Elderberry Honey Syrup

Offering a ton of health benefits in a small package, elderberries are one of the healthiest foods on the planet. It’s no surprise that you’ll find its syrup hitting the headlines of popular health magazines and websites, especially when the flu bug is going around. 

So here’s helping you find your way around just that. Read on to discover why and how you can make elderberry honey syrup yourself, right in your own kitchen. 

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Why Elderberries??

So you may be wondering- what is the big deal about elderberries anyway? Well, it turns out, they are a SUPERFOOD!

They are super-rich in anthocyanins (antioxidants) and pack in different compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antiviral actions. This makes them perfect to be taken during the winter months, especially with the seasonal flu making the rounds.

This recipe pairs it with raw, unpasteurized honey, and together they make a killer combination, helping you fight against a range of different infectious agents and strengthening the body’s immune system too.

Did you know that pure raw honey NEVER goes bad?

It’s true! According to National Geographic, raw, unpasteurized honey has been found in the pyramids, over 3000 years old, and is STILL edible!

Real honey (not the stuff mixed with high fructose corn syrup in the stores!) is antibacterial, antifungal, heals wounds, and is a very strong antioxidant. (disclaimer: do not give honey to children a year old or younger.)

Some experts also swear by the ability of this syrup to reduce blood cholesterol levels, improve respiratory health and digestive health, and even help in maintaining bone health. 

Making Your Elderberry Syrup Right

When it comes to making herbal or natural concoctions, I always like to stick to trusted sources, and that’s exactly why I rely on the recipe by Lauren Mary over at Wild Roses Apothecary for this one. Lauren is a clinical herbalist who has a line of organic herbal teas formulated for the whole family, botanical-based skincare, fertility products, and momma & baby remedies. Her recipe and website are linked below, just above the recipe card. 

Check out her “Don’t Go Bananas” Tea for kids. I have to say, I’ve tried it myself and it’s AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS!!

Her elderberry syrup recipe is simple and easy to follow. What’s best is the fact that the recipe calls for raw honey as an ingredient too, which is again, packed with tons of health benefits and medicinal uses from boosting digestion and immunity to giving the body a good dose of nutrients and antioxidants. 

So you’re getting a nutritional powerhouse in each tablespoon!

Her recipe also calls for cinnamon sticks which I meant to add but didn’t have any on hand when I made this elderberry syrup. I would recommend adding the cinnamon because it would also add some warm yummy flavors as well as some health benefits too!

Can I Make This Elderberry Honey Syrup in My Instant Pot?

For sure you can! So simply add all the ingredients to the metal insert bowl in the Instant Pot, (except for the honey), seal, and press ‘manual’ (high pressure) for 6 minutes with a natural release of 4-5 minutes.
Vent any remaining steam, strain, and let the mixture cool down to room temperature before adding the honey.

How Would I Make Slow Cooker Elderberry Honey Syrup?

Add all the ingredients to your slow cooker bowl (except the honey). Cook the mixture on high for 4 – 5 hours, or low for 7-8 hours. Strain the solids and let the liquid cool to room temperature before adding the honey.

 Freezing Elderberry Honey Syrup

I haven’t tried it, but I wouldn’t have a problem doing it at all (if it lasted that long in this house). I would freeze it in smaller amounts though so you’re not thawing large amounts at once.

It should stay great for up to 8 months in the freezer if frozen in a thick, freezer-safe container with minimum oxygen left in the container (or freezer bag).

Tips & Tricks

Before you actually get started on making this powerful herbal tonic yourself, here are a few additional tips and tricks to get you to do it the right way. Follow these and you’ll be pretty much sorted. 

• When choosing honey for this recipe, make sure you stick to raw (non-pasteurized) honey as opposed to honey that you regularly use. More often than not, the honey that we use is actually high fructose corn syrup, which has been linked to serious health issues, including the obesity epidemic prevalent today. 
• When buying raw honey, it is always a good idea to buy from local farmers if you can. That way, you’re not just getting the best produce, but you’ll also be supporting local farmers and businesses. 
• Make sure you store the elderberry syrup in sterilized glass containers if you’re making it in batches for future use. Sterilizing the bottles can help prevent bacterial growth, and can increase the syrups’ shelf life.
  When sterilizing the jar, immerse the jar and lid in boiling water for at least ten minutes.  Be careful when you remove them as they will, of course, be extremely hot. Pour the elderberry syrup into the jars and then seal. Also, make sure you leave a little headspace in the bottle or jar that you’re storing it, and never fill it up to the brim. 
• For extra canning tips and tricks for your syrup, check out Water Bath Canning 101
• While this syrup is incredibly powerful and potent when it comes to boosting your health, it is advisable not to be taken by children less than a year old.
  
• Be sure to check out Lauren’s website for the full recipe and dosage suggestions! (linked below)

Alternative Ways To Make The Elderberry Honey Syrup

If you really don’t care for cinnamon or ginger, please feel free to leave it out. Having said that, it would be a shame to do so because there are so many great benefits to those two ingredients.

When you’re administering the syrup in liquid form and it doesn’t go over well, try making some Elderberry Gummies for the little ones (or bigger ones!!) so the benefits are still there, they think they’re eating candy, and there’s an extra boost of health benefits from the gelatin used to make the gummies!

Usually, though, there are no issues giving the syrup because it’s sweet and berry-ish, so most times it’s well-received!

So there you have it, my fine readers. Make yourself up a batch of this beneficial Elderberry Honey Syrup and help hold off the flu and colds this season. When you try this recipe, please let me know what you thought of it. Did you add anything else to it? Change anything up? Let me know below, or shoot me an email at joanne@thesaltypot.com!

Thanks for stopping by The Salty Pot today and I hope you have a really fantastic day!

INFORMATION FOR THE RECIPE AND SOCIALS: 

For the Recipe over at the Wild Roses Apothecary website.
Find the Facebook page for Wild Roses Apothecary
Follow Lauren Mary on Instagram 

***** DON’T FORGET TO PIN THIS ELDERBERRY HONEY SYRUP PIN TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD TO USE FOR LATER!*****