Updated 12/2019
No flu shots for us! Instead our family relies on powerful elderberry. My non-alcoholic version is perfect for kids. First, I’ll tell you what’s so great about it – then I’ll tell you how to make your own!
Update: Last flu season, the demand for dried elderberries skyrocketed due to an incredible awakening that elderberry WORKS and is safe. Dried elderberries were hard to find at a reasonable price. But the price for prepared (store-bought) elderberry syrup preparations wasn’t near as high. Check out and compare: Gaia Herbs Elderberry Liquid and Pure Synergy Rapid Rescue (with amazing ingredients and no added sugar). I consider both emergency-level products! Also Amazon has a lot of selection at near normal prices.
Read my post: Can Elderberry Trigger a Cytokine Storm When You Have Influenza?
The World Becomes Aware!
I remember the day it was first reported worldwide. Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu made elderberries internationally famous through the well-publicized research and laboratory studies. It was demonstrated that Sambucus nigra species of elderberry was effective against a wide range of influenza viruses including human, swine and avian strains. This led to the development of a popular elderberry glycerin tincture preparation called Sambucol. Even if the preparation is taken too late to act as a preventative, controlled clinical studies demonstrated that Sambucol could reduce the severity and duration of influenza by half.
In 2006, a world-televised press conference was held at the Royal Society of Medicine in London, where the results of exciting new research on the patented elderberry formula was presented and found to be at least 99% effective against the Avian Flu (H5N1) virus in cell cultures! A predicted world-wide bird flu pandemic was expected to eradicate huge swaths of populations and so this was wonderful news!!
- 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)
Now science is beginning to understand what Europe’s country folk and native Americans knew all along – elderberry is good for preventing colds and influenza, and traditional homemade elderberry tinctures and non-alcoholic (glycerin or honey-based) syrups work just as well as Sambucol.
No Flu Shots For Us
Elderberries are highly esteemed by herbalists and those in-the-know all over the world. It is considered to be nature’s answer to Tamiflu, a prescription drug that is commonly used to stop the flu. Recently, it has been reported that Tamiflu puts Adults & Kids at Risk For Neuropsychiatric & Behavior Disturbance
Traditionally, elderberry preparations are taken in a higher amount and early enough to head off a massive viral invasion right from the start.
Easy Elderberry Honey (or Glycerin) Syrup:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh or 1 cup dried organic Elderberries
- 3 cups water
- 3/4 cup raw honey (only do not add it the boiling pan!!! – see why below)
- 3-4 Cinnamon sticks, fresh Ginger and 3 Cloves, (optional) (we all love this truly natural flavoring, plus their healing benefits)
Note: you can also use and equal amount of glycerin as many old recipes call for, but I don’t prefer it now as I know some glycerin can be corn-derived. If you want glycerin, this one is non-GMO, food grade and palm derived.
Directions:
- Place elderberries, water, and optional spices in a saucepan. Bring to a very hot temp but do not boil, reduce heat, and simmer (with lid on and tilted to vent) on low for 40 minutes. Mash the berries to release remaining juice.
- Let sit a few more minutes and then strain the liquid off from the berries using cheesecloth, a coffee filter, or a thin old towel. Be sure to squeeze all of the liquid out of the berries.
- Allow liquid to cool completely. The raw honey will lose the powerful healing antimicrobial enzymes and natural antibiotic components if heated at all!
- Add raw honey to the totally cooled liquid the berries were heated in only after straining off berries.
- Bottle syrup and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 months. Shake before using.
You can also make the vodka-based elderberry tincture that keeps beautifully for 7 or more years!
Very Important WHEN To Treat Flu:
The very best time to start treating a cold or flu virus with elderberry 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.
[Need it faster? Ultra-Strength Elderberry Liquid (10x stronger) and Pure Synergy Rapid Rescue (with amazing ingredients and no added sugar). I consider both emergency-level products!]
Dosages For All Ages:
Adults and Elderly:
If exposed to cold or flu OR at the first sign of cold or flu, we adults take 1-2 TBSP of elderberry syrup (or a dropperful of the vodka-based tincture) every four to six waking hours for up to a week. Stop and start as needed. It is not meant to be taken long term (for weeks on end) as a preventative***.
Children:
For children under 12 years old, if exposed to cold or flu, administer 1 tsp. of elderberry syrup 2-3 times/day for 3-4 days OR at the onset of cold/flu-like symptoms, 1 teaspoon per waking hour for 3-4 days. Stop and start as needed. It is not meant to be taken long term (for weeks on end) as a preventative***.
Toddlers
(2-3 years old) get half of that.
Babies:
Do not give to babies under 1 year-old unless you make a seperate bottle without honey (because honey carries a risk of allergic reaction under 1 year). Instead, bottle a small portion of the recipe before the honey is added. Mark that bottle well “For baby: NO honey”. Consider adding 1/8-1/4 tsp. to applesauce, etc. at first sign of illness or when exposed.
Update: When Not to Use Elderberry: Pregnancy during an Epidemic
Read my post: Can Elderberry Trigger a Cytokine Storm When You Have Influenza?
For those who are immunocompromised:
*** Quick side note — elderberry, like anything that initiates an immune response, is promoting inflammation in the body. This inflammation is nature’s process for bringing the heat on pathogens and clearing them.
Two things to note — 1. For some, it should not be used daily, indefinitely, or through an entire season. Healthy Inflammation should be an acute (sudden) response. Take elderberry at the very first sign of illness or exposure, otherwise, feel free to take a tsp. here and there several times a week during high flu season.
***Cytokine Storms and those with autoimmune diseases, such as hashi’s (low thyroid), RA, Celiac etc. should use all immune stimulants carefully, if at all, depending on YOUR individual response. This does NOT happen to everyone. When the immune system is initiated, it can also trigger symptoms and change in your autoimmune condition (cytokine storm) — so, yes, small short dosing duration, and just watch your body and symptoms and use a sensible approach. No one size fits all.
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.”
If you don’t have a source of fresh elderberries where you live, it’s easiest to buy bulk dried organic elderberries.
Best Herbal Recipe Book I Know
For one of the oldest and finest resources on all-things-herbal there is Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health: 175 Teas, Tonics, Oils, Salves, Tinctures, and Other Natural Remedies for the Entire Family.
Both Pliny the Elder and Hippocrates mentioned and recommended elderberry as a medicinal herb in their writings.
Pliny the ‘Elder’(berry)
“All that man needs for health and healing has been provided by God in nature, the challenge of science is to find it.” ~Paracelsus (1493-1541)
Shirley Hicks
I have been making elderberry tincture for the past few years, and have always used the and vodka. I have processed my berries and have frozen the juice to make jelly. I wondered if the processed juice can be used for tincture also? I have not seen a recipe for using only the processed juice. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Jacqueline
Shirley, I’m not sure I understand your question. Sounds like you are doing 2 things: making a tincture and also processing berries. How do you process the berries to get juice? Explain more and I may be able to help 🙂
Shirley Hicks
Hello Jacqueline, I processed the berries by crushing them, then cooking on medium heat until the juice started flowing. I reduced the heat and simmered for 15 minutes then strained the juice. Because I did not want to make jelly right away I froze the juice until a later date. Wondering if the juice could be used for tincture? I have always used the fresh berries and vodka, following the 6 week recipe.
Jacqueline
Awww… so glad you got back with me to clarify. I would say that if it is for medicinal purposes, I would stay with the tried and true way steeping over time and NO heat. My hunch (and only a hunch) is that it is great juice, but not as medicinal as you might want in time of need! I hope that helps 🙂 Many blessings, friend!
Shirley Hicks
Thanks so much, I was wondering about the heat on it. I will stick to the tried and true.
Shirley
Debbie Long
Hello Jacqueline,
My question is can frozen elderberries be used the same as fresh or dried in tinctures and syrups?
Thank you for any help on this matter,
Debbie Long
Jacqueline
Yes! I actually freeze much of my annual harvest so I can share it with others locally. I let them thaw completely then drain off any moisture first before I add vodka and proceed as usual. I hope that helps!
Doris Davies
The herbal book you recommend at the end of the elderberry tincture, does it cover natural help for severe arthritis?
Jacqueline
Hi, Doris!
Here are two recipes from Rosemary Gladstar, but I am not sure they are in that particular book. I found the following here:
http://www.anniesplacetolearn.com/arthritis.html
Aloe Comfrey Arthritis Gel: 1/4 cup strong comfrey infusion, 1/4 cup aloe vera gel, 5-10 drops essential oil from the list below (Paine is a good one). mix together and keep refrigerated. Apply topically to joints of concern, massaging it in gently. This will last for up to a week. (Recipe from Medicinal Herbs by Rosemary Gladstar)
Herbal Paste – Make a paste with turmeric (feel free to add additional herbs listed below) by using 1 part turmeric or herbs and 2 parts water, simmer over low heat until a paste is formed. Keep in the fridge until ready to use. You can add this to any meal or take a teaspoon a day or make some Golden Milk (also from Medicinal Herbs by Rosemary Gladstar) Combine 1/2 – 1 teaspoon of herbal paste, 1 teaspoon of almond oil and 1 cup almond or coconut milk in a blender. Add honey to taste, maybe a teaspoon or two.
Here is another place to look:
https://www.life-saving-naturalcures-and-naturalremedies.com/arthritis-treatments-pain-relieving-herbs.html
I hope that helps some 🙂
Doris Davies
Thank you Jacqueline for going to all this trouble…..will check it all out. So appreciate your postings. :0)
Jacqueline
It’s my pleasure, Doris!
Shari
Do you know how long the dried elderberries last if unused?
His
Shari
Jacqueline
Hi, there, Shari!
Dried elderberries at least 2 years stored in their container in a cool, dark place. They are dried down very well (way dried than raisins, etc. and should not go bad in the least so you can make another big batch in 2-3 years! 😀
Margaret
I made the syrup and could not resist the temptation to eat a teaspoon of the mashed berries after straining. It was delicious but then started reading about cyanide in uncooked berries seeds and stems. Yet reading about jams and jellies and pies that are made and enjoyed. Are there cautions?
Jacqueline
Hi, Margaret!
I have eaten some elderberries uncooked straight from the bushes, but not many. It seems that jams and jellies and pies would mostly be cooked or baked, so no worries there. I don’t advise to eat many stem, though as from my reading, it is the stems that contain the most. I do pretty much get all the stems out when I make tincture and syrup! glad you are enjoying the experience! You certainly will stay well if you take it!! Blessings! J
Linda Santorsola
What month do you start making the elderberry syrup?
Jacqueline
Linda, great question! You can make it even now and freeze some of it in glass canning jars with headspace for expansion. Use as needed Blessings, J
Sheryl Collins
Thank you so much for your info! I made a large batch of the tincture a couple of years ago and it’s possible I may wear an out this winter. Glad I was able to find your site again! Today I made gummy bears from the tincture… Something different! 🙂
Jacqueline
Sheryl, that is neat! Love it 😀
SOFIA
Hello. Thank you for a wonderful article. Is there any addition links you can provide me with about why elderberry “should not be used daily, indefinitely, or even through an entire season”? This is the first article on elderberry syrup that has NOT suggested taking it as a preventive measure.
Thanks ☺
Jacqueline
Sophia, I only have 1 post that really goes into it: https://deeprootsathome.com/does-elderberry-hold-hope-for-pandemic-or-immunocompromised/ but I don’t have another link… it is just my experience and what I think is best.. let the Lord lead you as you seek Him! ~J
Vicki
I made a batch of elderberry syrup last fall and stored it in the refrigerator. In the spring I realized we had not used any of it. Nobody in my house had been sick all winter! I was not comfortable keeping it any longer, so, sadly, I disposed of it.
This year, I am making another batch and I am wondering if it could be kept in the freezer. Would it damage the quality? How long would it keep if frozen?
Jacqueline
Hi, Vicki!
My guess it that it would be just fine, bc many of us freeze the berries before we remove them from the stems (it makes it much easier). We have always had powerful results, so I would say it is safe and still quite effective when you do need to ue it!
One thought is to take it several times a week, but not daily. It will build the immune system if it is not overused. That is what we do.
I hope that helps! ~J
Rebekah Bain
I don’t have a ton of time to read blogs but yours is by far my favorite. Do you find fire cider to be equally effective?. I’ve recently learned of both fire cider and elderberry syrup and my whole family uses it.
Jacqueline
Aw, Rebekah, that is so encouraging to me! I LOVE fire cider, but it is not nearly as antiviral as elderberry syrup or tincture. But, unlike elderberry that should not be taken every day and saved for when you have an exposure to the flu or feel like you are getting a bug, fire cider can be used every day! it is wonderfully warming to the body and the heat does have a nice way of killing off germs! I love that you are a mom that researches and cares to use natural means to health! Merry Christmas to you all 😀
In Christ, ~J
Betsy
This is so yummy! I made the stove top version and the instant pot style. While I prefer the ‘old school method’ of simmering on the stove, I have to admit the large batch I made in the instant pot was a great hands OFF way to go. I brought both styles to work and my co-workers (teachers) were extremely appreciative! We noticed the subtle differences of the ground cinnamon and ground cloves (instant pot recipe) versus the sticks of cinnamon and whole cloves (stove top recipe). Both got thumbs up, but the spices were notably different in each batch.
Next up, Elderberry tincture; but it will take a few months for my review of that!
Thank you for sharing a natural method for aiding in the winter season of SICK.
Jacqueline
I am thrilled that these recipes have been helpful for you and others, Betsy! I love sharing these things and knowing that they are beneficial is just icing on the cake!
Blessings to your home and have fun making the tincture, too! The tincture is my favorite. bc I can just carry a dropper bottle with me in my bag! ~J
Aislynn U
This is such a wonderful recipe, thank you so much for sharing all of this information and especially about Tamiflu! One question, for pulling a small amount aside for babies under one before adding honey, how long will that last refrigerated? Thank you again for this amazing recipe!
Jacqueline
That is a great question, Aislynn! I would consider freezing small portions, say 2-3 half pints, that you can thaw one at a time. They should last in the fridge for 4-5 weeks.
It will still have preserving spices in it, but without the raw honey it won’t keep as long as the 4 months it usually keeps. I hope that makes sense! ~J
Jenny
I am surprised you would have a link to Sambucus Standardized Elderberry drops. The ingredients in this has Natural Flavors. I just got done reading your article about additives and how it effects kids and how they add many harmful ingredients to many things by Natural Flavors.
Is this still something you recommend knowing that there may be potential harmful ingredients while trying to get our children healthy?
Please let me know your thoughts.
Thank you
Jenny G
Jacqueline
Actually, Jenny, that product has not always had natural flavors in the ingredient list. Brands sometimes change their ingredients! Thank you for calling that to my attention! I changed the product out for a “clean” product!
I dislike “natural flavors” very much! Thanks for being eyes for me as I could never police all the changes taking place in this world of dangerous additives!
Blessings, ~J