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: Ultra-Strength Elderberry Liquid (10x stronger) 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.
Get the free printable Elderberry Recipes PDF!
Get my free printable vaccine e-book here!
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.
Get the free printable Elderberry Recipes PDF!
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:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Allow liquid to cool completely. The raw honey will lose the powerful healing antimicrobial enzymes and natural antibiotic components if heated at all!
4. Add raw honey to the totally cooled liquid the berries were heated in only after straining off berries.
5. 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!
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.
Very Important 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!]
Get the free printable Elderberry Recipes PDF!
Get my free printable vaccine e-book here!
Dosages For All Ages:
Adults:
If the risk of exposure to ordinary flu is very high, we adults take 1-2 tablespoons of elderberry syrup (or a dropperful of the vodka-based tincture) every four to six hours or at the first sign of cold or flu. It is not meant to be taken long term as a preventative***.
Children:
For children under 12 years old, if possibly exposed, administer 1 teaspoon elderberry syrup per day for prevention*** or 1 teaspoon per waking hour at the onset of cold/flu-like symptoms.
Toddlers
(2-3 years old) get half of that.
Babies:
Do not give to babies under 1 year-old because of the honey and a risk of allergic reaction. 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.
*** Quick side note on dosing— elderberry, like anything that initiates an immune response, is promoting inflammation in the body. Usually this inflammation is nature’s process for bringing the heat on pathogens and clearing them.
Two things to note on this— 1. It should not be used daily, indefinitely, or even through an entire season. Healthy Inflammation should be an acute response. Only take elderberry at very first sign of illness or exposure thru illness duration.
***Those with autoimmune diseases, such as hashi’s ( low thyroid), RA, Celiac’s etc should use all immune stimulants carefully, if at all depending on your individual response. When the immune system is initiated, it can also trigger symptoms and change in your autoimmune condition— 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.
Pliny the ‘Elder’(berry)
Both Pliny the Elder and Hippocrates mentioned and recommended elderberry as a medicinal herb in their writings.
“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)
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Thanks for reading!
Shirley Hicks says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
Thanks so much, I was wondering about the heat on it. I will stick to the tried and true.
Shirley
Debbie Long says
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 says
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 says
The herbal book you recommend at the end of the elderberry tincture, does it cover natural help for severe arthritis?
Jacqueline says
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 says
Thank you Jacqueline for going to all this trouble…..will check it all out. So appreciate your postings. :0)
Jacqueline says
It’s my pleasure, Doris!
Shari says
Do you know how long the dried elderberries last if unused?
His
Shari
Jacqueline says
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 says
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 says
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 says
What month do you start making the elderberry syrup?
Jacqueline says
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 says
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 says
Sheryl, that is neat! Love it 😀
SOFIA says
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 says
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