How to Make Elderberry Syrup (That’s 10x Cheaper Than Store-Bought)

Article originally published on The Lost Herbs

Elderberry syrup is a staple in many homes during cold and flu season, but store-bought bottles often come with a hefty price tag. Many people don’t realize that store-bought isn’t the only option, and for centuries, people sourced this remedy themselves.

In this post, you’ll learn how to make elderberry syrup (that’s 10x cheaper than store-bought). Traditionally, elderberries were simmered with warming spices like ginger and clove, which is what this recipe follows. After all, why mess with a good thing?

Preserved with raw honey, this remedy transforms into a thick, soothing syrup that gives your body lasting immune support without toxic fillers. If you’re ready to save money and boost your immune system, read on.

What Makes Elderberry Syrup Effective?

Elderberries are one of the oldest remedies, appearing in 5-4th century writings by Hippocrates, the “Father of Medicine.” Initially, they were used to treat gynaecological conditions in women, to support pelvic pain and hormonal health.

In the late 18th century, we see records of elderberries being used to treat fevers and respiratory infections. By the late 19th century, elderberries were hailed as one of the greatest immune boosters, though their other benefits still lie beneath the surface.

Modern scientific studies pinned down just why this berry is so powerful. Elderberries contain bioactive flavonoids and compounds with antioxidant properties.

This reduces oxidative stress in the body, giving your immune system a chance to bounce back. Some studies show that elderberries can tell your body to produce more cytokines, which kick the immune system into high gear, often modulating it.

Elderberry isn’t just for preventive care, though. Researchers found that influenza patients who took 15ml of elderberry syrup 4 times daily for 5 days shortened their illness duration by 4 days. And, modern science confirms 18th-century remedies; elderberries can effectively treat upper respiratory symptoms.

While elderberry is powerful on its own, it’s best when paired with other ingredients. In the recipe I’m sharing today, ginger, honey, and clove combine to create a remedy that rivals any over-the-counter option.

Ginger is known to boost circulation and improve digestive function, both of which matter in immune function. It’s also anti-inflammatory and can help your body process this remedy more effectively.

Clove is rich in eugenol, an antimicrobial compound that doubles as a natural antibiotic. When added to elderberry syrup, clove acts as a natural preservative.

Speaking of clove—if you’ve ever had a cavity or tooth pain that makes you want to rip your tooth out, clove is your lifeline. I remember my mom used to give me a clove bud as a TicTac replacement, and it was way better. I could instantly feel the effect.

Eugenol (the compound in clove) numbs dental pain instantly. Dentists use it in their offices. But you can use it at home—without the $200 emergency visit.

If your teeth are decaying, if you’re waiting for a dental appointment, if you’re in agony at 2 AM and nothing else works—clove oil is the answer.

Click here for the Clove Remedy that stops tooth pain in its tracks.

Last, but not least, is honey. This is one recipe where quality matters, and while Manuka honey may be out of reach, you should at least use raw honey. Local is best because it contains compounds that help you process germs and allergens specific to your area. Honey makes this remedy taste delicious, but it also soothes the throat and adds a huge dose of antioxidants and immune-boosting properties.

To this day, studies continue to assess the effectiveness of elderberries. And, as you can see, elderberry syrup is one remedy where “the more the merrier” comes into play. This layered approach of circulatory support, antimicrobial protection, and comfort is why elderberry syrup is sure to remain a trusted remedy for years to come.

Remember how I began? Elderberries appeared in 4th-century writings by Hippocrates. That’s 2,400 years ago.

And some people are only starting to use it now because science is slow as hell.

Imagine how many plants our ancestors used that science hasn’t studied enough yet. Plants that worked for thousands of years—but we’ve forgotten them because pharmaceutical companies can’t patent them.

The Forgotten Home Apothecary is a collection of all the medicinal plants you can use at home that science hasn’t caught up to yet. Click here for the 250 remedies science hasn’t studied yet (but your grandmother knew worked).

How to Make Elderberry Syrup

This classic elderberry syrup combines antioxidant-rich elderberries with warm spices to help your body respond to seasonal stress. Plus, it comes together in under an hour, providing targeted relief when you need it most.

This recipe uses pure ingredients that make it more effective than store-bought versions and much cheaper.

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 1 cup dried elderberries
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, sliced or grated
• 1 cinnamon stick or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3-4 whole cloves
• ¾-1 cup raw honey, to taste

Instructions

Step One: Place the elderberries, water, ginger, cinnamon stick, and clove into a saucepan set over medium heat. If you’re using ground cinnamon, stir.

Step Two: Bring the herbs to a gentle boil, then turn the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 30-40 minutes, until the liquid has reduced by about half.

Step Three: Remove the elderberry mixture from heat and cool for 5 minutes. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing the contents to retain all the juices. Discard the leftover berries.

Step Four: While the liquid is still warm, stir in the honey until dissolved. This will thicken the mixture, and it will thicken even more when chilled.

Step Five: Pour into a clean glass jar or bottle, and for best results, refrigerate immediately.

Here is a quick video to show you how to make the best elderberry syrup at home:

If you want the ready-made version—and something significantly more potent—here’s what you need to know:

Syrups dilute elderberry with water. Tinctures are pure concentrated extract. Alcohol extraction pulls out both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble compounds—meaning you get the full spectrum of elderberry’s medicinal properties.

One dropperful of 100% Organic Elderberry Tincture delivers more active compounds than a full tablespoon of syrup.

You can take it straight (a few drops under the tongue for fast absorption), or mix it with honey for a soothing throat remedy. The two work synergistically—honey coats and soothes while elderberry fights infection.

Either way, it’s ready in 20 seconds. No simmering. No straining. No waiting for it to cool.

This Elderberry Tincture by Nicole Apelian is dual-extracted for maximum potency—and costs a fraction of chemical-filled store-bought syrups.

Click here for the elderberry extract that’s more potent, more versatile, and ready when you need it.

How to Use This Remedy

This elderberry syrup is great for adults and older children. Because it contains honey, don’t give it to children under 1. Pregnant or nursing? Consult your care provider first.

Dosage:

• Adults: 1 tablespoon daily
• Children: 2-3 teaspoons daily
• At first sign of illness: Increase to 2-3 times daily

Storage:
Store in a glass jar away from light and heat. Lasts 2-3 months in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays (5-6 months). Use a clean utensil every time. Discard if you see mold, rancid taste, or off odor.

Optional additions:
Boost your syrup with peppermint (coughs), thyme (congestion), fennel (digestion), rosehips (vitamin C), or elderflower (lymphatic support).

I said in the title that this elderberry syrup is 10 times cheaper than store-bought.

But here’s the real kicker: you could replace most of the other syrups and supplements that claim to be “potent” and “natural.”

Store-bought cough syrup? $15. Immune support capsules? $30. Throat lozenges? $10. That’s $55/month on things you can make at home for $5.

I’ll tell you what: you can make them at home if you want to save money. And it’s not as hard as you think.

You just need a step-by-step book with pictures. Exact measurements. Clear instructions. No guessing.

That’s what I’m giving you today: The Forgotten Home Apothecary.

Inside you’ll find:

• Amish Cough Syrup – Soothes sore throats, calms coughs naturally
• Antiviral Herbal Honey – Defends against colds and flu
• White Cell Boosting Juice – Supercharges your immune response
• Homemade Quinine – Eases fever and supports recovery
• Jello Flu Shots – Immune-boosting ingredients in every bite

Plus 245 more remedies—all cheaper, fresher, and more effective than store-bought.

Click here for the book that saves you hundreds on syrups and supplements.