Homemade Elderberry Syrup: A Cozy Herbal Kitchen Remedy

Sep 16
2 min read

Hello Healers!

There’s something magical about creating your own herbal remedies at home — a blend of tradition, nourishment, and flavor in one cozy jar. Today, we’re making a homemade elderberry syrup, a simple, delicious way to bring herbs into your daily rhythm.

This recipe combines elderberries, rosehips, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger — each adding both their wellness gifts and unique taste to the mix.

Why These Herbs?

Elderberries – Known for supporting the immune system, elderberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins A & C. They bring a deep, dark fruitiness with just a hint of tartness — the backbone of this syrup.
Rosehips – A traditional source of vitamin C, rosehips support resilience and add a tangy, almost citrusy brightness that balances the darker elderberry flavor.
Cloves – Long valued for their antimicrobial and warming qualities, cloves add a bold, spicy-sweet depth, almost like a cozy winter hug in liquid form.
Cinnamon – Beloved for helping with circulation and blood sugar balance, cinnamon brings warmth and sweetness, softening the sharper edges of the other herbs.
Ginger – Used for digestion, circulation, and immune support, ginger adds gentle heat and zest, giving the syrup a lively kick at the end.

Ingredients (Makes about 2 cups of syrup)

1 cup dried elderberries
¼ cup dried rosehips
3 whole cloves
1 stick cinnamon (or 1 tsp ground)
1 tbsp fresh ginger, sliced (or 1 tsp dried)
3 cups water
1 cup honey (add after cooling)

Instructions

Combine elderberries, rosehips, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and water in a medium saucepan.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, until the liquid has reduced by roughly one-third.
Remove from heat, let it cool slightly, then strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, pressing gently to get all the goodness out.
While still warm, stir in the honey until well blended.
Transfer to a clean glass jar or bottle and store in the refrigerator.

A Quick Note on Safety

Elderberries should always be cooked — raw elderberries, seeds, and leaves can be toxic if consumed.
People with autoimmune conditions (like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or MS) should check with their healthcare provider before using elderberry, as it may stimulate immune activity.
Because this recipe uses honey, it should not be given to children under 1 year old.
As with all herbal remedies, it’s wise to consult your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications.