How To Make Elderberry Syrup – 3 Ingredient Recipe
Learn how to make this easy 3 ingredient elderberry syrup recipe. Boost your immune system and stay healthy with this simple homemade natural remedy.
Elderberries are one of Nature’s super foods. These little black berries might not look like much, but they’re packed with vitamins and antioxidants that can benefit your health in so many ways!
The use of elderberries in folk medicine dates back as far as Ancient Greece. Native Americans used not only the berries, but every part of the elderberry bush for making dyes, tools and teas.
Today, elderberries have been used to fight off the flu, cold and boost the immune system. Studies have even shown that taking elderberry extract or syrup can reduce the length and severity of common viral infections!
So how do you make your own elderberry syrup at home? It’s really simple, you only need 3 ingredients: elderberries, water and honey. Technically you could leave the honey out if you prefer, but it definitely makes the syrup taste better and even adds to the health benefits if you use “the good stuff”.
I like having a jar of homemade elderberry syrup in your fridge throughout cold season to boost all of our immune systems to deal with (or even avoid) the sicknesses my kids are inevitably going to being home from school!
NOTE – I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice. Contact your child’s doctor and seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or worsen. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting to give honey to babies until they are 12 months old.
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Why You’ll like this 3 Ingredient elderberry syrup recipe:
all natural
Store-bought elderberry syrups sometimes contain preservatives, flavorings and artificial sweeteners. Making 3 ingredient elderberry syrup at home, you know that what you’re taking is made with only natural ingredients.
safe for kids
Elderberry syrup is completely safe to give kids over the age of 1! Children should take up to 1 Tablespoon a day to strengthen their immune systems to avoid getting sick.
When your little one is fighting off a virus or allergies, it’s recommended to take up to 1 Tablespoon every few hours until their symptoms improve.
Keep in mind that honey isn’t recommended for babies before one year of age.
Simple and easy to make
This basic, 3 ingredient elderberry syrup recipe is easy and quick to make. Simply heat the ingredients, let the berries cook down, strain and cool.
This tutorial has directions for elderberry syrup on the stovetop as well as in the instant pot. Both ways are just as simple, so just choose the method you prefer.
really works!
I was very consistent in giving my family a Tablespoon of homemade elderberry syrup every day (or just about every day) through cold season last year, and we avoided most of the viruses that went through my kids’ school!
Elderberries have been used in folk medicine throughout history, so you don’t have to just take my word for it! If you still need convincing, there have been modern day studies done to prove that elderberry syrup does actually shorten the duration of common viruses!
what you need to make 3 Ingredient elderberry syrup
ingredients
black elderberries – you can use either fresh or dried elderberries in this recipe. Just make sure they are clean and free of stems and leaves before using. If you don’t have access to fresh raw elderberries, you should be able to find some at your local health food store.
water – distilled water becomes the base of the elderberry syrup as the berries cook down.
honey – buckwheat honey or manuka honey are the best types of honey to use for health purposes because they are higher in antioxidants than other kinds. But any honey will work in this elderberry syrup recipe.
Tools to Use:
how to make 3 ingredient elderberry syrup
on the stovetop
Combine – In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water and elderberries. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes.
Strain – Mash the berries with a potato masher or the back of a spoon. Strain the juice through a fine sieve. Discard the berries.
Cool – Stir in honey until it has completely dissolved. Let cool to room temperature.
in the instant pot
Combine – Combine water and elderberries in bowl of the instant pot.
Cook – Put the lid on and seal the instant pot and set it to “manual” on “high pressure” for 8 minutes.
Vent – When the timer goes off, set the valve to “vent” until all of the steam has been released.
Strain – Mash the berries with a potato masher or the back of a spoon. Strain the juice through a fine sieve. Discard the berries.
Cool – Stir in honey until it has completely dissolved. Let cool to room temperature.
tips for success
Store – Elderberry syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
To Use – Its recommend to take one Tablespoon of elderberry syrup for a daily dose as a preventative measure during flu season. When you’re battling a sickness, take one Tablespoon every few hours until symptoms improve.
Variations – For more health benefits, add spices and citrus to the pot when cooking. Check out my elderberry cough syrup recipe to learn more.
Substitutions – Manuka or buckwheat honey are recommended for use in natural remedies, but raw honey will work in a pinch. Maple syrup can be used instead, but it won’t add to the health benefits the way honey does.
FAQ about Homemade elderberry syrup
What are the health benefits of elderberry syrup?
Here are some of the many elderberry syrup benefits:
- Boosts the Immune System: Elderberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins (especially vitamin C) that can support and strengthen the immune system.
- Reduces Inflammation: Elderberries contain anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the respiratory system. This can help clear the airways, making it easier to breathe while dealing with a cold.
- Antioxidant Activity: Elderberries are rich in antioxidants that help protect cells from stress and damage caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Elderberry syrup may help reduce inflammation in the body, which is associated with various health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
- Heart Healthy: Some research has shown that elderberries may have a positive impact on heart health. They may help improve cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, and enhance blood vessel function, contributing to a healthy cardiovascular system.
- Digestive Benefits: Elderberry syrup is also believed to aid in digestion due to it’s mild diathetic properties.
The elderberry bush is a wild plant that is found throughout North America. Historically, Native Americans used elderberries as a food as well as in making medicines and dyes. The stems were also used to make a variety of tools.
Can I use frozen elderberries to make elderberry syrup?
Yes you can! Just use them in the same way you would fresh elderberries. No need to thaw the berries first.
Does elderberry syrup help boost the immune system?
Elderberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins that can support and strengthen the immune system. Studies have shown that elderberry syrup may have antiviral benefits and can reduce the severity and length of cold and flu symptoms.
How long does homemade elderberry syrup last?
Elderberry syrup can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 months in the fridge. The shelf life can be extended to up to 6 months when the syrup is sealed and frozen.
Can I give elderberry syrup to children?
Elderberry cough syrup is safe for children over the age of 1. It isn’t recommended to give honey to babies under 12 months old.
You can use this syrup in my elderberry gummies recipe to make it more fun for the kids!
more Elderberry Recipes on the blog
If you liked this simple elderberry syrup recipe, I think you’ll really enjoy these other natural remedies on the blog!
I hope you love this easy elderberry syrup recipe! If you make them, I’d love for you to come back and leave a comment and rating so that I know how you like them!
Pin these steps to try later. Tag @athomeontheprairie on Instagram to share what you’ve made with us!
3 Ingredient Elderberry Syrup
Learn how to make this easy 3 ingredient elderberry syrup recipe. Boost your immune system and stay healthy with this simple homemade natural remedy.
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh elderberries or 1 cup dried elderberries
- 4 cups distilled water
- 1 cup raw honey (buckwheat or manuka honey are best)
Instructions
On The Stovetop
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water and elderberries. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Mash the berries with a potato masher or the back of a spoon. Strain the juice through a fine sieve. Discard the berries.
- Stir in honey until it has completely dissolved. Let cool to room temperature.
In The Instant Pot
- Combine water and elderberries in bowl of the instant pot.
- Put the lid on and seal the instant pot and set it to "manual” on “high pressure” for 8 minutes.
- When the timer goes off, set the valve to "vent" until all of the steam has been released.
- Mash the berries with a potato masher or the back of a spoon. Strain the juice through a fine sieve. Discard the berries.
- Stir in honey until it has completely dissolved. Let cool to room temperature.
Notes
To Store - Elderberry syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
To Use - Its recommend to take one Tablespoon of elderberry syrup for a daily dose as a preventative measure during flu season. When you're battling a sickness, take one Tablespoon every few hours until symptoms improve.
Variations - For more health benefits, add spices and citrus to the pot when cooking. Check out my elderberry cough syrup recipe to learn more.
Substitutions – Manuka or buckwheat honey are recommended for use in natural remedies, but raw honey will work in a pinch. Maple syrup can be used instead, but it won't add to the health benefits the way honey does.
