With the continual commercials and ads stating that last year was horrible for the flu and this will be a horrible year, too – urging everyone to get their flu shots – many families want an alternative they know works.
The science has already shown elderberry extract is 99% effective against the Avian Flu (H5N1) virus in cell cultures, so now the point is simply. getting. it. made.
Get the free printable Elderberry Recipes PDF!
Elderberry Syrup – Stovetop version
It is obvious – interest is growing in NOT taking the flu shot: No Flu Shots 4 Us: Use Elderberry Syrup (99% effective for H5N1). <<—-This post contains the stove top version. See below for Instant Pot Recipe!
Here’s just some of the research supporting elderberry for flu:
Elderberry flavonoids bind to and prevent H1N1 infection in vitro. (Source PubMed)
Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections. (Source PubMed)
Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. (Source PubMed)
Want to know why more people were sick last year and dying from the flu? The answer might surprise you: Infectious virus in exhaled breath of symptomatic seasonal influenza cases from a college community (Source National Academy of Sciences)
Making elderberry tincture using vodka takes a minimum of 6-8 weeks
Syrup making is so much faster and many want to get a jump on!
Using the Instant Pot is faster still!
Friend Angela W. is a pro at making elderberry syrup in her Instant Pot for her family of 6 and shared her simple recipe with me:
Instant Pot Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Buy dried elderberries here and here.
Notes:
- Angela stated this recipe makes about 3 1/2 cups or 28 ounces. That should be enough elderberry syrup for 6 people all winter when taken at the first sign of a cold or flu (but not everyday). (See dosage below).
- If you want to take a 1/2 teaspoon a day preventatively (as many do), triple or quadruple (3-4x) the recipe for 6.
- It will be effective for one season (at least 4 months – and probably 5).
- The cloves, cinnamon, ginger and honey are all excellent natural preservatives, so it keeps well and will not go bad when refrigerated.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried elderberries (This 1 lb. bag of bulk dried organic elderberries should contain 5 cups for making 5 x this recipe.)
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp Ceylon Cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 2 inches fresh chopped ginger
- 1 cup raw organic local honey or medicinal Manuka honey, added later
Directions:
- Put everything except the honey in the Instant Pot, seal and press the manual setting to high pressure for 15 minutes.
- After it beeps, simply quick release the pressure or allow to release naturally.
- Once cooled, strain the liquid off from the berries using cheesecloth, thin old clean towel or a coffee filter. Be sure to squeeze all of the liquid out of the berries…this is medicine you don’t want to waste!
- When syrup is a bit warmer than room temperature, but not at all hot, put in honey. The raw honey will lose the powerful healing antimicrobial enzymes and natural antibiotic components if heated!
- Stir well and put in Mason or Ball jar or easy to pour container
- Add 4-5 months (ie. 18-22 weeks) from the day you make it, and write that ‘end date’ on the bottle
- Store in the fridge…That’s it!
You can also make the Vodka-Based Elderberry Tincture that keeps beautifully for 7 or more years!
VERY IMPORTANT
The very best time to start treating a cold or flu virus with elderberry tincture or syrup is at the very earliest stage, BEFORE the virus has gotten a foothold, as in, “I think I may be coming down with something, but I’m not quite sure”.
Cold and flu viruses multiply so rapidly that it is critically important to begin treatment while they are few in number, and before they have a chance to mount a massive attack.
Get the free printable Elderberry Recipes PDF!
Syrup Dosages For All Ages:
Adults:
If the risk of exposure to ordinary flu is very high, we adults take two tablespoons of elderberry syrup (or a dropperful of the vodka-based tincture) every four to six hours at the first sign of a cold or flu.
Syrup for Children:
For children under 12 years old, administer 1 teaspoon elderberry syrup per day when risk it high or 1 teaspoon per waking hour at the very onset of cold/flu-like symptoms.
Syrup for Toddlers
(1 1/2 years – 3 years old) get half of that. Do not give it under 1 year of age if made with honey. Substitutes for honey would be brown rice syrup, molasses, or maple syrup.
Are you nursing?
Drugs.com states, “Elderberry is most often used for influenza and immune stimulation. It has no specific lactation-related uses. No data exist on the excretion of any components of elderberry into breastmilk or on the safety and efficacy of elderberry in nursing mothers or infants. Elderberry preparations have rarely caused allergic reactions.”
Where Do You Buy Elderberries for Making Syrup?
If you don’t have a source of fresh elderberries where you live, it’s easiest to buy online bulk dried organic elderberries. A 1 pound bag should contain 5 cups for making 5 x this recipe. You can also find them at health food stores, and if the dried berries are all out you can use Sambucol products. And ask locally. Many people are making this remedy and selling it because it works so well, but know your source!
Get the free printable Elderberry Recipes PDF!
“Much virtue in Herbs; little in Men” ~Benjamin Franklin (1706- 1790)
Thanks for reading!
Jean says
Thank you for posting this! Now I just need to follow through! I own a daycare center and the germs are already starting to run wild. I need to do this!!!
Jacqueline says
Jean, I am praying for you!!! This takes about an hour to make, but you need the elderberries to start. Here is the best value I can find for dried organic (they need to be organic) berries: https://amzn.to/2CKFlvx
Jean, I have an idea! Could you give the recipe to the moms and maybe some will make it!?
Big hugs!
Trish says
Sounds great but I do not have an instant pot and do not plan on getting one. Is there a version of this recipe that I can use?
Jacqueline says
Hi, Trish! Yes, absolutely. It is this stove top elderberry syrup post: https://deeprootsathome.com/stop-flu-fast-elderberry-glycerin-tincture/
I hope that helps, friend!
Jen says
I love how easy it is but last year I thought i saw warnings for making this. That you had to boil it for 45 mins to remove some toxins from the actual berries. Have you seen this? Just wondering what your opinion on it was.
Jacqueline says
Jen, thanks for your question. Yes, you need to cook them, but 30 minutes is plenty acc. to the sources.
That said, elderberry tincture has been made and used since in folk medicine and Native American medicine for hundred, perhaps several thousand years with out it being contraindicated.
We have grown our own berries and used it for at least 22 years, in times of thinking we had flu, with no side effects of any kind. The neighbor who taught me how to make it, died at 104 years old as clear mentally as a bell 😀 so I think nothing of it.
To give you an idea: we take in the range of 1/2 – 1 tsp (mostly vodka) 2-3 times a day, so the amount is tiny, but powerful to quash the viruses if we start in time. With syrup preparations (cooked), you consume a lot more in terms of amount bc it is sweet and what is usually given to children. Nausea is the side effect of poisoning, and instead of nausea, we prevented nausea and vomiting of viral flu symptoms. I hope that helps. 😀 J
Christina says
Can I put the required daily amount in smoothies and get the same benefit?
Jacqueline says
Yes, Christina, that works great unless some are drinking more smoothie than others and some aren’t getting their share. A mommie teaching thought: If they are younger, even though it is more work now, them seeing you give them (and teach them what it does and why you are doing it) a natural and homemade “medicine” will help them become more proactive even as kids (they learn to take over their own health care) (and thank God for the gift of healing plants (Genesis 1:29). If you do use the blender, when you have finished it, add bit of water to the blender container and swish down the sides to get it all…
I hope that helps 😀 J
Denelle Pappier says
I don’t see any way to download the PDF recipe. Or to subscribe either, for that matter!
The click link window doesn’t have another activating button when it opens, just the option to close it.
Thanks for helping.
Jacqueline says
Denelle, to print or get a PDF, look right above the top photo on the left. I took a screen shot, but realize I can’t post one here. It is working for me.
To subscribe, look right at the very top of the home page. It says “Stay healthy this flu season! Make your own Elderberry Syrup… easy recipes!” You can subscribe there.
Also, there are several more links in the post that say, “Get the free printable Elderberry Recipes PDF!” They also are working fine.
I hope that helps! J
Lisa says
I just made a batch of the syrup in my Instant Pot. The house smells wonderful. My husband and I will start using this right away.
Thanks for all your tips. They were so helpful!
Jacqueline says
Aww Thank you for letting me know, Lisa! May the Lord bless you and your husband, friend! J
Robin Saik says
Can you take elderberry syrup as a preventative? Meaning 2x a week , possibly heading off any colds or flu? With the weather changing now, the kids and I are getting sniffly. Wondering if a few times a week taking elderberry would help. The family is already taking vit c, vit d, and vit b. Thank you
Many Blessings
Robin Saik
Jacqueline says
Yes, Robin, many do and I have never heard of it weakening anyone. If you read through the elderberry post comments within the last 10 days (there are 2 with large numbers of comments) over on the https://www.facebook.com/deeprootsathome/ page, there are many testimonials of just this. I am in process of writing a post with overwhelming positive studies published on PubMed that support elderberry a safe and very helpful (even for pandemic use and the immunocompromised). I hope that helps. The post I’m working on should be out in a day or 2. Blessings to you all!! <3 J
Vicki says
Can you tell me how many ounces the syrup recipe will make? I’m trying to compare it cost-wise to ready-made syrups such as Sambacol (which I buy for 44¢ per ounce).
Jacqueline says
Vicki, I have your question out to Angela so we can get an answer for you! One of us will let you know. 😀
Jacqueline says
Okay, Vicki! I just heard from Angela and it made “about 3 1/2 cups” or I figure about 74 oz. There you go! J
Mandy says
Jacqueline, I think your math is a bit off. I agree that the above recipe makes 3.5 cups of syrup, but that equals 28 ounces, not 72! I was gathering my ingredients and scrambling to find enough jars for 72 ounces when I realized that the recipe couldn’t yield that much.
Jacqueline says
Oh ho! Mandy, thank you! I was brain dead on that one as I just copied her numbers! I need to be WAY more astute! I am so grateful. No one else mentioned it and I just got on to other things ;)P
Blessings!
Vicki says
Thank you. Sorry for the bother – I could have just looked up at the title of this article! I just discovered the locally made syrup I bought last year for 44¢ an ounce is no longer available. Online, I found a 4 oz. bottle of Sanbucal is $12.99 – that’s $3.25 per ounce! PLUS the ingredient list shows glucose syrup (not honey).
1 cup of dried elderberries would cost me $5.40 and 1 cup of raw honey is $9.70. So total cost for 74 ounces of syrup is $15.10. I’m not counting cinnamon, ginger and cloves because they are not in the purchased syrup. So, I can make this recipe for between 20¢ and 21¢ per ounce = a little more if I add cinnamon, ginger & cloves.
Storebought: $3.25 per ounce
Homemade: 21¢ per ounce
I will be making my syrup this year! Thank you for the recipe!
Jacqueline says
Your cost analysis is great information, Vicki! I may have to add that to the post 😀 It was no bother!
Bless you, friend. J
Tracie Carley says
Is there a suitable substitute for the fresh ginger? It’s odd – I know – but I REALLY dislike the flavor of ginger. I am an adult and can deal with a spoonful of a flavor that doesn’t delight me. I was just wondering…
Jacqueline says
Hi, Tracie 🙂 I love your authenticity and am giggling because you sound like my husband with green peppers 😀 I am thinking you want a very healthy substitute and would recommend cinnamon to replace the ginger. It, like ginger and cloves is a natural preservative and also loaded with health benefits (actually maybe better in some ways) and tasty in this recipe. I hope that helps! 😀
Blessings to you and your family! J
Heather Knopp says
Hi Jacqueline! I just started making and using elderberry syrup this year. We’re taking it every day as a preventative measure. The IP recipes I had seen said 7 minutes, but yours says 15. Do you know what the difference would be? I certainly want to do it correctly so we’re getting full benefits.
Jacqueline says
Hi, Heather,
The Instant Pot recipe is from Amanda and she has been making it for several years with good results for her family.. I just did some looking and found 2 for 7, one for 12, 2 for 15 and one for 20 minutes;
20 min.: https://www.seasonedhomemaker.com/elderberry-syrup-recipe/
20 min.: http://www.erinholthealth.com/erin-holt-health-1/2017/10/18/homemade-elderberry-syrup-instant-pot-recipe-included
15: https://www.simplyhappyfoodie.com/instant-pot-elderberry-syrup/
10: https://eatingrichly.com/elderberry-syrup-recipe/
10: https://tidbits-marci.com/pressure-cooker-elderberry-syrup/
10: https://instantloss.com/instant-pot-elderberry-syrup-homemade-gummies/
7: https://www.adventuresofanurse.com/2018/02/08/homemade-immune-boost-instant-pot-elderberry-syrup/
7: http://girlandthekitchen.com/make-elderberry-syrup-instant-pot/
Instinct tells me that anything over 10 minutes is best to fully extract the polyphenols. I think we can safely and reasonably do 10-12-15 minutes and have an excellent product, but that is just my opinion.
I know I’m not being very helpful, but think it is up tom you. Still it is a great question and I like that you are thinking it out! Blessings, J
Heather Knopp says
Thanks so much Jacqueline! ❤
Jennifer says
Can you make it using fresh elderberries that were frozen? What are the quantities?
Jacqueline says
Hi, Jennifer, I’m guessing frozen would be the same as using dried elderberries. They would still have the same amount of flavonoids in them, but they would just have more water in them. I’d cut back by 1/4 – 1/3 cup of the water you add. Everything else should be exactly the same. I hope that helps 😀 J
Laurie Sarina says
Just read your recipe here. I have a quantity of elderberries to use. They have been frozen and are thawed now in the refrigerator.
They aren’t dried so I would like to know if they are good to use to make the syrup. How many cups would I use?
Jacqueline says
Hi, Laurie! Yes, frozen would be the same as using dried elderberries with an adjustment for the extra water they hold. They would still have the same amount of flavonoids in them.
If I were making it, I’d use 3 cups instead of 1. And I would cut the water back to 3 cups instead of 4. It isn’t critical on the ratios; you are using the water to extract the flavonoids and so it may be a bit thicker or thinner is all. I hope that helps. 😀 Blessings!
Laurie Sarina says
Thanks! Excited about doing this.