Elderberry Syrup Kit

Syrup is a tasty way to take elderberries, which are a well-known approach to flu care. Commercial Sambucol costs about $2/oz. This kit will make about 24 oz of syrup. You will need to add sugar or honey; the exact amount depends on your desire for a shelf-stable product vs. something less-sweet that you'll keep in the fridge.

\n<h2>Ingredients</h2>

\nDried black elderberries, hibiscus, ginger

\n<h3><strong>Contraindications and Cautions</strong></h3>

\n<strong>Uncooked</strong> elderberries have been known to cause rashes and digestive purging. This syrup requires long simmering, which neutralizes the compounds responsible.

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\nIn a very small portion of the population (1%, according to McDonald), these reactions persist even with cooked elderberries. Try a teaspoon and discontinue of you have issues.

\n<h3>Instructions:</h3>

\nDownload <a href=""https://fenhaven.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/elderberryKit.pdf"">Elderberry Kit Info Sheet</a>

\n<ol>

\n <li>Put the contents of the kit and 3-4 cups  of water in a large pot.</li>

\n <li>Let soak overnight.</li>

\n <li>Bring to a boil, then simmer until reduced by half. This may take several hours. (You can use a slow cooker.)</li>

\n <li>Strain the liquid into a clean pot or bowl. Squeeze the berries to get all the goodness out!</li>

\n <li>Add sugar or honey as desired. DO NOT GIVE HONEY TO CHILDREN UNDER 1 YEAR OF AGE due to the risk of botulism poisoning.

\n<ol>

\n <li>If you want this to be shelf-stable, you'll need to use 7 cups of white sugar. Only white sugar in these massive quantities will preserve the syrup without refrigeration.</li>

\n <li>If you are willing to keep it in the fridge, you can use less sugar or use honey instead. Most recipes call for an equal amount of honey and elderberry liquid. I personally still find this too sweet, so I use half as much honey as elderberry juice (or a little less). It will last several weeks, but not indefinitely, in the fridge. If it smells like wine, vinegar, or mold, throw it out without tasting.</li>

\n</ol>

\n</li>

\n</ol>

\nSuggested use: 2-4 tablespoons 2-4x/day in early days of a flu infection or 1 Tbl daily for general health