Elderberry: A Natural Remedy for Colds and Flu?

There’s certainly a time and a place for conventional medicine and doctor visits. Unfortunately, there isn’t much conventional medicine can do for the common cold or even a mild case of the flu.

If you or your child has ever had a rough case of the common cold or the flu, you know how miserable it can be. Especially for moms. It’s awful to see your children feeling so bad and not be able to fix it. Thankfully, nature provides us with remedies that can help us avoid minor illnesses. And help shorten the duration if we do get them.

Research shows black elderberries (Sambucus nigra) can help us avoid these illnesses. They can even help speed recovery time in those who already have them. I’ve also found elderberries offer some relief from discomfort during minor illnesses.

Benefits of Elderberry
Elderberries naturally have vitamins A, B, and C and stimulate the immune system. Israeli researchers found elderberries pack a punch when it comes to colds and flu. Their complex sugars are clinically shown to help support the immune system. It can cut recovery time in half or better!

Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu, of Hadassah-Hebrew University in Israel found that elderberry disarms the enzyme viruses use to penetrate healthy cells in the lining of the nose and throat. Taken before infection, it prevents infection. Taken after infection, it prevents spread of the virus through the respiratory tract.

In a clinical trial, 20% of study subjects reported significant improvement within 24 hours, 70% by 48 hours, and 90% claimed complete cure in three days. In contrast, subjects receiving the placebo required 6 days to recover.

Elderberry Syrup: Easy Way to Get the Benefits
Elderberry syrup provides the concentrated immune-supporting benefits of black elderberries. Plus it tastes great! My recipe uses homemade elderberry concentrate with synergistic herbs like cinnamon and ginger. Plus raw honey for an extra immune boost. If you can’t/don’t use honey, see the substitution suggestions below the recipe.

Why Make Your Own?
For one, you’ll save a lot of money!

Several natural elderberry syrups are available at health food stores or online. But usually for around $15 or more for 4-8 ounces. This recipe makes 16 ounces for way less and kids love the taste! You can also fully customize this recipe based on your needs and flavor preferences.

Don’t have any dried elderberries on hand? There are some great pre-made elderberry gummies and elderberry syrup that work just as well. But these supplements do cost more. Also, if you have fresh berries or frozen elderberries on hand, just use double the amount in the recipe.

Making your own elderberry syrup is easy with this recipe!

INGREDIENTS

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3½ cups water
⅔ cup dried elderberries (or 1 1/3 cups fresh or frozen)
2 TBSP ginger (grated)
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp ground cloves
1 cup raw honey
INSTRUCTIONS

Pour the water into a medium saucepan and add the elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
Bring to a boil and then uncover and reduce to a simmer for about 30 to 45 minutes until the liquid has reduced by almost half.
Remove from heat and let cool until it’s lukewarm.
Mash the berries carefully using a spoon or other flat utensil.
Pour through a strainer or cheesecloth into a glass jar or bowl. Discard the elderberries.
When the liquid is no longer hot, add the cup of honey and stir well.
When the honey is well mixed into the elderberry mixture, pour the syrup into a mason jar or glass bottle of some kind.

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.
NOTES
Instant Pot option: Put all the ingredients except honey in the Instant Pot. Seal the lid, and set manually for 9 minutes on high pressure. Vent pressure and strain. When cooled to room temperature stir in the honey.
Standard dose is ½ – 1 teaspoon for kids and ½ – 1 tablespoon for adults. If the flu does strike, take the normal dose every 2-3 hours instead of once a day until symptoms disappear.
NUTRITION
Serving: 1tsp
Calories: 6kcal
Carbohydrates: 1.7g
Fiber: 0.1g
Sugar: 1.5g

More of a Visual Person?
Here is my one-minute tutorial video for how to make elderberry syrup: