Homemade Echinacea and Elderberry Syrup
It is that time of the year…time for runny noses, coughs, colds and the flu. We have been using a variation of this homemade Echinacea and elderberry syrup for the past couple of winters now and we have stayed healthy and our immune systems have been strong.
Maintaining A Healthy Immune System
Granted, we eat a nutrient–dense diet full of nourishing foods: plant–based proteins, healthy fats, bone broths and fermented foods (as a prebiotic). My family takes a variety of fish oil, vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, magnesium, and whole food vitamins and supplements.
We do our best to boost our immune system all winter long. There are many ways to do so, by using our immune boosting recipe. Getting enough sleep and drinking lots of water. Taking care of our bodies and our health.
We like to add this homemade Echinacea and elderberry syrup “flu buster” to our diets each winter for one more line of defense against the variety of germs spreading around in the winter. We take it like medicine, with a spoon. But you can also add it to drinks like kombucha or herbal tea, and even pour it over pancakes or yogurt.
Syrup Ingredients
This syrup is brimming with immune boosting ingredients. Plus, you can turn the syrup into gummy candies for your little ones.
Echinacea Flowers (E. angustifolia, E. purpurea, E. pallida)
Echinacea fights inflammation, bacterial and viral infections. It is good for the immune and lymphatic systems. It is helpful for allergies, colds, flu and other infections. You can read more about Echinacea for colds here.
Elderberries (sambucus)
According to the book Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Fifth Edition: A Practical A–to–Z Reference to Drug–Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements by Phyllis A. Balch CNC, elderberry fights inflammation and relieves coughs and congestion. It enhances immune system function, lowers fevers and soothes the respiratory tract. It is very effective against the flu.
Cinnamon Bark (cassia) and Essential Oil
Also according to Phyllis Batch’s book, cinnamon counteracts congestion, warms the body and enhances digestion.
Clove Buds and Essential Oil
Cloves have antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Check out our homemade mouthwash recipe with clove (bud), cinnamon (cassia) and peppermint essential oils.
Ginger Root and Essential Oil
Ginger fights inflammation, and stimulates circulation and digestion. It is a strong antioxidant and has antimicrobial properties. It is helpful for headaches, indigestion and vomiting.
Flu Busting Echinacea and Elderberry Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 quart (4 cups) water, distilled or filtered
- 6–8 oz. (1 cup) dried elderberries
- 12–16 oz. (¼ cup) dried Echinacea flowers
- 1–2 Tbsp. of ginger root, finely grated
- 2 cinnamon sticks, whole
- 6 cloves, whole
- 6–8 oz. raw honey (local, organic)
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients, except honey, in a saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer and simmer for 45 minutes or so.
- Strain.
- Let cool.
- When cool, add honey to taste.
- Then pour into a jar with an airtight lid.
- Keep in refrigerator and use within 2 months.
Precautions
Note: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This recipe is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Before making and using any of these recipes, please read through our precautions when using essential oils.
Sources:
Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Sixth Edition, Phyllis A. Balch, CNC. Penguin Books