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

This simple, inexpensive elderberry syrup made with dried elderberries offers powerful immune support. This home remedy can shorten the duration of colds and flu and is commonly used as a safe option for pregnant women and children.

When I was pregnant I picked up a severe cold and felt unsure about over-the-counter medications. I discovered elderberry syrup and, to my surprise, it relieved most symptoms overnight. As I researched more, I learned elderberry is known for immune support and may help both prevent and reduce the severity of cold and flu symptoms.

Since then, we use elderberry regularly: weekly during cold season as a preventive measure and daily when we suspect exposure. Store-bought syrups can be effective but pricey, so I started making my own concentrated elderberry syrup at home. It’s budget-friendly and lets us control the ingredients.

Homemade elderberry syrup tips

I adapted a homemade elderberry syrup method that many people use. Instead of using honey as the base, I prefer 100% fruit juice—apple, grape, or a combination—to create a flavorful syrup. Honey can still be added by the teaspoon if desired. If you prefer a less sweet option, you can use water for a concentrate-style syrup that still offers benefits.

Tip: Purple grape juice can be a useful choice since some evidence suggests grape components may offer additional gut support, which is an added advantage during illness.

If you want to shorten a cold quickly, many users report that elderberry syrup helps reduce symptom duration. Use it promptly at the first sign of symptoms for the best effect.

How much elderberry syrup should you take?

When using it to treat symptoms

Adults: 1 tablespoon every 3–4 hours

Kids: 1 teaspoon every 3–4 hours

Our kids enjoy the taste, so giving doses is easy in our household.

When using it as an immune booster

Adults: 1 tablespoon once daily

Kids: 2 teaspoons once daily

We increase frequency after known exposure or when weather makes us more susceptible. Mixing a daily dose into a small glass of orange juice provides extra vitamin C.

Note: These are the dosages we use; consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns or special health conditions. This information is not a substitute for professional 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 organic dried elderberries makes multiple batches and is far more economical than buying prepared syrups. If local elderberries are available, they are an excellent option; otherwise, purchasing from a trusted supplier online works well.

Making elderberry syrup at home produces a concentrate and also leaves you with used berries that can be repurposed for additional tea.

Reusing elderberries for extra benefit

After straining the syrup, don’t discard the berries. Place the strained berries and any spices back into a saucepan, cover with water, simmer to extract remaining compounds, and strain again to make an extra round of immune-supporting tea.

Elderberry Syrup Recipe

Yield:
2 cups

Cook Time:
1 hour 30 minutes 30 seconds

Total Time:
1 hour 30 minutes 30 seconds

This easy elderberry syrup concentrate provides immune support and can help reduce the duration of colds and flu. It’s a family-friendly remedy used by many for prevention and treatment.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Combine elderberries, juice, and spices in a medium saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
2. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 30–90 minutes until the liquid is reduced by about half.
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
4. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, reserving the solids for 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 to make a second round of tea: return berries and spices to a saucepan, cover with water, simmer, and strain.