Fight those winter germs with homemade Elderberry Syrup
Winter is the season of sniffles, so here is a recipe to help you fight the inevitable.
Let’s face it: winter is the season of cosiness, steaming mugs of hot chocolate and… endless sniffles. Between school runs, work deadlines, and family gatherings, it feels like germs are lurking around every corner. But what if I told you there’s a natural way to support your immune system and keep those winter bugs at bay? Enter: homemade elderberry syrup.
This little bottle of magic has been a game-changer in our family’s winter wellness routine. Elderberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that can help boost your immune system, and making your own syrup is surprisingly simple. Plus, it’s a fraction of the cost of store-bought options, with none of the questionable additives.
Why Elderberries?
Elderberries have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, and for good reason. They’re rich in:
Vitamin C: To support your immune system.
Antioxidants: To help fight off oxidative stress.
Anti-inflammatory properties: To soothe and protect your body.
Studies suggest that elderberry syrup can help shorten the duration of colds and flu. But remember, it’s not a miracle cure; it's just a fantastic tool to have in your natural winter wellness toolkit. Elderberry syrup is a go-to in our house throughout the winter months, and I truly believe it's what keeps us well when everyone around us is full of germs. We take it all throughout the winter and we largely skip anything going around (Looking forward to having jinxed that one) and if the kids do pick up anything, it's gone quickly.
If you can't get hold of fresh elderberries here is a great recipe to try using Biona organic elderberry juice.
Ingredients:
- 250g fresh elderberries or Biona organic elderberry juice.
- 250g Local Raw honey.
- A cinnamon stick.
- 3 Star Anise.
Recipe:
- Add Elderberry juice into a pan and add the cinnamon stick and star anise.
- Slowly bring to a slow boil on the hob.
- Remove from hob, drain and allow to cool slightly so the juice is not boiling.
- When the juice has cooled not boiling add in the raw honey and mix.
- Allow to cool, decant into a glass bottle/jar and put in the fridge.
This recipe is good for 3 months in the fridge, as long as you ensure a 1:1 ratio for Elderberry Juice to Honey. This ensures preservation:
Honey has antimicrobial properties, which help inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds. When combined in equal parts with elderberry juice, it creates an environment less hospitable to microbial growth, extending the shelf life of the syrup.
Honey’s high sugar content draws moisture out of microorganisms through osmotic pressure, effectively preventing their proliferation. The 1:1 ratio ensures there’s enough honey to exert this effect on the elderberry juice, which otherwise contains water and nutrients that can promote microbial growth.
Without sufficient honey (or another preservative), elderberry juice can ferment or grow harmful bacteria. The 1:1 ratio ensures the syrup stays safe to consume for a reasonable time.
How to Use It
Take 1 tablespoon daily for adults or 1 teaspoon for kids (over 1 year old, due to honey) as a preventative measure. If you feel a cold coming on, you can increase the dosage to 3 times a day.
A Few Notes
Safety First: Always cook elderberries as raw elderberries can be toxic.
Personalise It: You can add other immune-boosting ingredients like turmeric to make it your own. Experiment with what works for you.
Why DIY?
Homemade elderberry syrup is not just more affordable but also gives you complete control over what goes into your wellness routine. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about creating a remedy that feels as old as time itself, and it doesn’t hurt that it tastes delicious! Even my kids really enjoy this one.
Ready to Try?
This winter, why not pause and try something that’s not just good for your health but is as comforting as it is nourishing? Who knows, it might just turn into your favourite seasonal tradition, a simple, intentional moment to slow down and embrace the magic of winter, even when life feels a little chaotic.