How to Make Elderberry Syrup on the Stovetop

How to make elderberry syrup on the stove top for natural immune support during cold and flu season. This is such an easy tutorial for making homemade elderberry syrup!

One of the things we always make to keep on-hand during cold and flu season is elderberry syrup. Sometimes I buy it ready-made, but I also love making it from scratch.

Making your own elderberry syrup from dried elderberries is simple and I always feel like it’s more potent when it’s fresh.

Why Take Elderberry Syrup?

For years, we’ve been hearing about how beneficial this little berry is for immune health and fighting cold and flu.

As this article states:

Elderberry holds a bounty of flavonoids and triterpenes packed within its tiny fruit. These chemicals seem to be the key to elder’s anti-inflammatory, antiviral and immune stimulating effects.

Many symptoms connected to colds and flus are effectively treated with this tiny berry. Coughs, fevers and sinus infections all bow to elder’s healing touch. This makes elderberry a rare herb as it not only prevents infection but also treats the infection after it’s taken hold.

This study using a liquid elderberry extract:

…showed a reduction in symptoms and duration of influenza infection.

For these reasons I love keeping homemade elderberry syrup on-hand during cold and flu season. And, it’s surprisingly easy to make!

How Do You Make Elderberry Syrup?

I’ve shared a tutorial for making Instant Pot Elderberry Syrup, but I’ve had questions about how to make it on the stove top. So, I thought I would do a separate post about making it from scratch the old fashioned way.

We’re going to be using just a few simple supplies and ingredients to make this easy recipe.

What Do You Need to Make Elderberry Syrup?

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Rather just buy it or don’t have time to make it yourself? Get some ready-made elderberry syrup here.

Supplies

All you need are a few simple things.

medium saucepan
spoon
fine mesh strainer
jar or container for completed syrup

Ingredients

4 cups water
1 cup – either these dried elderberries or these elderberries will work
2 cinnamon sticks (or 1 teaspoon cinnamon)
1″ piece of ginger root (optional)
1 cup honey (using raw honey is preferred)

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, dried elderberries, cinnamon sticks, and ginger (if using).

2. Heat on medium heat until the mixture starts to boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cover with a lid.

3. Simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the syrup is reduced by about half.

4. Remove from heat and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes. Pour the syrup through a strainer into a glass bowl. Use the back of a spoon to squeeze any remaining juice out of the berries. Discard the elderberries.

5. Allow the elderberry syrup to cool completely before whisking in the honey.

6. Add the honey and stir until it dissolves into the mixture.

7. Pour the completed elderberry syrup into a jar, add a lid, and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze syrup in ice cube trays and thaw whenever you need them.

How to Take It

Suggested Use: children over 1 year of age can take 1/2—1 teaspoon a day (do not give to children under 1 because the recipe contains honey). Adults can take 1 tablespoon per day as a preventative, and increase to every 2-3 hours if you feel an illness coming on.

These are the amounts that we personally use.

Once you’ve made your elderberry syrup, you can turn it into gummies! That’s my children’s favorite way to take it.

Can I Use Fresh Elderberries in Place of Dried?

Yes, you can use fresh elderberries, but increase the amount of berries to 2 cups. And be sure to remove the stems before cooking. Cook for 45 minutes to an hour.

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