Elderberry syrup to help you kick a cold or flu FAST!

This simple, affordable elderberry syrup made with dried elderberries offers powerful immune support. It’s a home remedy many people use to shorten colds and flu — and it’s commonly considered safe for children and pregnant women.

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During my first pregnancy I caught a stubborn cold and avoided most over-the-counter medications. Without active care colds often progress into sinus infections for me, so I needed a safe, effective option. At six months pregnant, a sinus infection was the last thing I wanted.

Enter elderberry syrup.

I read about elderberry’s antiviral and immune-supporting properties and learned it is widely used by pregnant women as a natural option. I went straight to my local health store and bought a bottle of elderberry syrup.

It worked quickly — the next day I felt dramatically better. After more research I discovered elderberries are both useful for fighting active infections and for preventing colds and flu when taken regularly.

Now during cold and flu season we take elderberry syrup at least weekly for maintenance, and every day if we suspect exposure. Over time I switched to making my own to save money and control ingredients.

Homemade elderberry syrup tips

I adapted a recipe I found and now make elderberry syrup at home. Instead of sweetening the whole batch with honey, I often use 100% fruit juice (apple, grape, or a mix) as the liquid base and add raw honey by the teaspoon to individual servings when desired. Store-bought syrups often include apple or grape concentrate, so this keeps the flavor familiar and kid-friendly.

Tip: Purple grape juice can be a nice choice — some people find grape helps with gut protection during stomach bugs, which is an added benefit.

If you want to shorten a cold, many users report elderberry can reduce symptom duration. I have found it especially effective when started at the first sign of illness.

How much elderberry syrup should you take?

When using it to fight a bug you already feel

Adults: 1 tablespoon every 3–4 hours

Kids: 1 teaspoon every 3–4 hours

My kids enjoy the taste, so dosing is usually straightforward at our house.

If you are using it as an immune booster

Adults: 1 tablespoon once a day

Kids: 2 teaspoons once a day

We use these maintenance doses after known exposure or when weather or schedules increase our risk. I sometimes mix a dose into a small glass of orange juice for extra vitamin C.

Note: These are our family’s typical doses. Do your own research and consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns. This information is not medical advice.

What kind of dried elderberries to use & where to get them

I prefer organic dried elderberries when possible. A one-pound bag of quality organic elderberries will make several batches of syrup and is more economical than ready-made bottles. If you can locate local elderberries, that’s great; otherwise, reputable dried elderberries from trusted suppliers work well. Homemade syrup stretches a small amount of berries into many servings, making it cost-effective for families.

The dried berries can also be reused once to make an extra round of tea for additional immune support. After straining the syrup, return the berries and spices to the saucepan, cover with water, simmer, and strain to make a mild tea.

Elderberry Syrup Recipe

Yield:
2 cups

Cook Time:
1 hour 30 minutes 30 seconds

Total Time:
1 hour 30 minutes 30 seconds

Get relief from colds and flu with this simple, budget-friendly elderberry syrup. It’s an all-ages remedy many families use for prevention and to shorten the length of illness.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup–2/3 cup dried organic elderberries
• 4 cups apple or grape juice, 100% no sugar added
• 1 tsp ginger
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp cloves

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
2. Allow to simmer gently for 30–90 minutes, reducing the liquid until it’s about half.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, pressing the berries to extract liquid. Reserve the strained berries for a second round of tea if desired.
5. Store the syrup in a 16 oz glass container in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.

Notes

Used berries can be reused for another mild tea: place the strained berries and spices back in a saucepan, cover with water, simmer, and strain again.

Did you make this recipe?

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