup is at 18 months of age. According to WebMD, studies recommend not taking it for longer than 10 days. I have seen positive results in my own experience, however please consult your child's pediatrician or healthcare provider before giving them elderberry syrup, if you have concerns.

Try these other natural, homemade remedies

• Home Remedy Ear Infection Drops that Actually Work
• 3 Home Remedies for Cold + Common Flu
• Herbs + Supplements to Boost Your Immune System Quickly
• How to Make Herb Infused Oils

If you’ve tried this elderberry syrup, or any other recipe on the blog, please let me know how you liked it in the comments below. I absolutely love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook, for more nourishing recipes like this, and behind the scenes cooking and holistic wellness tips!