It used to be that the majority of the messages I was getting on Facebook messenger and text were about playdates and moms’ nights out.  With the recent flu outbreak, its all about elderberry syrup.  And an occasional video of a Jason Momoa coming out of the water (always a win).

Elderberry what?

Yeah, so back in the olden days, people used the plants and herbs around them to heal themselves.  Novel idea, right?  And these little berries called elderberry, when cooked, would release juice that can help boost immune systems.

With this recent flu outbreak, and the general sickness that goes around during the winter season, couldn’t we all use a bit more of an immunity boost?

Liquid Gold

Lots of moms in my area are posting all over on where to find elderberry syrup at our local stores.  There’s nearly panic because it is sold out in most places.  As always, Amazon has it.  And for some moms that is absolutely the best option.  But gosh, at over $2 an ounce, it can get expensive!  Ok, it isn’t actually the price of gold, but……if there are two teaspoons in a dose and six teaspoons in an ounce, a seven ounce bottle goes quickly.  For one person.

Wait, I Can Make Elderberry Syrup?

Why, yes!  Yes you can.  If you can boil water, you can make elderberry syrup.  I believe in you, momma!  If you have a health food store nearby, you may be able to buy elderberries locally, if not, who’s got you covered?  That’s right, Amazon!  I prefer the Frontier brand of many things, and dried elderberries is one of them.  I always get the Frontier Organic Dried Elderberries.  The initial price point can be a shock, particularly during cold and flu season, but a lb of dried elderberries has lasted me at least three years, giving daily doses to three people (and an occasional dose to a fourth).  It’s worth the investment, it is also worth it to monitor the price.

How To Make Elderberry Syrup

The crucial part of this is simmering elderberries in water for AT LEAST 45 minutes.  Inside the elderberry, there is a little bit of cyanide, which if cooked, breaks down and won’t hurt you.  But, if eaten raw, will make you ill.  The rest of it depends on you.  My sister adds powdered echinacea.  I’ve wondered if, with all the health benefits of turmeric, that would be a fun addition.  Mostly, though, I stick to ginger, cinnamon, cloves and honey.  Honey, which I get locally, gets added after the syrup has cooled because you don’t want to heat honey to help retain its health benefits.

Here’s the recipe I follow, which I got from the comments on the Frontier Organic Dried Elderberries

1C Fresh OR 1/2C Dried Blue or Black Elderberries (Note: Red Berries are poisonous)
3C Water
1C Raw Honey OR Sugar Cane (if making for infants, don’t give raw honey to babies)
1 Cinnamon Stick
3 Cloves
Ginger to taste (fresh or powdered)

Place berries, water & spices in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat & simmer for 30 minutes. Smash berries to release remaining juice & strain the mixture. Allow to cool & stir in honey. Syrup will last 2 – 3 months stored in the refrigerator. You can take a teaspoon a day for general wellness & to help prevent sickness or a tablespoon a day for when you are sick.

While my husband calls this witch’s brew, I know he’s grateful we haven’t had any colds or flu ailments this winter.  Of course, I’ve obviously just jinxed myself.  Time to go drink some more syrup!