How to Make Elderberry Syrup

Making this has been on the to-do list a while, but when my son came down with a sore throat, it was definitely a hurry along to finally get in the kitchen and get cooking!

This recipe makes a warming, delicious elderberry syrup to soothe those sore throats right through Autumn and Winter.

Ingredients:

4 cups of water

2/3 cup of dried organic elderberries (or 1 and 1/3 cups fresh / frozen)

2 tbsp ginger grated

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground cloves (if you do not have ground clove you can use a coffee grinder or nutribullet)

1 cup raw organic honey

Method:

1. Pour the water into a medium /large saucepan and add the elderberries, ginger, cinnamon and clove powder.
2. Bring to a boil and then cover and reduce to a simmer for 45 minutes to one hour until the liquid has reduced by almost half.
3. Remove from heat and let cool until you can safely handle it.
4. Mash the berries carefully using a spoon or flat utensil (potato masher works well.)
5. Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a clean saucepan or glass bowl.
6. Discard the elderberries (can be composted) and let the liquid cool to lukewarm.
7. When it is no longer hot, add the honey and stir well.
8. When the honey is well mixed, pour the syrup into a mason jar with a lid, or bottle and label with the date, and the contents.
9. Store in the fridge and take 1 tsp 3-4 times a week during Autumn and Winter. You can increase the dose to

Note – because it contains honey, not so great for oral health! So do make sure to brush children’s teeth or eat something healthy afterwards like an apple to reduce plaque!

Recipe adapted with thanks from wellness mama.

Elizabeth Santos is a Physiotherapist, Naturopath and Author. She lives in the Adelaide Hills with her son and husband. She is passionate about good whole foods, home remedies, gardening and more!