What you will accomplish in this lesson:

In this lesson you will make one to two cups of elderberry syrup

What you'll need:

Herbs:

• 1 - 4oz. package of dried elderberries (Sambucus nigra)
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• 5 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 Tablespoon grated ginger
  

Other ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup honey
  

Supplies:

• A small saucepan
• Fine mesh strainer

About Syrups:

A syrup is an herbal preparation made by adding honey (or other sweetener) to an herbal decoction or infusion (see previous lessons to learn more about decoctions and infusions). The plant constituents are pulled out into the water when making the infusion or decoction. The honey then adds another healing component to the preparation as well as making it delicious.

About Elderberry (and this syrup):

In this lesson we are going to make a syrup using dried elderberries (Sambucus nigra). This syrup is especially helpful for those with colds or flu. The elderberry will assist with the healing while the added cinnamon, ginger and cloves will help the syrup to be warming and the honey adds an antibiotic and quality while also making the syrup soothing for sore throats and coughs. Take 1 tablespoon per hour during illness.

Elderberry syrup is also a wonderful preventative so you can take a few tablespoons of this syrup each day during cold and flu season to help avoid getting sick. Better yet, pour it over your pancakes and benefit from it's health promoting properties while enjoying this special breakfast treat!

How to make elderberry syrup:

1. First put 1/2 cup of dried elderberries into the small saucepan. Add the 5 cloves, cinnamon stick, 1 Tablespoon grated ginger, and 2 cups of water.
2. Cover and bring the water to a boil.
3. Turn down the heat, leave covered, and simmer until the liquid is reduced by 1/2.  This usually takes 20-30 minutes.
4. Strain into a bowl and add 1 cup of honey.

How to store your syrup:

Store the syrup in a closed jar in the refrigerator. Syrups have a relatively short shelf life. We generally make these in small batches and store them in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks.

How to make this remedy with fresh herbs:

You can also make this syrup using fresh or frozen elderberries. Just use one full cup of berries instead of the 1/2 cup.

Where to learn more...

Use the Search Box on the Member Home Page to find articles and videos on elderberries and syrup making on HerbMentor.com. This will help you find more creative ways to make this remedy with fresh elderberries or other herbs.

...And don't forget to share stories, get ideas and ask questions on the Forum.