We made our first batch of elderberry syrup for the season, and I wanted to share how easy it is to make your own! And since everything is better with friends, we made some to share. The homemade recipe is much for affordable than the store-bought ones, and you can control exactly what is in it!

Why elderberry syrup? Elderberries are rich in vitamins A, B and C and have been used as a homeopathic remedy for cold and flu for hundred of years! They are packed with antioxidants and biofalvonoids, which along with other components of the berry, help destroy the ability of viruses to invade a cell. Cool right?!

We add essential oils to our to further boost the immune supporting potential (and flavor)!

Thieves essential oil: an immune-supporting powerhouse blend of cinnamon bark, clove, rosemary, eucalyptus and lemon that tastes like chai! It’s great for overall healthy + wellness and one of our most used essential oils! You can read about some of the immune supporting benefits of these oils here.

Frankincense essential oil: another great oil for overall well-being and a healthy immune system! Check out more about frankincense (Boswellia carterii) here.

Orange essential oil: this oil adds more immune support, a great taste, and it contains the naturally occurring constituent limonene (google it!). Orange peel oil is cold pressed from the rind of the fruit, making it alkaline, not acidic! So good for you!

Homemade Elderberry Syrup

2/3 cup dried organic black elderberries
3 cups of water
1 cup local raw honey
Young Living Thieves Vitality Essential Oil – 1 drop
Young Living Orange Vitality Essential Oil – 3 drops
Young Living Frankincense Vitality Essential Oil – 1 drop
Glass mason jars or juice jars for storing

Pour water into medium saucepan and add the dried elderberries. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a simmer for about 45-60 minutes until the liquid has reduced by about half. Remove from heat and sit on the counter until it has cooled a bit. Use a wooden spoon to smash the berries to release more of the goodness, then use a strainer or cheesecloth to strain into a non-plastic bowl.

Discard the elderberries (compost them or feed some to your chickens!) and let the liquid cool to lukewarm, then add 1 cup of honey, essential oils and stir well. Pour the syrup into a quart sized mason jar or other 16 ounce glass bottle (I like to re-use our Healthade Kombucha bottles!).

You can store it at room temperature for a week or so, but it’s best to keep in the refrigerator. Add it to hot tea, yogurt, smoothies or just take it on it’s own! For adults we do 1Tbl and kids 1tsp once or twice a day to support, then if we need acute support we use our elderberry (and oils!) every couple hours.

When you make a batch, share on Instagram and make sure to tag me so I can see it!! Happy syrup making friends!