Elderberry Recipes to Help Support your Health

Posted by Danielle Caster on 09-23-2024

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Elderberry's ability to help support our immune system, cardiovascular system and a healthy inflammatory response make it a great herb to have around any time of year, but especially during those colder months. Studies have shown that elderberry has a unique ability that may help support your immune system.

If you are looking for different ways to add more Elderberry into your life, don’t worry, I have you covered. Below you will find two simple recipes that can be used in a multitude of ways. Helping to give you and your family's immune systems the support they need to get you through back to school and the colder season.

Elderberry Fire Cider

Fire Cider is a blend of pungent immune supporting herbs. One of my favorite herb to add to my Fire Cider is Elderberry, not only does it add extra immune support benefits but it also gives the fire cider a beautiful color.

Ingredients:
  • Red Onion (I use the whole onion, skins and all, there are beneficial properties in the skins)
  • Fresh Ginger (no need to peel)
  • Rosemary (fresh or dried)
  • Thyme (fresh or dried)
  • Horseradish (no need to peel)
  • Elderberry
  • Rosehips
  • Hibiscus
  • Garlic (I use the whole garlic, skins and all, there are beneficial properties in the skins)
  • Lemon or any other citrus (whole with peel)
  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Raw Local Honey

This recipe is fun because you can really make it your own. The ingredients listed are what I use in my Elderberry Fire Cider, but you can add or subtract whatever you would like!

Some other things you might consider including in your fire cider are:

The list goes on and on, and you can truly customize this recipe to meet your needs.

Depending on what size of jar you are using, will then determine how much you need of each ingredient.

Directions:
  1. Gather and wash all your ingredients, making sure your jar is also clean.
  2. Chop your ingredients into smaller pieces, and start layering into the jar, making sure to leave room for each ingredient you plan to add.
  3. Once the jar is about ¾ of the way full, fill with apple cider vinegar until all the ingredients are covered.
  4. If your jar has a metal lid, make sure to use a piece of parchment or wax paper between the jar and the lid. (Apple cider vinegar will rust the metal lid and ruin your batch of fire cider. And we don’t want that!)
  5. Shake.
  6. Store in a cool, dark place for about 4-6 weeks, shaking occasionally.
  7. After 4-6 weeks, using cheesecloth, a metal strainer, or a nut milk bag, strain the liquid into a clean jar. Making sure to wring out as much of the herbal goodness as possible.
  8. Add honey to taste. (The honey sweetens the taste of the fire cider, adds extra beneficial properties and also helps to preserve it.)
  9. Label and date. Can be stored in a cool dark place (the pantry for 6-9 months)
Dosage:
  • As a preventive tonic for adults: Take 1-2 tbsps or a shot of fire cider a day
  • For acute immune support for adults: Take 1-2 tbsps, 3-4 times a day
  • As a preventative for children: Take 1-2 tsps a day
  • For acute immune support for children: Take 1-2 tsps, 3-4 times a day

How to Use Elderberry Fire Cider

  1. Fire Cider Shots: The simplest way is by taking a shot of fire cider at the first signs of sickness, or as a prevention before or after you know you will be around a big crowd of people and you’re looking for some extra immune support.
  2. Warm Throat Soothing Beverage: Add one shot of fire cider, a spoonful of honey, and a squeeze of lemon to a mug. Fill with warm water, (right around 100 degrees as to not kill off any of the beneficial properties in the honey). This is one of my favorite ways to enjoy elderberry fire cider in the colder months and can be especially soothing for a sore throat.
  3. Subbing it in recipes that call for Vinegar: When making salad dressings I sub out the vinegar for fire cider, this gives your salad dressing extra immune and health boosting properties any time of year.
  4. Elderberry Fire Cider Mocktail: Add 1 tbsp of elderberry fire cider to the bottom of glass, squeeze in citrus of choice, top with bubbly water, add some additional sweetener (honey, agave) if desired.

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Elderberry Syrup

Ingredients:
  • 2 cups dried elderberries
  • 4 cups filtered or spring water
  • Raw local honey

Elderberry syrup is another recipe that you can customize to your liking. If you want to add in some extra beneficial properties to your recipe or just make it taste yummier. Make it your own and play around with it.

Optional Add Ins for taste and Additional Beneficial Properties:

Directions:
  1. Add water and elderberries to a small pot. (along with any additional add ins of choice)
  2. Bring to a boil, and then immediately reduce heat to a simmer.
  3. Simmer for 30 mins.
  4. Remove from heat, add lid and let steep for 1 hour.
  5. Strain liquid into a glass measuring up using cheesecloth, a metal strainer or a nut milk bag. Making sure to wring it out completely to get all of the beneficial liquids. (Use caution when attempting this step as the liquid may still be hot.)
  6. Measure final liquid.
  7. Add in ½ to equal amounts of honey as there is liquid. Or to taste.
  8. Label and store in a clean glass jar in the fridge for up to 6 months.
Dosage:
  • As a preventive tonic for adults: Take 1 tbsp a day
  • For acute immune support for adults: Take 1 tbsps, 3-4 times a day
  • As a preventative for children: Take 1 tsps a day
  • For acute immune support for children: Take 1 tsps, 3-4 times a day

How to Use Elderberry Syrup

  1. A Spoonful a Day: Elderly berry syrup can be taken by the spoonful at the first sign of illness or as a preventative during cold and flu season.
  2. Warm Elder Beverage: Warming up some water and adding 1 to 2 tbsps of elderberry syrup is also a nice way to consume it.
  3. Using it in place of Syrup: Drizzling it on top of some ice cream or on top of pancakes or oatmeal is also a yummy way to include it as a treat.
  4. Elderberry Mocktail: Adding 1-2 tbsps of elderberry syrup to a glass, a fresh squeeze of lemon juice, and filling with bubbly water is a great way to have a little elderberry mocktail while boosting your immune system

Elderberry isn't for Everyone

Elderberry is a wonderful herb and can be incorporated into your daily routine to help keep your immune system in tip top shape, but like all herbs, elderberry is not for everyone.

  • People who have autoimmune diseases should use caution and talk to a knowledgeable practitioner before using elderberry.
  • Both of these recipes are safe for kids, but because they both use honey, they should NOT be given to children under the age of 1 years old. To avoid risk of infantile botulism.
  • Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should use caution and contact a knowledgeable practitioner before using elderberry.

Where can you source quality organic Elderberries?

Starwest Botanicals, provides Certified Organic Elderberries, and you can wholeheartedly trust the quality of the product you receive. Start shopping with confidence and peace of mind today. Are you looking to add Elderberries to your business? Apply for a wholesale account here to save 40% off retail prices. 

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Danielle Caster is a Clinical Herbalist who uses her knowledge of herbalism along with a holistic approach to support women in achieving a more embodied way of living. Through one on one Herbal Wellness Sessions, Danielle curates custom holistic protocols, addressing the root cause and restoring balance to the body. Danielle finds joy in learning the ancient wisdom of the plants and is passionate about sharing that knowledge with others to bring a little ease in this busy modern world.

A mother of three and avid gardener. Danielle also enjoys growing a multitude of medicinal plants and vegetables, spending time with her family, traveling and reading.


For more information about working with Danielle please visit her website or follow her on Instagram.