Elderberry Syrup

Modern medical studies have suggested that elderberry extract (mainly from Sambucus nigra or black elderberry, “Shakespeare’s species”) has helped to alleviate—and even kill—some strains of the flu. In addition, studies are exploring additional antiviral, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory qualities of elderberry, which shows promise as an immune booster and cell builder.

There are many recipes for elderberry syrup and they all require the addition of sweetener to make it more palatable. Also, many of them use dried black elderberries, because of their aforementioned medicinal properties. I’ve prepared this syrup using our local elderberries and have been very happy to have this on hand when the worst of the coughs and colds arrive midwinter. This syrup is great in tiny doses for kids, though I have to admit that when I feel the viruses coming on, I tend to grab my elderberry-infused brandy.