Uses and Benefits of Elderberry Syrup for Large Family Living

Elderberry syrup has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for colds and flu. Elderberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, which makes them a powerful tool in boosting immunity. In our family, we take elderberry syrup at the first sign of illness. But many people use it every day as a preventative measure. And, of course, there are culinary uses for it as well. Keep reading to learn more about the uses and benefits of elderberry syrup!

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What is Elderberry Syrup and What Are Its Benefits?

I’m no doctor — just a mom who is sharing what I have learned about this home remedy and how I use it with my family. BUT the more I read up on it, the more I find that the science backs up what people have been saying all along from experience: Elderberry syrup does help boost the immune system, reduce frequency and severity of cold and flu, and more! (You can do your research to find out more! You’ll find info in several places, from WebMD to scholarly articles and studies.)

Elderberry syrup is said to be an amazing natural remedy loaded with antioxidants and vitamins that can boost your immune system. It is made out of elderberry concentrate and is known to boost the immune system and have anti-inflammatory properties. We have used elderberry syrup for years and find that it really helps knock down the cold and flu if we can catch it early enough. If not, it helps shorten the duration of illness as well. The honey in the recipe we use can sooth a sore throat, and my kids have said it helps calm their upset tummies, too.

Some research suggests elderberry syrup benefits include stimulating the immune system, reducing inflammation, and even blocking viral entry into cells. While more studies are needed on its efficacy, elderberry syrup has been a proven home remedy for various ailments such as the common cold or flu, fever, bronchitis, sinus infections and much more.

How Can You Use Elderberry Syrup to Fight Colds and Flu Symptoms Naturally?

Usually elderberry syrup is taken orally. (I’ve heard of it being used as a steam inhalation or even topically for body aches, but we’ve never looked into that or tried it.) I know some families that take elderberry syrup all year round. We choose to take it at the first sign of cold and flu symptoms every 3-4 hours or so until the symptoms are gone. Catching symptoms RIGHT AWAY is a big help and can really shorten duration of sickness. That is probably the most notable difference I have seen since we started using it.

As far as how much to take, we usually take one dose (a tablespoon for adults and a teaspoon for children) each day when someone in the house is sick or when we’ve been in a situation (church, a friend’s house, etc.) where cold and flu are running rampant. For someone in our family who actually IS sick, it’s a dose every 3-4 hours until the symptoms are gone.

Other Uses for Elderberry Syrup

It turns out, elderberry syrup has several remarkable uses beyond its traditional medicinal purpose. You can use it as a tasty topping for ice cream, cupcakes, and other desserts that require something sweet. It’s also great in smoothies to liven them up a bit with a dash of nutritious elderberry syrup.

Additionally, elderberry syrup can make for a great glaze for salmon and poultry dishes; not only does it add flavor, but it also helps keep the skin of the meat tender during baking. It’s a useful item to keep in your medicine cabinet AND your pantry.

How Do You Make Your Own Elderberry Syrup at Home?

If you want to get your hands on some elderberry syrup, DIYing it is a great option. Making your own elderberry syrup at home only requires elderberries and a few other simple ingredients. You can find my favorite kid-friendly recipe here. (Add ginger to it if your kids can tolerate it… it adds more great health properties!)

Wondering where to get elderberries? These are the ones I buy in bulk. You can also harvest your own elderberries, but be sure you’re harvesting the right variety and prepare them properly. If you want to purchase some elderberry syrup instead, you can get them online here and here. If you know someone local who prepares and sells elderberry syrup, even better!

Are There Side eEffects of Taking Elderberry Syrup Regularly?

While elderberry syrup is generally well tolerated and safe for daily use, there are some potential side effects and risks individuals should be aware of. According to the Natural Medicines Database, elderberry syrup may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Since elderberry could potentially interact with certain medications, it is important to consult a doctor before taking the syrup if you are on any type of prescription drugs. People who have allergic reactions to pollution in areas where elderberry is common should speak to their healthcare provider before consuming the syrup because it may cause an allergic reaction due to compounding factors. Lastly, individuals with suppressed immune systems should only take elderberry products at their doctor’s discretion since it can activate the body’s immune system response.

Can You Have Too Much Elderberry Syrup?

Generally, you won’t run into any issues with elderberry syrup. Elderberries should always be harvested, prepared, and cooked properly for safe use. Raw elderberries are quite toxic. As long as they are cooked well, they should be safe. I have heard that taking more than a teaspoon every couple of hours can lead to stomach upset, but we haven’t run into that. Stop taking it if you have significant tummy upset.

You may want to look into some of the cautions out there in terms of using it when you have other medical conditions or what signs of allergy to look for. Make sure not to exceed recommended dosages and drink plenty of water while consuming elderberry syrup. Used properly, elderberry syrup is packed with antioxidants that can help support your immune system.

Elderberry Syrup For Children and Pregnant or Nursing Women

Generally speaking, experts believe that elderberry syrup is safe for these groups when taken in limited doses over a two-week period or less. It’s important to note, however, that not much (if any) research has been done on elderberry syrup use in children or pregnant or nursing women. So it’s hard to say whether there are actually any negative effects on those groups. While I use homemade elderberry syrup with my children, you will want to do your own research and/or discuss it with a doctor or herbalist to come to a decision on that, especially if you use medications or have other medical issues.

What Does Elderberry Syrup Taste Like?

Elderberry syrup has a wonderful mix of sweet and tart flavors. The primary ingredient is elderberries, giving it its tartness; however, this is often balanced out with the addition of honey and cinnamon, which results in a pleasant sweetness. You can take it directly, mix it in yogurt, drizzle it on pancakes, or whatever works for you! As I’ve said, my kids prefer the version without ginger, but I like the extra kick (and health benefits)!

How Do You Store Elderberry Syrup?

Elderberry syrup can be stored in glass jars in the fridge for a few months. If you make big batches, like I do, you can freeze some for later use, for up to a year.

Give Elderberry Syrup a Try!

Making elderberry syrup is so easy to do and it has fantastic health benefits for my family. I’m glad we have it available to us! If you’re ready to try out this delicious natural remedy, try a DIY recipe or buy some to get started. It can be a wonderful addition to your family’s stay-healthy kit!