Homemade Elderberry Syrup plus Elderberry Gummies
Elderberry syrup is a traditional folk remedy that's been used for generations to help prevent and shorten colds and flu. Made with dried elderberries, raw honey and warming spices, this homemade version is simple and affordable.
Elderberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and natural anti-inflammatory compounds that have been shown to support immune function and help the body recover from illness more quickly. Combined with the antimicrobial properties of raw honey and the warming benefits of ginger and cinnamon, this is one of the most nourishing things you can make for your family during cold and flu season.
The best part? It tastes delicious. Kids love it, which makes it one of the easiest ways to support their immune system through the winter months. Anyone over the age of 1 can have it — just note it contains raw honey, which isn't suitable for babies under 12 months.
I make a batch of this at the start of winter every year and give it to my kids daily as a preventative. You can also use the syrup to make elderberry gummies, which is a great option if your kids won't take it off the spoon.
Why make your own elderberry syrup?
A good quality elderberry syrup from the health food store can set you back $30–$40 for a small bottle. This homemade recipe costs a fraction of that, keeps in the fridge for a few months, and you know exactly what's in it. Win, win.
Elderberry Syrup
Gluten free, dairy free, nut free, egg free
Makes approx 400ml
Ingredients:
2/3 cup dried elderberries
3 cups water
2 tablespoons grated ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
5-6 star anise
1 teaspoon cloves
1/2 - 1 cup of raw honey
Instructions:
Place everything except for the honey in a medium saucepan and bring to the boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the liquid has reduced by almost half.
Leave to cool until lukewarm then strain through a fine sieve into a clean bowl. Stir through the honey to taste.
Transfer to a jar and store in the fridge where it will keep for a few months.
As a preventative/immune booster take 1 teaspoon daily for kids and ½ – 1 tablespoon for adults. If sick take up to 4 times a day until symptoms disappear.
You can also add additional herbs to this for extra benefits like rose hips for vitamin c or marshmallow root for coughs.
Notes:
This is not suitable for kids under 1 due to the raw honey.
Elderberry Gummies
Gluten free, dairy free, nut free, egg free
Makes 50-200 depending on the size of your moulds
Ingredients:
1 cup elderberry syrup
3 tablespoons gelatin
Instructions:
Pour the elderberry syrup into a medium saucepan. Sprinkle the gelatin over the surface and leave for a couple of minutes for the gelatin to soak up the liquid.
Heat gently (you want to preserve the properties of the raw honey) and stir until gelatin has dissolved.
Pour into moulds of choice and place in the fridge for a couple of hours or until set.
These will keep in the fridge for about 2 weeks.
Notes:
There’s about 50 teaspoons in 1 cup of elderberry syrup. 1 teaspoon is the amount of elderberry syrup I give my kids. So if you make 50 gummies from this recipe then each one will be about a teaspoons worth. The amount of gummies you make will depend on the size of your moulds.
