Anti – Viral Elderberry Syrup Recipe

Who says your medicine needs to taste bad? This syrup is so delicious it’s hard to believe it packs such a healthy antiviral punch. Black elderberry ‘Sambucus Nigra’ is one of natures strongest antivirals, inhibiting Influenza A and B, Herpes Simplex 1 and 2 and the common cold. Black elderberries have a long history of use around the world for immune boosting and viral infections.

Clinical trials suggest black elderberries have the ability to shorten the duration of colds and flu and support their effectiveness as an antiviral. Some studies report up to a 99% efficacy rate of killing the H5N1 avian flu. It’s thought to act by inhibiting viral replication, therefore it’s a specific as a preventative tonic. Both the Black elderberries and the Star Anise in this recipe are thought to inhibit viral replication, for a double whammy.

One study compared Black Elderberry to Tamiflu where it worked twice as fast without the need for a prescription, side effects or the expensive price-tag! For those taking Elderberry syrup the recovery rate was approximately 2 days with some taking 3 days. The placebo group took 6 or more days and the Tamiflu group took 4.5- 5 days.

Elderberries offer us many benefits beyond antiviral properties. They are one of the richest sources of Anthocyanins which have a broad spectrum of therapeutic, pharmacologic, antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic activity. Anthocyanins are the dark purple and red plant pigments in the berries. These plant pigments are extremely bioactive and are responsible for many of the purported health benefits of purple and red fruits and vegetables. They represent the largest water-soluble flavonoids in the plant kingdom and are responsible for a wide range of health benefits.

Hundreds of studies support anthocyanins ability to protect health. The biological activities of these plant pigments, so rich in Elderberries include: strong eye support, collagen support, neuroprotection, anti-carcinogenic, protection of cellular and capillary integrity, anti-inflammatory, powerful protection of heart and cardiovascular system, prevention of LDL oxidation, lowering blood sugar and improving insulin resistance.

Anthocyanins increase collagen production supporting a youthful appearance and joint comfort throughout the body. Black Elderberries are also rich in antioxidants, bioflavonoids and Vitamins C and A. all contributing to healthy glowing skin. These plant compounds explain why it’s being placed into cosmetic formulations.

In my recipe I include several ingredients that I believe increase effectiveness of the formula, but please don’t let the inability to acquire these ingredients stop you from making this wonderful tonic. You can make it with only elderberries, honey and water.

As a general tonic or just to make a healthy syrup I include the pepper, ginger root, and cinnamon, but omit the star anise. If I’m using the syrup before I fly or during the Winter months as a preventative I add the star anise.

Below the recipe I listed the benefits and reasons I included each ingredient and also listed some other immune herbs that could be useful ingredients to play with. Don’t be afraid to alter things. As with all recipes, use it as a jumping off point and tweak it to your own taste and preferences.

In the Pacific NW we have lots of red and blue wild native Elderberries. These have their own uses, but don’t have the same medicinal qualities as Black European Elderberries (Sambucus Nigra). For this syrup I only use Black Elderberries.
Black elderberries can be a powerful overall health tonic. They are useful as a preventative tonic to protect from colds and flu and also to shorten the duration and severity of illness.

Rather than taking synthetic drugs whose only purpose is to inhibit viral replication, we can choose to take a powerful natural remedy that supports overall health, cellular integrity and immune health while also inhibiting viral replication.

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How to use Elderberry Syrup

• Pancake syrup
• By the TBSP. for health tonic
• Prevention tonic
• Flavoring sparkling water
• Making a lozenge
• Sore Throats
• Salad dressing ingredient
• Salve ingredient
• Hostess gift
• Get well gift
• Holiday Gift
• Ice cream topping (or Vegan Ice cream topping)
• In baking or as a topping
• Dipping sauce
• As a base for jams and jellies
• Flavoring Gummies
• As a flavoring for CBD edibles
• Sprays
• As a base for wine
• Swirled into yogurt
• ???

Elderberry Immune Syrup Recipe

Elderberry Syrup Ingredients:
2 C filtered or spring water
½ C dried or 1 C fresh Black Elderberries (Sambucus Nigra)
4-6 Cinnamon Sticks
Pinch of Black pepper or a few peppercorns
8 Whole cloves
1 inch fresh ginger root chopped

How to Make Elderberry Syrup
1. Add all ingredients Except Honey to a saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil then lower heat to medium and simmer for about 45 minutes until liquid is reduced by half.
3. Strain through a fine mesh strainer before it cools.
4. After mix has cooled to about 115 (to preserve the enzymes in raw Honey) combine the warm liquid with the honey and gently stir.
5. Store in bottle or jar in the fridge

Tip for separating berries from the clusters… Freeze the clusters and they separate more easily.

Benefits of each ingredient:

Black Elderberry – Black Elderberry berries are one of natures finest antivirals. It is known to fight against influenza (especially when given within 24-48 hours). Some evidence even suggests it can help with cancer, constipation, nerve pain, hay fever, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and other illnesses. It’s often referred to as “Nature’s Tamiflu” and it improves the immune system.

Cinnamon – Sweet warming taste. Extremely antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial fighting infections and viruses. It increases circulation, has anti-fungal properties and can lower pain, reduce headaches and muscle soreness and it can help stabilize blood sugar. It also helps naturally preserve the syrup.

Ginger – Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory and reduces pain throughout the body. Assists with cough and nausea. It improves the absorption of nutrients. Helps to open the sinuses, soothe the throat and ease congestion.

Cloves – are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Cloves contain eugenol which is toxic against fungus, bacteria, yeast, and candida. They have anesthetic and analgesic properties, soothing and numbing the throat.

Star Anise – The standard treatment for influenza is Tamiflu and the active ingredient in Tamiflu is star anise. It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It is used to treat asthma, dry cough, and bronchitis. It can also promote sound sleep. It’s an optional ingredient, but one I add to the syrup recipe before I fly or during Winter months.

Black Peppercorns– Black pepper is rich in plant alkaloid ‘piperine’ which dramatically increases nutrient absorption. It creates a synergy and makes the entire formula more bioavailable, increasing the strength of your formula.

Local Raw Honey – Honey is a cough suppressant containing antioxidants and photo-nutrients. Local honey helps build an immunity to seasonal allergies by introducing minute amounts of local pollens. It is antibacterial, soothes sore throats and provides minerals and vitamins. It also aids in digestion. Be sure to buy quality honey where you know your source! Most honey is commercially farmed and pesticide laden from China. My only exception to buying local honey is Certified Manuka honey from NZ. The bees food source is the nectar of (Leptospermum scoparium) trees. New Zealand Tea Tree imparts it’s antibacterial qualities to the honey, but it’s very expensive.

Optional Immune Boosting Ingredients to experiment with:

Bidens pilosa
Pau D’ Arco
Licorice Root
Echinacea root
Reishi
Astragalus root
Turkey Tail Mushroom
Maitake Mushroom
Turmeric
Astragalus

Please be aware that additional ingredients can dramatically alter the flavor of the current delicious recipe.

If you are interested in learning more about Natural Antivirals I recommend the book Herbal Antivirals: Natural remedies for emerging and Resistant Viral Infections by Stephen Harrod Buhner
A great book for tons of recipes I recommend Drink the Harvest Making and Preserving Juices, Wines, Meads, and Ciders by Nan K. Chase and DeNeice C. Guest

WARNING: Do not eat or juice Raw or unripe elderberries. They contain a toxic chemical ‘cyanogenic glycoside’. Cooking the fruit completely inactivates this chemical.

Have you used Elderberry syrup? What was your experience? We welcome your comments and questions.

Author: Stephanie Beach

Disclaimer: Due to the FDA & FTC laws on health claims, I’d like to make this very clear. None of the information in this post or on this site is to be construed as medical advice. I am not a doctor, I am simply sharing ideas, experience and knowledge I’ve acquired on my journey and quest for optimal health and longevity.
Statements/products discussed have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease or illness. Everyone is different with unique needs and you should always consult you own health care practitioner before making changes to your current diet or before beginning any herbal or vitamin supplement regime or exercise program.