How to Make Elderberry Syrup for Flu Prevention

Wellness Mama 144 Comments

With flu season around the corner and signs for “flu shots” in every store, this is a natural alternative that is inexpensive and effective. It can be made easily at home.

If you or your child has ever had a bad case of the flu, you know how miserable it can be. Especially for moms, it is awful to see your children feeling so bad and not be able to fix it. Black elderberries (sambucus nigra) have been shown to prevent flu and speed recovery in those who have the flu.

Elderberries contain high levels of A, B and C and stimulate the immune system. Several natural elderberry syrups are available at health stores or online, but usually for around $15 or more for 4-8 ounces. This recipe makes 16 ounces for a cost of under ten dollars and kids love the taste!

Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe Ingredients How to Make Elderberry Syrup for Flu Prevention

Homemade Elderberry Syrup Ingredients:

2/3 cup black elderberries
3.5 cups of water
2 T fresh or dried ginger root
1 tsp cinnamon powder
1/2 tsp cloves or clove powder
1 cup raw honey (we get from our farmer’s market)

How to Make Elderberry Syrup:

Pour water into medium saucepan and add elderberries, ginger, cinnamon and cloves (do not add honey!)

How to make homemade edlerberry syrup1 How to Make Elderberry Syrup for Flu Prevention

Bring to a boil and then cover and reduce to a simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour until the liquid has reduced by almost half. At that point, remove from heat and let cool enough to be handled. Pour through a strainer into a glass jar or bowl.

Straining homemade elderberry syrup1 How to Make Elderberry Syrup for Flu Prevention

Discard the elderberries (or compost them!) and let the liquid cool to lukewarm. When it is no longer hot, add 1 cup of honey and stir well.

making homemade elderberry syrup recipe How to Make Elderberry Syrup for Flu Prevention

When honey is well mixed into the elderberry mixture, pour the syrup into a pint sized mason jar or 16 ounce glass bottle of some kind.

Homemade Elderberry Syrup for Flu Prevention How to Make Elderberry Syrup for Flu Prevention

Ta Da! You just made homemade elderberry syrup! Store in the fridge and take daily for its immune boosting properties. Some sources recommend taking only during the week and not on the weekends to boost immunity.

Standard dose is 1/2 tsp to 1 tsp for kids and 1/2 Tbsp to 1 Tbsp for adults. If the flu does strike, take the normal dose every 2-3 hours instead of once a day until symptoms disappear.

Ever taken elderberry? Will you try this recipe? How do you ward off illness?

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About Wellness Mama

Wellness Mama is a full-time housewife with a background in nutrition, journalism and communications. Her passion is helping others achieve optimal health through a “Wellness Lifestyle.” She has helped hundreds of clients lose weight, increase athletic performance, improve fertility, and overcome numerous health problems and diseases. Connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, & Pinterest.

Disclaimer: Many of the links on my site, especially those from Amazon, Mountain Rose Herbs, Tropical Traditions and OraWellness are affiliate links. Should you click on these links and decide to purchase anything, I will receive a small commission and you will have my sincere thanks for supporting Wellness Mama!

DISCLAIMER: The statements made here have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure or prevent any disease. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

http://gardengal1.wordpress.com/ Vicki

I am so excited to see this recipe! I’ve been a fan of elderberry syrup for about a year now, convinced that it eliminated my oncoming cold or kept the cold to a minimum. Thanks for the recipe!
Keith

How many ounces of elderberries do you think is in 2/3 cup? The link you provided sells in ounces.

Thanks!
Nicole Etter

I’ve never heard of this, but I am willing to give it a try! I have used olive leaf in the past and it seems to have helped. Do you have any thoughts on that?
Henwhisperer

I add an ounce of Everclear to a quart jar to help preserve it. Good stuff!
Anonymous

I’ve heard good things about elderberries, but never tried them before. I’ll be making this recipe soon, since I always tend to get something that floors me over the winter season.

That mountain rose herb shop looks awesome! What else do you buy there?
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

haha… I buy way too much there! My orders usually come in boxes
that are big enough for my kids to play house in. Short list though: chia seeds, shea butter, cocoa butter, lavender, chamomile, red raspberry leaf, peppermint, assorted other herbs, himilayan salt, essential oils, coconut oil, almond oil, mango butter, spices, etc. Love mountain rose!
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

4 ounces should be plenty for this recipe.
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

Olive leaf works pretty well too… though I like this one because it tastes good (and my kids love it, which is another plus)
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=743518823 Jennifer J Cormier

Their are 8 oz in 1 cup, so 8 divided by 3 is 2.666666666667 so approximately 5 oz give or take.
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

I love math-minded people If i have time tonight, I’ll actually
go measure this out and weight it for you to give you an exact
number
Anonymous

Excellent. I’m making a list right now. Just gotta wait until payday

Any suggestions on websites/books where I can learn more about natural home remedies? This stuff fascinates me!!
Keith

Thanks!
Jenny

Is this safe to use while breastfeeding? What about pregnancy? And how old does a child need to be to use it?
Kate Colvin

You are mixing fluid oz and weight oz. There are 8 fluid oz in a cup, but the product is sold by weight oz. It isn’t the same. I only know this because I have done it so many times myself!
Veronica

Just made it! will start feeding it to everyone tomorrow
http://www.facebook.com/susanalexander2 Susan Alexander

Yes, it is safe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Since it contains honey, you should wait to use it until baby is one. You can give a baby under 1 some of the commercially formulated “kid’s syrups”.
http://www.facebook.com/susanalexander2 Susan Alexander

That was to Jenny above…

My questions is – can you take it in tea? I’ve previously given it to my kids in yogurt or apple sauce, but never anything hot. I’ve taken it in pill form myself, but I’d love to make the syrup and take it. I don’t know that I can take it straight though, because I’m really picky that way. Also, any reason you can think of not to sub maple syrup for honey? I ‘m allergic to honey.
JungleLoveMamasita

Susan had some good questions. I would also like to add, what the heck does it taste like? It is pretty and I imagine it taste like blue berries or something, but not one person mentioned the taste which surprised me. If it doesn’t taste good it is hard to convince the family to consistently take it. also, if it has a weird taste maybe somebody has ways to ‘doctor it’ – Love to get some insights. Thank you. Love the photo instructions, I think better then video. Keep up the great work, Wellness Mama!
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

I think it actually tastes really good. It is a definite berry taste, though not quite like blueberries. It is like I’d think blackberry juice would taste, though I’ve never had it. My kids (5, 3, and 2) drink it very willingly! The cinnamon adds to the flavor, I think,
but it could be left out if your kids don’t like it.
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

The syrup is actually really good. Some people even eat it on coconut flour pancakes or in homemade ice cream. You could definitely sub maple syrup… it might even taste better. It is possible to drink it tea, though without the honey/syrup, it might be slightly bitter.
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Dutchbros Girl

Hello,
The elderberries look dehydrated. If I’m using fresh elderberries, how many ounces or cups should I use?

Thank You.
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http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=564979898 Anitra Sweet

how long does it usually last?
Basyfeltn

I’ve made elderberry jelly before, years ago. and I’ve bought the syrup for my grandbaby when he was small, but so far have never tried to make it. I’ll definitely be looking for the berries come next year, but they’re over for this year, for sure. Wish I’d seen it sooner. I don’t know why but I never see wild elderberries lately, it’s prpbably been twenty years that I’ve seen them just in passing like I used to.
basyfeltn

A quart has 64 tablespoons in it, and each tablespoon has three teaspoons in that. you’d have to figure out how many doses that is for the people you want to dose. If you want to know how long it will KEEP, that’s another story. LOL
L-mp

My daughters pediatrician actually recommends using this while breast feeding to Medicare baby.
Saintheather

Can you tell me how long will this last before it goes “bad” or loses potency?
basyfeltn

my experience with herbals is that they should usually last one to two years. this is a syrup, and we’re making a syrup of fruits. I’ve had jams still taste good and be as nice as the day I made them five years later, so 1-2 years is conservative.
Saintheather

oh sorry, i meant to ask the wellness mama. thank you though.
Compassion101

Thank you, thank you, thank you for putting up this recipe! We’ve been buying those 4 oz. little bottles of gold & it’s been seriously helping our toddler stay away from his previously frequent colds! Now we have a whole big bottle in the fridge & mom & dad can even have some when they need it without breaking the bank.
Megan

Where or When are Elderberries in Season? I live in California. We have lots of fruits always, never tried Elderberries. Thanks, Megan
Ewins88

What would be a good sub for honey? I’m am anaphylactic shock allergic to honey so I can not use it at all. Thanks.
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

Maple syrup works great too!
Anonymous

Can you leave out honey/maple syrup altogether? I’m diabetic
Tina Basinger

Can I skip the gingerroot in this? My son once had a reaction that we thought might be to ginger, and I haven’t let him try it since.
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

Yep… not necessary, just for extra boost and for taste, but can definitely skip it.
Anonymous

A nice addition to the recipe is 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar. I also add elderberry extract which I make as well which boosts the potency. Adding it while simmering will cook off the alcohol content. I have also added Siberian ginseng, echinacea and Vit C powder as well for full spectrum immune boosting.
Aladensack31

Where can u buy the elderberries? I would love to make this for my daughter instead of spending money buying it at health food store…..
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

I buy mine here and freeze the ones I don’t use right away. http://wellnessmama.com/go/mountain-rose-herbs/
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quiltedmama

I bought 1/4# bag, and it was about a cup (slightly more), so 4 oz should be enough to make 1 1/2 recipes.
Rachael

I have made this recipe many times before and love it. Recently I have moved to Africa and brought several bags of elderberries with me. I am wondering the best way to store them. Should I put them in my freezer or just leave them in the bags. I’m not sure how long they will last since they are dried. Any suggestions?
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

The freezer would be best if you can or they will last a while on the shelf, but longer in the freezer
Sampfaffly

do you take this daily year round?
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

Mainly in the winter months but occasionally in the summer too.
theresa gianna

how long does the syrup keep?
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

Several months or more in the fridge.
theresa gianna

great, thanks! i’m getting some elderberries in a few days and was hoping it wasn’t too early to make the syrup.
http://www.facebook.com/MelissaColeDuty Melissa Duty

I picked a bunch of wild elderberries and have more than enough to make a batch. Can I freezer the leftover berries to use at a later time? Also, is the honey used to boost it’s medicinal quality or to give it the syrupy consistency? I only have maybe 1/3 cup right now. Can I put the mixture in the fridge and add the honey later?
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

You can freeze. You can also store in the fridge and add honey later, but it will go bad much faster without the honey. The honey is naturally antibacterial and the natural sugar preserves it.
http://www.facebook.com/MelissaColeDuty Melissa Duty

Thanks so much.
Sooz

I have heard that diabetics make the recipe and leave out the sweetener. The elderberry syrup is then poured into ice cube trays and frozen. Each frozen elderberry cube is one dose. Take out a cube to thaw and sweeten with whatever you normally sweeten with to make it more palatable. I hope this helps.
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

Great idea! Thanks for sharing.
Frederica Huxley

I have been making a very similar elderberry syrup for the grandkids for a number of years now, but for us oldies, I make an elderberry tincture with vodka – a teaspoon a day in a glass of water seems to keep the colds and flu at bay all winter!
kate murphy

Love this. Just placed my order from MRH. So these are high in vitamins A, B and C. My question is: Do you think this would be benefical to take everyday? My daughter has a lot of food allergies and is totally lacking in getting all the vitamins she needs. Especially C.
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

We take it everyday in the winter, but you could take it year round.
http://www.facebook.com/vkramarski Viola Conrad Kramarski

How much extract vs fresh
http://www.facebook.com/nena.jones.90 Nena Jones

I am impressed with your recipe for elderberry syrup. Unfortunately, I made elderberry juice recently. I would love to convert that to the syrup. Can I do this and if so, how?
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

You could probably boil it, let it cool until warm, and mix with equal parts honey.
http://www.facebook.com/nena.jones.90 Nena Jones

Great! Thanks…Since I have it in pint jars, I could just mix this up as I need it and put the new in the refrigerator, right? That way, I could have more juice to use as I need to! A good thing…right? And thanks for replying so quickly!
tracy

can this be made with dried elderberries??? and if so, are the proportions the same? i can’t tell if wellness mama is using fresh or dried, and only dried berries are available to me at this time…. Thanks!
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

I used dried in this recipe.
Linda

Katie,
Is there another place that you would recommend buying elderberries? RMH has been out of stock for a while. All their prices are listed as 0.00 since they are not in stock. What is a decent price for elderberries? Should they be organic, or is this one of the times conventional is ok? Thanks, I’m hoping to make this soon!
Sam Rae

can you take this pregnant?
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

Yep, I am currently taking it and pregnant.
chel7

All I could find was elder berry powder- I hope it works! About to try it now!
Sarah

The syrup is wonderful!! Is it safe to eat the left over berries after making the syrup? or to eat the dried berries from MRH in general?
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

Yes, in fact, they are great added to muffins!
Katie

Hi Katie, I bought the powdered elderberries, as they were out of the dried at MRH. Any idea of the amount of power I should use to make the syrup? Thanks in advance!
-K
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

About 2/3 as much
http://www.facebook.com/PaoMaldonado Paulina Maldonado

Can I use Elderberry extract?? If so, how much?
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

I haven’t tried it. It would depend on what the ingredients were. If it is just elderberry in a tincture, you should be able to mix with equal parts of honey.
Liebe

Can you make this with another type of berry, like blueberry, raspberry, etc..?
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

You could just to use as a syrup, but it wouldn’t have the same properties without the elderberries.
Colleen Free

My ginger root is powdered. How much should I use?
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

About half the amount.
http://www.facebook.com/althea.cleland Althea Cleland

Do you know the botanical name for the black elderberry tree, I would love to grow one in our garden.
Joyce

I have elderberry concentrate. How much do you think I should use? No alcohol, just elderberry and water listed as ingredients.
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

You could probably just boil it for a few minutes and let cool and mix with equal parts honey.
Joyce

Thank you!
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Sarah

wow made my house smell GOOD
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000089120602 John Richard Cunliffe

use a stevia leaf or two and boil it with the berries it is a powerful natural sweetener and safe for diabetics.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000089120602 John Richard Cunliffe

Remember if you are diabetic and still want to sweeten this, get a couple pieces of natural stevia from the health food store and boil it with the berries.
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Mia Blitstein

Would this help shorten the duration of a cold as well?
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

It has seemed to when I’ve taken it..
http://www.facebook.com/lauren.graysonlines Lauren Grayson Lines

I am a big believer and lover of Elderberry syrup and have been buying it for years. This winter I decided to make my own since we are big local, raw honey fans! I just made this recipe tonight and so far, I’m only yielding about a 1/2 cup to a 1 cup of elderberry syrup(before adding the honey). I thought I did everything according to the recipe. I went back through your comments and it doesn’t sound like anyone else had an issue! Oops! Can you give me any suggestions on how to salvage what I’ve done?! Thank you!
http://www.facebook.com/andrea.benson2 SteveAndrea Benson

Is this okay to take while nursing?
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

I take while nursing and got the ok from my midwife…
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003294216569 Maryalice Ammons

That sounds interesting … maybe I’ll try the apple cider vinegar next batch. What are the benefits of adding the vinegar?
FrogsMom

I just made some tonight and it simmered for an about an hour and resulted in about two cups of liquid before the addition of honey. I was looking through the comments to see if I would find a result similar to mine! Yours sounds closer to what Wellness Mama ended up with; two cups final liquid.

I stopped the simmering when it had reduced to about half, per the instructions, and the time was about right, though I was surprised when I strained it to see how much I had left. I really pressed the berries out really well so I wonder if that is part of it.
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http://www.facebook.com/people/Leah-Bucci/614301883 Leah Bucci

Did you keep the lid on the pot while simmering? There can be a lot of fluid loss from the steam.
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

I actually leave the lid off to help it cook down some and get more concentrated…
Meg

Has anyone found where elderberries may be bought, besides MRH? I would really like to make this!
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

Some health food stores carry them and Amazon occasionally has good deals on them in bulk…
http://www.facebook.com/michellehuisingh Michelle Huisingh

what about while pregnant?
http://www.facebook.com/michellehuisingh Michelle Huisingh

I have always found( online) and been told that elderberries are highly toxic.. coming from the seeds.. that you should not ingest whole nor crush and ingest and esp should not give to a child.. but the syrup is safe.. have you ever heard this?
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http://www.facebook.com/crystal.m.raphael Crystal Marie Raphael

Try Frugally sustainable and DIY Naturals those are my two favorites though I may have to add Wellness mama after this wonderful recipe!
Havenwood

It isn’t a tree, it’s more of a bush
Chaya

I think I prefer leaving out the cloves. it makes the taste more medicinal.
calisa

Thank you for the wonderful recipe! The syrup is simmering now and smells delicious. I purchased my elderberries from Etsy- Michelle at OldWorldWays. She was wonderful to work with and SUPER fast shipping. Thanks for the recipe!
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ingbru

How long does this last in the fridge?!
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

I’ve had it last up to six months…
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http://www.facebook.com/fuller.rachelruth Rachel Fuller

We have been drinking elderberry tea and taking elderberry syrup since the beginning of the flu season and no flu in this household! We take daily all-natural multi-vitamins and vitamin c from our local health food store. I won’t get my child the flu shot so this has become our wonderful alternative!
Heather Bryner

Question… how much liquid should we have before the addition of honey? Your image shows that you had 2 cups of liquid after straining, but then you say to put the contents into a 16 oz jar AFTER the addition of honey, which would bring the volume to 24 oz. Could you please clarify? Thanks!!
http://www.facebook.com/kiley.S.ham Smiley Kiley

We have been using this whenever we ‘start’ feeling icky. We havent been sick all year (this is the first time since we’ve had kids not being sick all year) even though we have a 5 year old who is into everything. My question is…its been working so well that we have some that has fermented in the fridge (tastes like yummy wine). Is it still ok/beneficial to use?
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

We still use it at that point, but definitely discard if you see mold or anything…
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MissusPie

Can you use Manuka honey instead of raw? Thanks!
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

Yes…
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http://www.facebook.com/LilyHijabs Amina Baker

Sambucus nigra is Latin name… You can search a web for trees/bush.. You need to buy a pair of two for pollinating each other… I have them in my yard…many berries and flowers in spring…great for tea as well
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http://twitter.com/evolet0680 Erin

Thanks for all your “get well” recipes.I just sent my hubs to the store for elderberry powder. Not a store in this town carries the berries, but one place has the powder. I’ll be mixing this at lunch time and laying on my sofa with an “elderberry dose” timer set.
Monica

Just made this for the first time – thanks so much for sharing
http://www.facebook.com/nikomi.peltz Nikomi Lawson Peltz

I’ve tried looking through the comments below to find this but can’t….. Can you tell me how long (typically) this syrup should last in the fridge once it’s made? Thanks!!
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

At least a couple months in the fridge, though I”ve had it last up to a year…
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Rachel Beran

I do use elderberry syrup, but the store bought kind. Where do you buy elderberries?
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

Mountain Rose Herbs…
http://www.facebook.com/Kcrephmams Carrie Sasville

I have found some on Ebay. I have bought them once and am buying them now again. Just look for a top seller and usda organic…and the sale numbers.
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http://www.facebook.com/danielle.childsbreach Danielle Childs Breach

I would like to know where to buy the elderberries. Right now I just buy it premade at our local health food store. I assume in the warmer months I can get them at a farmers market but this time of year is hard. I have yet to see them sold in any store here. We are in the North East. Also are they fresh, frozen or dehydrated? Just curious. thanks
gina

Must u discard the elderberries after straining? Or can they, too, be consumed (in a different way)??
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Rachel Beran

Thanks!

How to Make Elderberry Syrup for Flu Prevention

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