How To Make Elderberry Cough Syrup

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has been used medicinally for hundreds of years to treat a wide variety of illnesses. I use the fresh berries in jams, jellies or juice and the dried berries I make syrup or gummies. Dried berries stored in an air tight container, out of sunlight will last for several years. The fresh berries will last up to 2 weeks in the fridge.

Elderberries are a superfood and are very rich in antioxidants called anthocyanins, helping to protect your body from free radical damage. These berries are abundant in the minerals potassium, iron, copper, and phosphorous. Also elderberries contain vitamin B6, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Health Benefits

In addition to being antioxidant, the berries are antimicrobial, antiviral and anti inflammatory making them effective in treating the common cold, flu, constipation, hay fever, and sinus infections. In clinical studies elderberry treats upper respiratory conditions through its immunomodulatory properties, which treat viral infections of the respiratory tract and relieve symptoms like nasal congestion and coughing.

Elderberry syrup alleviates flu symptoms like fever, sore throat, fatigue, chills, and muscle aches if taken within the first forty-eight hours of having the flu.