Homemade Elderberry “Syrup” Cordial

It’s simple to make and much more budget-friendly than purchasing it at the store.

About the elderberry

The elderberry shrub can be found in many parts of the world. The entire plant has been used for centuries, from medicine making to weapon creation. The purple-black berries grow in tiny clusters at the end of the branches. They are approximately .25 inch in diameter. The dark color of these berries comes from their rich flavonoids called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants. 

The shrub provides housing, protection, and food for a variety of birds and animals. It also provides a beautiful addition to yards and gardens. The beautiful white flowers attract honeybees, which is good for the environment.

The berries have been made into pies, jams, jellies, and syrups. They have a blackberry/ current berry taste. The flowers can be used to make wine. Native Americans used parts of the shrub to make baskets and arrows.

Hippocrates said this plant was his “entire medicine cabinet.”

How it works

Elderberries have the ability to protect the cell from the attacking virus. It blocks the virus’s ability to enter the cell and multiply. Basically, the elderberries prevent the virus from reproducing, giving the immune system a better chance at eliminating it. It also has immune-boosting vitamins that can give your immune system the extra punch it needs to remove the virus.

Elderberry reduces the length of a cold or flu virus by about half its normal duration when taken early on. Studies at the National Institute of Health have proven elderberry to be just as effective as Tamiflu.

It may prevent others in the household from getting the virus when taken preventively.

How to make elderberry “syrup” cordial

You will need dried elderberries, filtered water, grated ginger, cinnamon, honey and vodka. It takes about 2 hours to make.

Start with 1 cup dried elderberries, 4 cups filtered water, 1-2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Gently simmer – Do Not Boil! – for 45 minutes to an hour. Until it has reduced by about half. Boiling destroys many of the healing benefits and nutrients. 

• Ginger is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral root vegetable. It has been used for centuries as a healing agent. Typical used for issues with digestion like nausea, bloating, and constipation. It has also been effective in reducing inflammation in the respiratory system. The antioxidants protect against damaging free radicals caused by stress. Adding this powerful spice to the elderberry syrup gives this cordial, more immune-boosting power.

• Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants and is an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral spice. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce headaches. Studies have shown that it may improve blood flow and circulation. It is also a natural sweetener. 

Once it has reduced to about half, remove from heat and let steep another 30 minutes. Strain the cordial through a fine mesh sieve into a 1-quart jar, removing the spent elderberries. Save them so we can use them later. You should have about 2 cups of liquid. 

Stir in the honey and vodka if using. The honey should be equal to approximately half the elderberry liquid, about 1 cup. The vodka should be about one-fifth the elderberry liquid, about 1/3 cup. 

• Raw unfiltered honey is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal. It has been used for centuries, providing health benefits and medical uses. It’s excellent at soothing sore throats, coughs, and upper respiratory infections. It helps with allergies, digestive discomfort, and inflammation in the body. It has magnesium, potassium, zinc, amino acids, and B vitamins. However, it is not recommended for children under a year old due to the bacteria clostridium that can be found in all honey filtered and raw. 
• Vodka is optional and is used to preserve the cordial. It can help increase blood flow and circulation. 

This cordial will be runny. It’s not really a true syrup. It should be kept in the refrigerator for 6 months. Gently shake it between uses.

Take 1 tablespoon every 4-6 hours, about 4 times a day, at the onset of the first symptoms.

The spent elderberries can be added to muffins, given to chickens as an immune booster, or made into a flavored vodka or extract.

Flavored vodka or extract

Place the elderberries in a clean 1-pint glass jar and fill with vodka. Store in a dark place, shaking daily for a week. Let soak for 3 months, allowing the berries to flavor the vodka. Use as a tincture, to flavor baked goods, or mix into martini recipes using raspberry or other flavored vodkas.

“The plant of God heals anything it touches!” -Hippocrates

As always, Thanks for stopping by for some Salty Inspirations!