What is elderberry syrup?
Both anti-viral and immune-supporting Elderberry Syrup is a must-have for your wellness arsenal! I research and found that it was much more cost effective to make it yourself. If you’ve ever tried to purchase some you know that it ranges in cost from $15+ for a 4 to 8 oz bottle. In researching recipes I found that most elderberry syrup recipes us a combination of dried and fresh spices, but I decided to substitute the spices with Young Living Vitality essential oils. This recipe is so good that you will want to keep it on hand year around.
So, why elderberries?
Elderberries are known as on of the top anti-viral herb. Rich in vitamin A, B and C, the health benefits of the the plant include naturally improving colds, the flu, sinus issues, nerve pain, inflammation, chronic fatigue, allergies, constipation and more. Traditionally used to support the body during a cold or flu for hundreds of years. The berries contain chemical compounds called anthocyanidins that are known to have immunostimulant effects and are the phytonutrients responsible for giving the fruit its beautiful deep purple color. In addition, the high levels of antioxidants, bioflavonoids and other proteins in the juice of the berry help to further support the body’s immune system when infected.* Elderberry extract (syrup) has been shown to “possess antimicrobial activity against human respiratory bacterial pathogens.”**
Add these benefits to the supporting properties and benefits of essential oils and you have a recipe to support you and your families wellness.
This elderberry syrup recipe uses the instant pot, but I’ve included the simple stove top directions. The Instant Pot creates the perfect elderberry syrup without the long cooking time of the stove top.
Benefits of Vitality Oils
Vitality essential oils are an easy substitute for the traditional spices used in elderberry syrup and include wonderful added benefits.
- Thieves Vitality – An amazing blend of clove, lemon, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus radiata and rosemary essential oils. This blend was created based on a legend of 15th century thieves who rubbed oils on themselves to avoid contacting the plague while they robbed the bodies of the dead.
- Nutmeg Vitality – It taste and smells so festive. It maintains digestive function, supports natural inflammation, joint health and cardiovascular wellness.
- Clove Vitality – It is the main single oil in the Thieves blend. Adding more is a good thing since it has powerful immune support and has been used in dentistry for years.
- Cinnamon Bark Vitality – Another oil already in Thieves Vitality blend, but like Clove it has powerful immune support.
- Frankincense Vitality – One of the gifts presented to Jesus by the Three Wise Men, and has been used for centuries. It is the oil of 10,000 uses, including immune support and to relax the body.
- Copaiba Vitality – A magnifier of other essential oils that it’s used with. It supports the body’s natural response to inflammation.
- Orange Vitality – Contains the naturally occurring constituent d-limonene. which is an important essential oil found in Ningxia Red and ImmuPro that supports cellular wellness.
There are other Vitality essential oils that you could add to the recipe like Lemon, cardamon and others. This recipe can be tweaked it to your personal taste and wellness needs.
How to use elderberry syrup
- Take a spoonful straight each day or as you feel you need it
- Add a spoonful to your hold or cold tea
- Pour over pancakes, waffles or toast
- Add to your Ningxia Red shot for extra immune boosting
- Add to a smoothie or protein shake
- Make a delicious cocktail by adding to your favorite “spirits”
Elderberry Syrup
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- strainer
- cheese cloth
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- Jar to hold final syrup
Ingredients
Add to Instant Pot:
- 1 cup Dried Elderberries* Organic
- 4 cups Water Purified/Filtered
- 1 Orange Zested and juiced
- 1 Lemon Zested and juices
- 1 1 inch Raw Ginger Peeled
- 1 tsp Cloves, whole
- 1 stick Cinnamon (Optional)
After cooked add the following:
- 1 1/2 cups Honey** - raw unpasteurized local Can substitute 1/2 honey with maple syrup
- 3 drops Ginger Vitality
- 3 drops Nutmeg Vitality
- 3 drops Cinnamon Vitality
- 3 drops Copaiba Vitality
- 3 drops Orange Vitality
- 3 drops Lemon Vitality
Instructions
- Add the elderberries, water, ginger and cloves to the Instant Pot.
- Zest and juice the orange and the lemon. Add them to the pot after juicing. As it cooks all the fruit will cook down and add more flavor to the syrup.
- Seal the Instant Pot and set to “MANUAL” with pressure on “HIGH” for 7 minutes.
- When the timer goes off, set the valve to “Vent” and strain the contents using a fine mesh sieve over a bowl. Squeeze the contents until all the liquid had been squeeze out. Discard the contents.
Instant Pot:
- Pour the elderberry liquid thru cheesecloth to make sure that you got all the residue from the cooking process and have just the juice.
- Allow the elderberry liquid to cool until it is just enough to melt the honey. The cooler the liquid the better so that you preserve all the properties of the honey and Vitality Oils.
- Add the honey and Vitality oils.
- Pour into glass containers. Store in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. I have had batches last a few months with no signs of going bad (using the freshest organic ingredients is key).
Stove Top:
- Add elderberries, orange, lemon, clove and ginger to 4 cups of boiling water.
- Allow to simmer on the stove for 45 minutes or until the liquid is reduced by at least half.
- Remove from stove and continue recipe as above.
