This is a great cold and flu remedy, helping with expectoration, coughs, fevers and the general process of getting well. And kids like the taste!
Elderberry Syrup
(adapted from a recipe by Herbalist Angela Kann)Ingredients:
- Sambucus nigra berries (dried) - 8 oz
- Zingiber officinalis root (dried) - 2 oz.
- Ligusticum porteri root (dried)1.5 oz
- Mahonia repens root (dried) 2 oz
- Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark (dried) 3 tsp
- Honey (unpasturized) 2 cups
- Distilled water 8 cups
- Brandy 1/4 cup
Weigh the proper quantity of each herb and combine with the water in a stainless steel pan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 - 40 minutes.
Strain the mixture into another pan using a cheese cloth and strainer (a press if you have one.) Once the liquid is separated, add the honey and brandy at a low heat setting, stirring with a wooden spoon.
Pour the syrup into dark glass bottles. Green wine bottles work nicely and can be stored in the refrigerator. I keep a 2 oz brown, blue or green bottle out and handy during the winter months.
Posted by Evo Terra at August 17, 2002 01:06 PMRicola uses elderberry flowers. Why do you use the berries?
Posted by: pef on February 9, 2003 08:18 AMLike many medicinal plants, the different parts each have different properties. In the case of Elder, the berries have been shown (both traditionally and with modern research) to be quite effective as an anti-viral agent, especially against influenza. Flowers, on the other hand, act as an anti-inflammatory agent and are somewhat diuretic.
I can only assume Ricola uses elder more for the soothing anti-inflammatory aspects and have made a good choice in the flower. Had they been going for a flu-fighting drop, they might have selected the berries as I did.
And let's not forget one other thought about the berries... they taste GREAT! Very handy when considering how kids will react to the syrup.
Posted by: Evo on February 13, 2003 08:50 PMHi. I'm thoroughly enjoying your site. I made a large batch of Syrup this year. I didn't use the brandy... unfortunately. I've discovered the white mold beginning to form on the surface of the syrup in the jars, which have been refridgerated. Is there any way to salvage the syrup? Is there a certain temp. I can bring it to to irradicate the mold, add the brandy, re-sterilize the jars, etc.
Thank-you for sharing such wonderful info & offering any help you can. Joy & comfort to you...
Sorry to say it, but that big batch is headed for the compost heap. If it's already growing mold, it's toast. The properties have likely already changed. Toss it and don't forget the booze to preserve it. In addition, I keep mine in the 'fridge, but as your wilted greens will tell you, that's no substitue for some good ol' ETOH!
Glad you are enjoying the site!
Posted by: Evo on December 5, 2003 11:09 PMThis is my first visit to your site and I am finding so much valuable information. Thanks! My question is: What is the recommended dosage for this elderberry syrup? I am inquiring both for myself and my two children - ages 7 and 5. With the flu outbreak going strong in our area I am very interested in any sort of preventative help.
Posted by: Susan on December 15, 2003 01:13 PMSusan,
I'm glad you are enjoying the site. Elderberry syrup is best used at the first signs of flu. 1 tsp for the wee ones three to four times a day is usually enough to kick out the virus in a day or two. If the flu is well underway when you start the dosing, go ahead and double it up and increase the dosage. For adults and bigger kids, I recommend a good healthly "slug" off the bottle every 90 minutes for the first day or two.
If you're looking for something to take which might help you from getting the flu all together, try garlic. Next year, start your kids on Astragalus for at least a couple of months before everyone else starts getting sick near you. I start my regiment in June, just to be safe.
Hope this helps!
Evo
Posted by: Evo on December 15, 2003 08:55 PM