Homemade Elderberry Syrup: Best Natural Cough Remedy
This homemade elderberry syrup is a powerful natural cough remedy that boosts the immune system and soothes sore throats. Made with dried elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, and raw honey, it’s a cost-effective and delicious alternative to over-the-counter medicines.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Remedy
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dried elderberries
- 4 cups filtered water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger root, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 cup raw honey
Instructions
- Combine the elderberries and water in a medium saucepan. Stir with a wooden spoon.
- Add the cinnamon stick, sliced ginger, and whole cloves.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat (about 5-7 minutes).
- Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, covered with lid slightly ajar, for 30-40 minutes. The liquid should reduce by about half.
- Test for doneness by pressing a berry against the side of the pot; it should mash easily.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a glass measuring cup or bowl. Do not press on the berries.
- Let the strained liquid cool for 10-15 minutes until warm but not hot.
- Stir in the raw honey until fully dissolved.
- Pour the syrup into clean glass jars using a funnel, leaving about half an inch of headspace.
- Let jars cool completely before sealing with lids.
- Label and date the jars. Store in the refrigerator.
Notes
Do not use honey for children under one year old. For a vegan version, substitute maple syrup for honey. The syrup will last 2-3 months in the refrigerator. If freezing, pour into ice cube trays and transfer to a freezer bag for up to 6 months. Always shake before use as separation is normal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 8
- Carbohydrates: 9
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