Elderberry Syrup for Cold & Flu Season
The Benefits of Elderberry Syrup: A Natural Immune Boosting Elixir
Elderberry syrup has been a staple in many households for a long time and for good reason! Elderberries alone are packed full of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, potassium and enhance the immune system. They are safe for kids and adults. When combined with other healing herbs like echinacea, thyme, cinnamon, rosehips, and honey, they make a super-charged wellness elixir for that help with colds, coughs, the flu, respiratory health, and overall wellness. Plus, they taste great!
In this blog I will explain the benefits of our elderberry syrup ingredients in our DIY Elderberry Syrup Kits and why they are a great addition to any medicine cabinet!
Elderberry Syrup Ingredient Benefits
Elderberries
There are many different kinds of elder but only a few are safe to be used for herbalism. The dark blue, purple, or black berries from the elder plant have meny beneficial properties that range from antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and are high in vitamins A and C. The reason why elderberry is so popular during cold & flu season is due to its ability to shorten the length of a cold, ease respiratory illness, and aid your body to recover naturally. Elderberry is safe for many individuals including children, but should be used with caution with those who have overactive immune systems or auto-immune disorders.
Echinacea
Echinacea (coneflower) is one of the most popular herbs used to boost the immune system and aid the body in recovering from illness. Echinacea has many beneficial properties like the ability to defending the body against forign invaders, due to its polysaccharides, which protect cells against invasion. Echinacea is known to soothe sore throats, and is especially effective with respiratory illnesses. It is best to use at the first sign of illness. It is safe to use in adults, children and the elderly.
Thyme
Thyme is a wonderful herb that can help ease sore throats and ward off infection. It is especially helpful to the thymus gland, which plays a cructial role in the maturation of the immune system. The thymus gland trains T cells (T lymphocytes) to fight infections and defend the body against invaders.
Ginger Root
Ginger is a warming herb and is especially useful for when someone has the chills from a cold or flu, aids in decongestion, as well as soothing an upset stomach. Ginger root is anti inflammatory due to its proteolytic enzyme that can help repair joints and cartilage.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is also a warming herb which can help clear congestion, improve circulation and help sluggish digestion. It adds a great flavor to elderberry syrup!
Raw Honey
Raw honey gently soothes sore throats thanks to its powerful antimicrobial properties and rich antioxidants. When combined with elderberry syrup’s well-known antiviral benefits, this natural duo effectively eases cold and flu symptoms, supports overall immune health, and may help shorten the duration of illness—all while offering a delicious, comforting taste.
Final Thoughts
Elderberry syrup is a powerful addition to your medicine cabinet because of its natural ability to support immune health, reduce inflammation, and fight off seasonal ailments. Packed with antioxidants and vitamins, it helps strengthen the body’s defenses without harsh chemicals or synthetic ingredients. Its easy-to-take, delicious flavor makes it a convenient and effective remedy for the whole family. Incorporating elderberry syrup into your daily routine is a simple, holistic way to promote overall wellness and resilience year-round.
Make sure to grab an Elderberry Syrup DIY Kit for you and your family and have fun creating your own elderberry syrup. All you need is 1 cup honey, which you can purchase on the product page.
I wish you and your family a healthy cold & flu season!
References
Gladstar, R. (2012). Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs- A Beginners Guide. Storey Publishing. North Adams, MA.
The Herbal Academy. (2021). Introductory Herbalism Course. Herbal Academy. Bedford, MA. 01731.
