Home Canned Elderberry Syrup
September 18, 2021
Laura

I have muscle and joint issues, so when I saw a recipe for a natural rub to ease my pains, I was really excited. After I copied down all the ingredients from the instructional video, the host says “now you let it sit for four months before adding the remaining ingredients.” Moral of the story? Make natural health aides before you need them.

I’ve purchased elderberry syrup, and my children didn’t like the taste so now I’m making my own. Not only is this more economical, (I’ve seen it for over $20 for 8 oz) but it can be customized to our tastes, health needs, and canned for a shelf-stable remedy.

In regards to herbs, my elderberry syrup contains echinacea, mullein, and marshmallow root. Echinacea is well-known for fighting colds, but it also quells inflammation. I specifically looked for herbs which benefit the respiratory system for this concoction as well, and I chose marshmallow root and mullein. According to Rosemary Gladstar’s book, “Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide,” marshmallow is “specific for treating inflamed and irritated tissues of the respiratory system, digestive system, and skin . .” And while it doesn’t fight infections, marshmallow root soothes the lungs. Gladstar also touts mullein as an aid for ailing lungs. “Mullein leaf is both an antispasmodic (it relaxes spasms) and an expectorant (it helps expel mucus), and with these properties it is renowned as a remedy for deep-seated or spastic coughs, bronchial congestion, chest colds, allergies, and other aliments that involve respiratory stress.”

I purchased my dried elderberries here, and use them in my homemade teas as well. I shop around for my herbs, but typically buy from Mountain Rose Herbs and Amazon. If you are looking for other uses for herbs mentioned here, invest in some medicinal herb books.

You can make these in any size jars, and my instructions are for pint sized and under. Refrigerate after opening.

Elderberry Syrup with Respiratory Herbs

8 cups of water
1 1/2 cups dried elderberries
4 cinnamon sticks
6 whole cloves
2 inch slice of fresh ginger
1/2 cup dried echinacea
1/2 cup dried marshmallow root
1/2 dried cup mullein
2 cups raw honey
5 TBSP lemon juice

Add water through dried mullein in a pot, and bring to a boil.

Lower to a simmer for 30 minutes. Strain mixture, and measure. You should have 4 cups of elderberry juice mix. Add back to pot and add 2 cups of honey, and lemon juice then heat to incorporate. You can see the oils from the cinnamon in this picture.

Bring to a boil, then add to desired sized jars leaving 1/4 inch head space. Clean rims of jars and add rings and lids. Water bath can for 10 minutes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8 Comments

  1. Mary

    If you add honey then pressure or water bath can , i thought honey would lose its medicinal properties

    Reply
  2. Scott Miller

    Your recipe calls for 1/2 dried mullein. Could you please clarify that? Is that 1/2 a leave, 1/2 cup of dried leaves, or some other measurement?

    Thank-you

    Reply
    • Laura

      1/2 cup dried leaves.

      Reply
  3. Anne

    Thoughtful recipe!

    Many of the recipes that call for raw honey say to add the raw honey after the mixture has cooled – to not kill the enzymes. Then refrigerate for up to two months.

    I want to be able to store up to 18 months.

    Question –

    Can I process/ can the berries with everything listed EXCEPT the raw honey; then add the raw honey later on after opening the canned jar; then refrigerate for two months. I don’t want to kill the raw honey enzymes. If this is possible would this change the berry mixture processing time of 10 minutes?

    Raring to go. Have fresh berries and all the listed ingredients.

    As an aside, some posts say Ball brand jars can just be washed in hot soapy water. In your opinion do they have to be sterilized in the oven (lids in a small pot of boiling water)?

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Laura

      This is water bath canned, and might rely on the sugar so I would not recommend leaving it out.

      Reply
    • Laura

      I’m so sorry just responding to this now! If you refrigerate the syrup you can do what you want. Regarding the jars, they only have to be sterilized if you are canning under 10 minutes.

      Reply
  4. Denise

    This looks great! And thanks for listing a source on Amazon. Last time I checked the local healthfood store, they were over $25 per pound.

    Reply
    • Laura

      Denise, you are welcome! I hope you enjoy making this medicinal syrup!

      Reply

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