While it’s a bit strange to think of any particular fruit as “trending,” it’s a fitting description in light of the recent avalanche of content I’ve seen about elderberries! After seeing around a dozen articles about elderberries recently, I couldn’t resist finding out what all the fuss was about!
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So I did what any good blogger would do—I opened a fresh can of Diet Coke and started researching! ;-) And I actually ended up learning some really interesting things about the health benefits of elderberries, as well as some easy ways to take advantage of those benefits! And I’ll be sharing all of that with you in today’s blog post.
The Health Benefits Of Elderberries
Black elderberries (sambucus nigra) are unusually rich in antioxidants that can help support the immune system. In fact, a 2010 article in the European Journal of Nutrition reported that black elderberries ranked as the top source of antioxidants in an evaluation of 100 different antioxidant-rich foods.
Several studies of these antioxidant-rich berries (usually in the form of elderberry syrup) suggest they may be particularly helpful in improving symptoms of respiratory viruses. A 2004 study found that flu patients who took an elderberry syrup experienced relief of their symptoms 4 days earlier than patients who received a placebo.
Additionally, a 2019 review found that supplementation with elderberry syrup had a significant effect in reducing the duration and severity of upper respiratory symptoms.
If you’re interested in giving it a try, there are plenty of elderberry syrups and extracts available online, including Sambucol, Sambucus, and more. Or you can make some at home using the elderberry syrup recipe below! :-)
How To Make Elderberry Syrup
Ingredients:
6 cups filtered water
1 cup organic dried elderberries
1 Tbsp dried ginger
1 cup organic raw honey
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Stove Top Directions:
Bring the water to a boil in a large pot, then add the elderberries and ginger and reduce to a simmer.
Simmer the mixture for around 45 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced by half. Then remove the pot from heat, mash the berries up with a spoon, and allow the mixture to cool completely.
Strain the mixture through a mesh sieve, then stir in the honey. Store the finished syrup in a glass jar in your fridge for 2-3 months.
Instant Pot Directions:
Put the water, berries, and ginger in your Instant Pot, seal the lid, and cook on High for 9 minutes.
Use Quick Release to depressurize the pot, then mash the berries up with a spoon or potato masher. Allow the mixture to cool completely.
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Strain the mixture through a mesh sieve, then stir in the honey. Store the finished syrup in a glass jar in your fridge for 2-3 months.
How To Use Elderberry Syrup
- Take 1 tablespoon every 3 hours when sick (or 1 teaspoon for children over 1 year.)
- Take 1 tablespoon per day to help support your health when a cold or flu is going around.
Disclaimer: The content displayed on One Good Thing by Jillee is intended for entertainment and educational purposes only. My content is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read online.
I watched your tutorial and followed. Do not know the taste that I make is like you? but I feel very good. Thanks for your instructions.
And once you have elderberry syrup, you can also use it to make an Hugo Spritz – great refreshing cocktail ! :-)
I just made this. I’ve never had elderberries before but I see the Sambucol syrup in stores and always wanted to try it. They all seem to have sugar in them which is a negative for me. I love that this is made with honey. (I went into the health food store and bought a cup of dried elderberries for $8 in Ocean City, MD) came home and made it in my instant pot). Thank you.
I am 58 years old and had never had the flu until this year. I started feeling a little “off” so I started taking elderberry syrup (that I made in my instant pot). It may have been allergies at first but suddenly I started feeling achy and running a low grade fever. Got flu tested and sure enough, I had the flu. Within two days of my diagnosis, I felt almost normal. I believe it was short lived because I had been taking elderberry syrup!
My daughter and I started a daily regime of elderberry syrup. I have been well all school year (I’m a teacher) and she went from having strep 4 times last year to NOT having it all this school year. That is success in my book. I highly recommend it.
Cool. I may have to think about trying it. Just need to find a cheap place to get them. This would be great for my brother in law and sister in law who seem to catch things easily.
That’s great!
We’re in the process of buying a house and have already planned on getting elderberry bushes. I’ve been an organic gardener for decades (my daughter describes me as “Green back when it was just a crayon color!) and we plan to grow all sorts of medicinal herbs.
I like your Elderberry Syrup recipe. Truly successful as taste is also very useful.
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I live up in Canada. My parents are from Europe and have always had a huge garden and for many years have had elderberry bushes. I have also been growing them for at least 10 years. We pick the berries at the end of each summer and freeze them and then later use them to make a concentrate (for when we have a cold or flu) but mostly we make a delicious elderberry jelly. Last year I froze 22 pounds of berries and had plenty of jars of jelly to sell and the church Christmas fair as well as give… Read more »
We actually sell the Elderberry syrup at my work. I would probably by the syrup already made- too expensive to make my own. I’ve heard about it for cold. My mom just finally got over a nasty cold. This information would have been great to know.
She’s currently in the process of weaning off a medicine to a better one. The one the doctors are gradually getting her off has made her more prone to getting infections.
You should stress that heat destroys RAW, UNFILTERED honey. The elderberries need to be completely cooled before adding the honey.
I buy my dried elderberries from Rose Mountain Herbs. They’re organic and only $20 per pound, which should make around 6 batches of this syrup.