Elderberry Syrup Recipe and Suggested Uses
The elderberry juice concentrate you have has been harvested in Eastern Washington near Cashmere. The elderberries were cleaned and boiled with cinnamon and ginger, then strained, placed in a jar and submerged in a canning bath for 10 minutes per the recipe below.
Recipe for raw elderberries:
4 cups elderberries
4 cups water
one stick cinnamon
one tablespoon dried ginger
Wash the elderberries and separate the berries from the stems. Freezing them helps this process. Next place the elderberries, water, cinnamon and ginger into a pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and allow to simmer for 45 minutes. Then allow to sit for one hour.
The juice can then be mixed with honey and/or alcohol to act as a preservative. If you use the elderberry juice concentrate without adding the honey and/or alcohol, it will perish in a week. With these, it should be ok in the refrigerator for 3 to 6 months.
TO PREPARE YOUR HOMEMADE ELDERBERRY SYRUP
Take the amount of elderberry juice concentrate and divide in half to know the amount of honey to mix in. Divide in half again to know the amount of alcohol, if you want to add.
For example: 4 cups elderberry juice concentrate would require 2 cups honey (and 1 cup alcohol if longer shelf-life desired).
Mix together in a saucepan and heat to blend. Pour into a jar and store in the fridge. You can also pour half into a jar and freeze the other half for later in the year.
USES:
You can store your homemade elderberry syrup in the refrigerator for up to three months, or freeze it for longer shelf life. You can take a spoonful of elderberry syrup daily as a preventive measure, or increase the dosage when you feel sick or have symptoms of cold or flu.
I like to add the concentrate to hot water for a wonderful tea.
The syrup can be added to tea or drinks as a tonic. Think mimosa with a twist.
Homemade elderberry syrup is a natural remedy that can help you prevent and treat colds, coughs, and flu. It is made from elderberries, which are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Here are some of the benefits of homemade elderberry syrup:
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It can shorten the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms. According to a study by Israeli virologist Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu, people who took elderberry syrup reported significant improvement in their influenza symptoms within two days, compared to six days for the placebo group1. Another study in Norway found that elderberry syrup reduced the symptoms of flu by four days on average2.
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It can boost the immune system and fight against bacterial infections. Elderberries have been shown to stimulate the production of cytokines, which are proteins that regulate the immune response2. Elderberries also have antibacterial properties and can help prevent or treat respiratory infections3.
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It can protect the cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. Elderberries are high in anthocyanins, which are pigments that give them their dark purple color. Anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants that can prevent damage to the cells caused by free radicals1. They also have anti-inflammatory effects and can reduce pain and swelling in the joints and muscles2.
Homemade elderberry syrup is easy to make and tastes delicious.