With fall and winter just around the corner, cold and flu season is quickly approaching. If you’re looking for a simple, easy way to boost your family’s immune system this fall and winter, this is the perfect time to consider elderberry syrup. It is a great way to support your body and it’s safe for the whole family! 

While I have a nursing background, I lean towards trying natural medicine first and elderberry syrup is one of my favorite natural remedies to have in my tool box to combat sickness. 

What is elderberry syrup?

Elderberries, or sambucus nigra, are small black berries that grow on small trees or shrubs and are native to Europe. They are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties.

Raw berries contain a toxic substance that can be harmful to humans if ingested and it is necessary to cook them before consuming. There are a few things that can be done with the berries, but making an elderberry tea, a delicious syrup or an elderberry tincture are three of the most common ways.

Where Can I Find Elderberry Syrup?

While you can find elderberry products in many grocery stores, it is important to be careful of the source as you want to use a high quality syrup and most commercial products are full of added sugar and other unnecessary ingredients.

If you would like to buy your elderberry syrup, consider checking your local health food store. Look for a  product with as few ingredients as possible, and look for something sweetened with maple syrup or honey.

I prefer to make my own elderberry syrup so that I know exactly what is in it. It is also a little cheaper to buy the ingredients in bulk and then make syrup as I need it, which is another benefit. If you simply don’t have the time to make elderberry syrup yourself, I recommend the Earthly brand Elderberry Elixir or Adaptogenic Immunity Blend. 

How Do I Take Elderberry Syrup?

In our home, I use elderberry syrup to treat sore throats, coughs, colds, runny noses, congestion, allergies – basically any time we are feeling sick. I like to use it 4-5 days a week as a preventative, but we will increase our dose if we have been exposed to sickness or feel like we are catching something.

Only a small amount of syrup is necessary to be beneficial. I use about a teaspoon for each dose, but up to a tablespoon of elderberry syrup would be a safe dosage. Honestly, one of the things I love about natural medicine is that it is really hard to “overdose”, as long as you are consuming the syrup in reasonable quantities, you will be fine.

I do recommend some caution though as elderberries consumed in large amounts can cause stomach upset. It is generally a good idea to start with small amounts and see how your body tolerates it. Some people really do not like the taste of elderberry and if this is you, I suggest two things: either try adding more honey to make it sweeter or use it combined with your favorite maple syrup and drizzle it over pancakes or waffles. 

Do be cautious with small children as babies under one year old should not consume raw honey due to the risk for botulism. You could either omit the honey in the syrup for children under one year of age, or if you are breast-feeding, consider increasing your own intake to support your baby.

Of course, if you have any concerns or a medical condition that you think would keep you from taking elderberry syrup, be sure to consult with your health care provider before using. 

Will I Get Sick If I Take Elderberry Syrup?

Keep in mind that while elderberry syrup is an excellent way to boost the immune system, it will not prevent every illness.

In addition to taking elderberry syrup, I recommend that you focus on a diet high in protein, fruits, and vegetables and enjoy plentiful amounts of fresh air and sunshine as additional measures to combat sickness.

Sleep is another powerful way to combat illness; aim to get at least 8 hours of quality sleep each night. I have found that focusing on diet, fresh air, exercise, sleep, and good supplements supports our bodies in a way to minimize sickness and shorten the duration of illness when we do get sick. 

While no one enjoys being sick, and it is incredibly difficult to watch your children be sick, not all sickness is bad. In fact, being exposed to common colds and viruses is one way that your body builds immunity and is stronger for the next wave of sickness you encounter. Here’s a few of m favorite remedies to have on hand.

What are the Ingredients in Elderberry Syrup?

• Elderberries – Quality, dried elderberries are the foundational ingredient to this recipe. I purchase these dried elderberries from Amazon and they will last for multiple batches of syrup. Store unused berries in an airtight jar and they will last for months. 

• Cinnamon Sticks – Did you know that cinnamon has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties? With all those benefits its a great addition to your homemade syrup and it adds delicious flavor as well!

• Whole Cloves – Cloves also have anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties making them another great addition to your syrup. 

• Honey – Raw honey has incredible health benefits and is an antioxidant as well as being anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, to name just a few things. If you can find raw local honey that’s even better. Many studies show that regularly ingesting local, raw honey can help reduce allergy symptoms. Honey in this recipe is not only added for the health benefits, but is used to sweeten the syrup as well. 

• Water – Water is your liquid base in this recipe. 

• Additional add-ins – Rose hips, lemon juice, and star anise are some other common ingredients found in elderberry syrups. All of them have additional health benefits as well as the potential to add delicious flavor to your syrup. 

Elderberry syrup is a delicious, easy way to boost your immune system and help maintain good health. It can be used to treat a variety of cold and flu symptoms and is an incredibly beneficial supplement to add to your natural medicine cabinet. I hope you’ll take the time either source and buy or make your own elderberry syrup so that you will be prepared the next time a family member gets sick. 

Elderberry syrup is a delicious, easy way to boost your immune system and help maintain good health. It can be used to treat a variety of cold and flu symptoms and is an incredibly beneficial supplement to add to your natural medicine cabinet. I hope you’ll take the time either source and buy or make your own elderberry syrup so that you will be prepared the next time a family member gets sick. 

*This is not to be considered medical advice. Consult with a trusted healthcare provider before starting any new supplement and always  pursue medical treatment for concerning signs or symptoms. 

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