If you follow us on social media, you probably know we are big users of elderberry syrup! Not everyone is familiar with this wonderful, yet tiny berry so I wanted to offer some very basic information and will share how we use them tomorrow!
For several years, I would buy remade syrups locally, but now prefer to make our own for various reasons:
- It’s cheaper.
- I can control the ingredients.
- Other beneficial herbs and berries can be added in to suit our needs.
- We’re working on growing our own.
What is Elderberry?
Sambucus Nigra, black elderberry is the most common variety you’ll find used in remade syrups. They contain anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. This enhances the immune system but the berries also prevent virus from entering the host’s cells. They are used to support the body during cold, flu, and respiratory issues.
Elderberries are high in calcium, vitamin A and vitamin C!
Check out these PubMED links for more information!
Where can you find Elderberry?
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You can order dried elderberry online to make your own syrups, find them in health food stores, or forage for them (see below for what to watch out for!)
If purchasing online, search for options that are sustainably harvested, grown organically, and if possibly, locally grown.
I prefer ordering my herbs in bulk (to reduce packaging) and from Rose Mountain Herbs. You can find their dried 1lb bag of elderberries here! This will last you for a long time and will make many batches of elderberry syrup.
Growing your own is always an option. I have found “Black Laced” and “Instant Karma” from local nurseries in recent years. Wild American varieties are said to be easily propagated with cuttings, too. (Although, I’ve never had any success with this.)
Most elderberry shrubs will have clusters of tiny white flowers, but I was delighted to find the black laced elderberry we added last year produced stunning pink flowers!
Caution for those wild harvesting.
There are various plants that produce berries that look similar to the elderberry. Please do not harvest any wild berries unless it has been properly identified. You can use a field guide book, but I would recommend going on the safe side and having someone familiar with the plant help you identify them first.
Make sure to avoid harvesting from roadways and along railroad lines. These are common areas for the shrubs to grow, but unfortunately they are areas sprayed heavily with herbicides. Make sure to check your local laws on foraging, and follow sustainable harvesting practices!
Only the black elderberry is considered safe for consumption. It needs to be thoroughly ripe and cooked before consumption to remove any of the berry’s toxins.
Red Elderberry (sambucus racemosa) per the Herbal Academy of New England is not safe for consumption. There is much debate in the herbal community on this; however, I prefer to stick with black elderberry.
We love elderberry! Thank you for sharing further information. This was very helpful 👌🏼
Yes! It’s wonderful!
Everyone needs to learn and understand the power of plants (God’s medicine) for healing. I’ve used store-bought elderberry syrup before, but have never ventured to make it. Your instructions make it seem do-able, even for busy moms!
Yes! Absolutely! I’d love to hear your thoughts if you make some on your own!
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