Makes about 8 oz syrup
Ingredients:
- ½ cup dried organic elderberries (about 1.2 oz)
- 1 3/4 cups filtered water
- 1 cup honey or sugar (measure the elderberry extract after straining, and use equal parts sweetener by volume)
Optional add-ins
- Reishi – 2 inch slice, broken into pieces
- Rose hips- 2-3 tbsp
- Fresh ginger-2 inch piece, peeled and chopped
- Cinnamon chips-2-3 tsp
- Cloves-2-3
- Other: spices like star anise, allspice, cardamom, etc.
Supplies
- Stovetop
- Medium pot
- Large measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle/large spoon
- Medium/large bowl
- Strainer and cheesecloth, or juice press
- Quart jar or several smaller jars
- Labels
- Food-safe gloves
Instructions:
Decoction: Measure dried berries and remove any stems. Add the reishi, rose hips, fresh ginger and spices and add to pot. Add filtered water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 25-30 min. Stir occasionally. When it’s done, remove from heat and let cool until it’s easy to handle.
Straining: Once cooled, strain the extract by pouring the extract through a mesh filter lined with unbleached cotton cheesecloth. Bundle the cloth and squeeze the juice out of the berries (this gets messy! Wear food-safe gloves and not your best clothes.)
Adding honey: Measure the volume of the strained extract (it’ll be around 4-5 fl oz). Add equal amount (by volume) of the sweetener – honey* or raw sugar. Gently heat to dissolve, then cool and bottle into sanitized jars. *Do not give honey to infants
Storing/Preserving: Adding equal parts of the sweetener helps slow microbial growth, but this syrup will still need to be kept in the fridge. It may last 6 months to a year in the fridge. *If syrup develops mold, throw it out
To extend the shelf life, you can also add 20% of an 80 proof alcohol (like brandy). Or you can can the jars of syrup or freeze for later use (if freezing, do not fill syrup to the top- it will expand). Make sure to label with the date and the ingredients.
How to use:
Take 1-2 tsp, up to 4 times daily for general immune support. You can take straight, add to tea, waffles or pancakes, ice cream, etc.
Resources & References
- Elderberry Syrup, Wild Remedies by Rosalee de la Foret (pg 249)
- How to Make Elderberry Syrup for Immune System Support, Mountain Rose Herbs https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/elderberry-syrup-recipe
- Reishi, Southeast Medicinal Plants, Coreypine Shane pg 202
Herbs & Supplies: Mountain Rose Herbs, Starwest Botanicals, Frontier Herbs
Contact Info
Lisa Fouladbash, Clinical Herbalist and owner of Sequoia Herbals
sequoiaherbals@gmail.com | Sequoiaherbals.com | Ig/fb @sequoiaherbals
HERB (Scientific name) | BENEFITS | CAUTIONS |
Elderberry Sambucus nigra, S. canadensis | Immune boosting Antiviral Cold/flu prevention Shorten duration of cold & flu when taken at early stages | Raw seeds, leaves and twigs contain a toxic substance. Always cook the berries before ingesting. Ask a doctor if pregnant, nursing or have an autoimmune condition |
Reishi Ganoderma lucidum, g. tsugae, G. sessile | Immune-modulating Allergy reducing Calm anxiety, Insomnia Adaptogen: endurance & resilience | Ask a doctor if pregnant |
Ginger Zingiber officinale | Antiviral & immune support Warming & boosts circulation Reduce inflammation & pain Digestion and nausea | Ask a doctor if pregnant |
Rose hips Rosa spp. | Rich in vitamin C |