How to Make Elderberry Syrup (Natural Cold and Flu Remedy) (2024)

FAQs

Is it safe to make your own elderberry syrup? ›

While I have eaten raw elderberries in small amounts with no ill effects, some people are more sensitive, so it is safer to cook them. Cooking the berries in water for at least 30 minutes deactivates the toxins. Therefore syrups and decoctions are the best way to get the benefits safely from the berries.

Amounts and Dosage

Individual elderberry products have their own manufacturer-recommended dosages that should be adhered to. Nevertheless, research has shown that 15 milliliters of elderberry syrup, taken three to five times per day, is sufficient for resolving cold symptoms if taken early enough.

Erdos said that while results seem promising, more scientific evidence is needed before we can definitively say that elderberry makes a difference: “Elderberry cannot cure a cold or flu but may be beneficial to some people for symptom relief.”

Are There Elderberry Side Effects? There is a downside to consuming too much elderberry, and that is an upset stomach. Just like with any high fiber fruit, eating too much can cause stomach pain, upset stomach, and diarrhea.

Homemade Elderberry Syrup vs Store Bought

It's true, you can just buy similar elderberry syrups. The homemade is better for because: But it becomes very pricy when you need to take a tablespoon every two hours. By comparison, my homemade syrup is about a quarter of the price of over-the-counter options.

Elderberry appears to have few side effects when used properly for short periods of time (up to 5 days). Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take elderberry. If you have an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, ask your doctor before taking elderberry, as it may stimulate the immune system.

We get asked all the time, “Do I need to refrigerate my syrup?” And the answer is YES! Most of the store-bought elderberry syrups out there are packed with preservatives, which is why they can last in the medicine cabinet for so long. Most preservatives are sugar laden and unhealthy for our bodies.

Cardiovascular disease risk biomarkers and liver and kidney function are not altered in postmenopausal women after ingesting an elderberry extract rich in anthocyanins for 12 weeks.

Elderberry overview

When it comes to maintaining a strong immune system, black elderberries (Sambucus nigra) are the preferred choice.

The immune boosting and anti-inflammatory properties of this superfood make it a great natural remedy for allergy symptoms. The herbs known to remove excess mucus from the body called anti-catarrhals make this potent berry an effective medicine in clearing up runny noses, congestion, sneezing and itchy watery eyes.

How can I kick a cold in 24 hours? ›

How can I get rid of a cold in 24 hours? Unfortunately, there is still no known cure for the common cold. However, you can reduce the duration of your illness by taking some promising vitamins and supplements, as well as engaging in good self-care. This includes vitamin C, Zinc, echinacea, and probiotics.

Good for Respiratory and Lung Health

A study published in Biology found that elderberry may alleviate symptoms in people with COPD when combined with other compounds. 7 However, more research is needed to draw conclusive findings about how elderberry helps lung conditions.

The elderberry plant contains a chemical that produces cyanide in the leaves or other plant parts and in the unripe green fruit. This can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, or more serious side effects if consumed in large quantities.

Although there is no specific time of day to take elderberry, you'll maximize its benefits by using it consistently on a regular basis. You can choose whether to use it morning, afternoon or evening. It may be best to use elderberry for short periods of time to support healthy immune function, and then take a break.

Ladle the hot elderberry syrup into hot jars leaving a ½-inch of headspace. Wipe each jar rim with a washcloth dipped in vinegar. Place a lid and ring on each jar and hand tighten. Place jars in a water bather, submerge in water being sure each jar is covered by 2-inches of water.

To neutralize toxins, specifically cyanide-inducing glycosides, heat treatment is a must. Boiling elderberries for at least 30 minutes is the go-to method. This ensures the destruction of harmful compounds. Steaming or baking can also do the trick, as long as the berries reach a high enough temperature.

All elderberry products available in the US (most contain black elderberry) are considered herbal supplements; they are not FDA-approved for any indication. As with all herbal supplements, the potency and purity of elderberry products is unknown.

Risks. Never eat or drink any product made from raw elderberry fruit, flowers, or leaves. They contain a chemical that produces cyanide. They can cause nausea and vomiting and, at high doses, more serious effects.