It is no surprise that elderberry syrup is a significant trend in the health food community right now. And as that trend builds, you see the big name brand companies jumping on board that ship and making their elderberry syrup and gummies and supplements.

Sadly, most of these mass-produced products are filled with artificial sugars, or they are just plain loaded with sugar. Now, even the best of the sugars, like honey, are still SUGAR. They still have an impact on your blood sugar regulation and must be treated with care. Translation, save the sweets for the times when the benefits outweigh the drawbacks (or at least when you need a sweet tooth craving satisfied.

Not only are these name brand syrups loaded with sugar, but you have no control over the quality of ingredients found in them. And many brands nowadays are cleverly slapping the word “natural” on their labels to appeal to the “crunchy” parent who may not think to read the label. So here’s your PSA – Always read the labels.

So while it may be easier to pick up a bottle at the store, it is so much better to make it yourself, and you will save some money in the long run. A 1lb bag of elderberries on amazon runs about $20. I can quickly get 3-5 batches of syrup out of that bag. Plus, it makes the whole house smell AMAZING!

I store this in my fridge for just over a month in a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid. Nathan and I try to take a tablespoon a day, and Adelaide has been getting a teaspoon a day since before she was 2. Now it is important to note because this has honey in it, it is not suitable for children under 1. You could sub the honey for something like maple syrup, but you’re going to lose the health benefits that come from the honey. You could also omit it entirely, but it had a moderately bitter taste, and I couldn’t get Addie to take it without.

Now, as a bonus, after I make my batch of syrup, I will add my berries and such back to my saucepan, and add three more cups of water to create a more diluted version, an elderberry spiced tea if you will. I do not add honey to this, and Nathan will drink it by the cup when he feels run down, to help his immune system keep up. I’ll also use this tea to make my Elderberry GUMMIES!

In addition to drinking this, which is LOADED With vitamin C, my advice to you is,

1. Go for a walk outside in the sun – most individuals are vitamin D deficient, and vitamin D is a crucial player in our immune systems. Not only that, but we tend to become less active in the chilly months, which also puts a strain on our immune response.
2. Rest  – Now that I told you to get moving, I’m also going to ask you to rest! This time of year is crazy busy, with the holidays quickly approaching, the end of the year wrapping up projects, school, etc. It’s like everything goes into overdrive. Our bodies become stressed and weary. So please, REST. REST. REST.
3. Cut back on the junk food or sweets – I am the first to admit that as the weather gets chilly, I want all the comfort foods, and I start baking every day. Sugar and excess carbs can do a number on your immune system. So make sure you’re eating your greens, healthy fats and proteins, and eating to live, not living to eat.

Nathan and I drink a tablespoon a day, and Addie drinks a teaspoon a day. If we are feeling sick or something coming on, we’ll do our normal dose, and then half the dose every 4-5 hours. The only thing you’ll want to be careful about is, Elderberry can get your GI system moving – if you know what I mean. So make sure to not overdo it.

Immune Boosting Citrus Elderberry Syrup

This sweet cocktail will keep your immune system fighting when germs are at their worst!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 2 hrs

Course Snack

Cuisine American, Gluten Free, Paleo

Ingredients

  

• 1 Cup Dried Elderberries
• 5 Cups Filtered Water
• 3 Slices Orange
• 1/2 tsp Whole Cloves
• 1 Stick Cinnamon
• 2 Tbsp Ginger Root Peeled and diced
• 3/4 Cup Raw Honey

Instructions

 

• Start by rinsing your elderberries using a fine mesh strainer
• Add all of your ingredients except for the honey to a small saucepan and heat over medium
• Bring ingredients to a simmer, turn the heat down to medium-low, and let sit for 1-2 hours
• After simmering, strain the syrup and add the liquid to a glass mason jar or another container
• After cooling, add honey and mix well. It will be harder to mix as the liquid cools, but adding the honey when your syrup is too hot will kill the good stuff in your honey
• Store with a tight-fitting lid in the fridge for up to a month

Keyword AIP, Dairyfree, Elderberry, Gluten Free, Paleo