I woke up this morning to find my 16 month old with a runny nose and the cabinets completely empty of elderberry syrup. That is when I decided it was time to make some for the first time.
What are the benefits of elderberry syrup? Well let me tell you.
Elderberries are very high in antioxidant activity, they boost the immune system providing much help in fighting coughs, colds, flu, bacterial and viral infections including tonsilitis. Fun fact, elderberry juice was used to treat a flu epidemic in Panama in 1995. It also lowers cholesterol and improves eyesight.
Elderberry syrup is very safe for young children, even infants, and nursing mothers.
To treat illness:
For infants begin by giving 1/2 a teaspoon every 2-3 hours.
For children older than 12 months give a teaspoon every 2-3 hours.
For children 12 and for adults give two teaspoons every 2-3 hours.
Why do I make my own syrup? It is so much cheaper! In the store you will pay $12-$15 for organic elderberry syrup. At home, for twice the amount of syrup, it costs maybe $4 at the most. Here is how I did it.
Organic Elderberry (Sambucus) Syrup
1 cup fresh or 1/2 cup dried organic elderberries
3 cups water
1 cup raw honey
Place the berries in a saucepan and cover with water. Simmer over low heat for 30-45 minutes. Smash berries. Strain all through a fine mesh strainer (I covered mine in cheesecloth just to make sure) and add 1 cup honey, or adjust to taste. Bottle and store in the refrigerator. Will last 2-3 months when refrigerated.
Here is where I bought my elderberries and bulk raw honey:
Thyme For Health 