It is elderberry season here in England and traditionally our ancient ancestors would have used them to make a delicious immune-boosting medicine made with honey and herbs, which you can also use as a topping for pancakes and waffles.

The cooked berries of the elderberry plant (Sambucus nigra) are considered beneficial for health because they are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and flavonoids.

Some of the potential benefits of elderberry syrup include:

1. Immune Support: Elderberries are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help strengthen the immune system. It’s commonly used as a remedy to help reduce the severity and duration of colds and flu.
2. Antiviral Properties: Studies suggest that elderberry extract may help block viruses from entering cells, potentially shortening the duration of cold or flu symptoms.
3. Anti-inflammatory: The antioxidants in elderberries may help reduce inflammation in the body.
4. Rich in Nutrients: Elderberries are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and phenolic acids, which can help support overall health.

You can pick them fresh from the tree and use them immediately or freeze or dry them for use later. Make sure you separate all of the berries from the stems.  Discard the stems and leaves.

Caution

Raw elderberries and other parts of the plant (like leaves and stems) are toxic and can cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea if not properly prepared.

Ingredients

What you need to make a single batch:

• 1 x large glass jar
• 4 x Tablespoons of local honey
• 400ml fresh or frozen elderberries
• 400ml filtered water
• 1 knob fresh ginger root
• 1 stick / 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1 tsp cloves or clove powder
• 339g local raw honey

Method

• Pour water into a medium saucepan and add elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
• Bring to a boil.
• Mash throughout with a potato masher.
• Cover and reduce to a simmer for about 30-45 minutes until the liquid has reduced by almost half.
• Remove from heat and let cool until it is cool enough to be handled.
• Mash the berries again.
• Pour through a muslin placed in a sieve into a bowl or a wide jug.
• Make sure you squeeze all the liquid out from the elderberries. Keep twisting the muslin to make sure it’s completely drained out.
• Discard the elderberries.
• Cover the bowl/jug with a clean muslin, and leave the liquid cool to lukewarm.
• Put the honey in the jar.
• Once cooled, pour the mixture into the jar and stir well until the honey is well mixed into the elderberry mixture.
• Store in the fridge.
• The honey acts as a natural preservative so it should last for several months in the fridge.

Usage

Take a dose daily on weekday mornings for its immune-boosting properties.
A standard dose is ½ tsp – 1 tsp for kids and ½ – 1 tablespoon for adults.
If the flu does strike, take the normal dose every 2-3 hours instead of once a day and rest until symptoms disappear.