A few years ago, elderberries found their way into my family’s herbal arsenal to help us through cold and flu season. This powerful, antioxidant-rich fruit has been used in traditional herbalism to support the body’s immune system for centuries. During winter months, we often have a big pot of therapeutic herbs, spices and berries gently simmering in our kitchen, with a ladle and strainer close by. Even my little ones request elderberry elixir at the first sign of a sniffle or sore throat. It’s vibrant, smooth and spicy—a treat for icy days when extra nourishment is needed.
Adding honey to the long-simmered berries thickens this brew almost to a syrup.
Use this recipe two ways: When suffering from a head cold, or working to fight impending germs, add sliced lemon and orange to the pot and consume several mugs throughout the day as a hot tea. Simply strain one serving at a time and add a heaping spoon of honey.
For general immune support, allow the tea to simmer longer, add honey after cooling slightly, and pour the entire batch into Mason jars with ample headspace to freeze. Pull out one jar of syrup at a time and take shots regularly.
Don’t be afraid to make this age-old remedy your own. On a snowy day you may add more ginger, cardamom and cinnamon. Before bedtime, to help ease into deep restful sleep, you may include chamomile flowers, rose petals, or a splash of your favorite bourbon. A basic elderberry syrup recipe typically includes berries, cinnamon, water and honey. I have added tried-and-true immune boosters to act as elderberry’s sidekicks. This packs a potent punch in promoting good health and getting you swiftly through whatever ails you.
Ingredients
- ½ cup organic dried elderberries*
- ¼ cup rosehips
- ¼ cup nettle
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole allspice
- 1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon astragalus
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- 3 star anise
- 1-inch piece of freshly grated ginger (or 1 tablespoon powered)
- 8 cups purified water*
- 1–2 cups raw honey*
Preparation
1. Combine herbs and berries with water in a covered pot and heat until almost boiling. Reduce heat immediately and allow herbs to simmer for at least 30 minutes (45 minutes–1 hour if making a syrup).
2. Remove from heat and lightly mash the berries.
3. Strain mixture through a cheesecloth and squeeze out the juice or press through a fine mesh strainer.
4. Stir in honey while the tea is still warm, until desired sweetness and thickness is achieved.
*To create a syrup rather than a strong tea, increase elderberries to 1 cup, decrease water to 4 cups, and use plenty of honey. Syrup will keep for several weeks in the refrigerator or several months in the freezer.
About this recipe
**DISCLAIMER: For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
***Pregnant or nursing women, people with autoimmune diseases and those taking medication should consult with their doctor before consuming new herbal remedies.
