You can buy it at the store, it's called "Sambucus" and it looks like this -
It can cost upward of $3/oz! Considering you take it daily as a preventative, more when you are fighting something - THAT is an expensive preventative! Don't get me wrong, if money doesn't matter to you - then by all means, buy it already made! It really does work! It's legit, MAGICAL.
Now, I am an uber crunchy momma. So, if I can make it myself, I normally try! I cook most all our food from scratch, make my own deodorant, face masks, and more! I also make my own salves, tinctures, and oil concoctions! I brew my own Kombucha (by the gallon!). I figured it could TOTALLY make my own Elderberry Syrup! I mean, how hard could it be?
SERIOUSLY friends - it's not that hard! It just takes procuring quality ingredients, and few hours time! I'm sharing links for the products that I've researched and that I personally use. However, PLEASE do your won research and make a decision for your family!
First off you will need the supplies:
Elderberries -
I buy mine in 1lb increments. I find this most cost effective. Frontier Co-op is a fantastic company, with great practices! Not to mention, their customer service is top notch. UPDATE: Frontier co-op has been out of elderberries for a while, if you click and they are out, try these: Elderberries
Make sure that you use a rubber band or something secure to close it up and keep it airtight in between uses. Elderberries have many fantastic qualities. They are the fruit from the Elderflower or Sambucus plant. Eldererries are a kick ass general immune booster! There are even studies about their effectiveness against colds and flu's!
Throughout history, Elderberry has been called a cure-all! The Romans & Native Americans used it! Even the us government encouraged its use during the panama flu epidemic in 1995!
One more thing - Don't consume raw berries, or any other part of the plant! It contains a cyanide-inducing chemical. Eating uncooked berries can give you diarrhea and vomiting! You don't want that!
Echinacea -
I have put this in my blend in the last year. I don't always add this. So you can choose to or not, it won't effect any of the ratios if you leave it out. So do what you like with this one!
Echinacea is a coneflower, and has been used medicinally by native american tribes of the plains for over 400 years! Even the US department of Natural Resource conservation raves about the benefits of Echinacea. It was even listed in the US National formulary from 1916-1950, until anti-biotics came out! If you ask me, this is a pretty badass herb if it was an officially listed one! (Now many traditional doctors turn up their nose to herbs.... things that make you go hmmmm)
This is the one I purchase. Again, from Frontier Co-op. I do put this in my blend, you don't have to. But, It's a pretty amazing cold/flu fighter, without even getting into the extra benefits of it!
Cinnamon -
I use organic Cinnamon Sticks. You can get these anywhere you'd like. I use these. But, why cinnamon?
Cinnamon rocks! Seriously, its so yummy!
Did you know it was also good for you? It's true. Its an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, immune boosting superstar! It's basically like the magical unicorn of the spice world! So, basically .... Put cinnamon on all the things!
Ginger -
Ginger is ah-mazing! You should be using more of it in your food. But for sure it should be in your elderberry syrup!
Chinese and Indians have used Ginger tonics for over 4000 years! It's a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. (see a pattern emerging here?). Ginger contains a compound known as gingerol that is responsible for its medicinal and healing properties!
Choose fresh, organic ginger for your Elderberry Syrup! I don't actually peel it for elderberry syrup (since we strain it all) so be sure to wash it first if you will be doing the same.
Clove -
Cloves not only smell amazing, they are good for you! They are known as an antiseptic. They also have been known to have some antiparasitic properties! I use whole, organic cloves!
Orange Zest -
I know. This one sounds silly! BUT, the peel of an orange actually contains higher concentrations of vitamin C than the flesh! It's true!
So, for my syrup, I zest 1 orange. Make sure it's organic. Make sure you have washed it. Use a zester, and try to only get the orange part (The white pith makes things more bitter!)
Allspice -
Bet you didn't think about this one! Allspice has some amazing benefits. I use organic whole allspice for my syrup. Read below to find out the benefits.
Raw Local Honey -
This one is SO important. The health benefits of raw local honey are plentiful. It is also an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial and anti-fungal! If you don't know the benefits of honey, you can read all about honey here. It has been used for so many things medicinally through the years! It's what makes our elderberry syrup sweet, and helps get the kids to drink it!
Now that you have learned about ALL of the things and why I use them, let's put them into a recipe for you!
Isn't is so pretty while in the pan?!
OK, ok. On to the recipe! I TRULY hope this helps your family as much as I feel it's helped mine!
Elderberry Syrup
I am not a doctor or herbalist. I'm just a mom that has been keeping the sick germs away from my family for many years! I wanted to share what's been working for us. For more information, check out my blog at www.crunchyedge.com
prep time: 10 MINScook time: 60 MINStotal time: 70 mins
ingredients:
- 1 Cup - Elderberries (Organic is best) These are the ones I use
- 1/4 Cup - Echinacea These are the ones I use
- 3 - Cinnamon Sticks These are the ones I use
- 12 - Cloves - whole These are the ones I use
- 10 - All Spice - whole These are the ones I use
- 1"- 2" Sliced Ginger root - Fresh, no need to peel
- Orange Zest from 1 small-medium orange
- 1 Cup Raw Honey (local is best)
- 4 Cups Water
instructions
1. Mix all of the ingredients except honey in a saucepan.
2. Bring to simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat, & Let simmer 60 minutes. Stirring every 15 minutes.
4. Strain. (I use a small holed strainer, and make sure to press all the liquid out of the berries. You could also use a nut milk bag)
5. Let cool some.
6. Add honey, Stir to blend.
7. Store in a Jar in the refrigerator.
Created by: Annastasia McPherson
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