diy: elderberry syrup ice cubes
This past week I had couple of friends come down with viral infections and it was a reminder that it’s a really good idea to stock our at home apothecaries with seasonal allies in advance. When we’re under the weather, we usually don’t have the energy to be making herbal medicines on the spot, so this is a great way to plan ahead for you and your family + friends.
When cold and flu season rolls around, elderberry syrup is one of nature’s most beloved remedies to have on hand. Packed with immune-supportive antioxidants, vitamins, and plant compounds, this soothing syrup helps your body defend against viruses, ease the intensity and duration of illness, and support a quicker, gentler recovery. Your body is inherently designed to work through imbalances caused by infections; but elderberry is a wonderful ally that nourishes your system, soothes inflammation, and offers a comforting sweetness that reminds your body it’s safe to rest and heal.
Herbal syrups typically don’t have a very long shelf life because they are water based, so I’ve created this elderberry syrup ice cube recipe as a way to make medicine in advance and not have to worry about using it right away. Simply add your elderberry syrup ice cube to hot water and you’ve got a steamy supportive elderberry beverage in just a few minutes.
Necessary Equipment:
Make sure that all of your equipment is properly sanitized and as clean as can be!
-a medium sized pot-
-Liquid measuring cup + varying sized dry measuring cups-
-A sieve/ fine strainer-
-Cheesecloth- I sometimes use a fine mesh reusable nut-milk bag in place of cheesecloth.
-ice cube trays or silicone trays with 1T capacity per cell-
Organic Ingredients:
These ingredients should be pretty easy to find in the bulk herbs + spices section at your local health food grocery store or your local apothecary. I picked up mine at Three Rivers Co-op here in Knoxville, TN.
-1 cup dried elderberries- antiviral, immune-boosting, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory. Helps the body resist and shorten viral infections (especially respiratory), can reduces severity of colds + flus, supports healthy inflammation response, and protects cells from oxidative stress.
- 1/4 cup dried rose hips- rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, nutritive, anti-inflammatory, immune-supportive.
-1/4 cup fresh ginger sliced thinly- warming, antimicrobial, circulatory stimulant, anti-inflammatory, carminative/can help with nausea.
-1 T fresh turmeric sliced thinly- anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, supports liver in detoxification, immune-modulating.
-3 cloves- antiviral, antibacterial, warming, analgesic, antioxidant.
-2 star anise- supports respiratory health, clears mucus, and enhances the immune system’s antiviral capacity.
-a few shakes of black pepper- increases absorption of turmeric and other nutrients, supports digestion, and improves circulation.
-3 cups H2O-
-1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar- supports gut flora, and balances pH in the body.
-1/2 cup raw unfiltered honey- Soothes sore throats, supports immune defenses, and acts as a natural preservative to increase shelf life of the syrup.
Directions:
Set the apple cider vinegar and honey aside, and add the all remaining ingredients to your pot and bring them to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a slow simmer for 30 minutes, stirring with your wooden spoon periodically. After 30 minutes, turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool for at least an hour (the temperature has to be cool enough for you to be able to comfortably handle).
As the syrup is cooling, gently stir the apple cider vinegar and honey together in your large liquid measuring cup until they begin to integrate + combine.
Place the strainer over the top of the liquid measuring cup (ACV + honey mixture still inside), cut a square of cheesecloth to put on top of the strainer. Strain the syrup mixture through cheesecloth over a fine sieve. Use your clean hands to squeeze out the juice through the cheesecloth. You may have to do this squeezing part in a couple of batches to extract all of the goodness, discarding spent berries/ingredients as you go.
Stir the contents together to integrate any last bits of honey. Then pour into your ice cube trays/silicone molds (you want about 1 tablespoon per cell so you already have the correct dosage doled out).
Hot tip! I cleared out space in my freezer in advance and then put my silicone molds on top of a small baking tray before pouring the syrup in so that I could transfer the silicone trays wiggle and mess free!
*If you don’t have access to some of these ingredients that’s totally fine, you could make this recipe with just elderberries, water, and honey if that’s all you have. Any medicine is better than no medicine!
Dosage:
Add one elderberry syrup ice cube ( 1 tablespoon) up to 3x/day at the first sign of cold + flu symptoms, squeeze in a little lemon to brighten it up!
***Take caution and consult your doctor to see if elderberry is safe for you if you experience autoimmune disorders, are pregnant/breastfeeding, or take certain medications.
All information provided about these herbs is for educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Please research and understand the effects, contraindications, dosages, etc. about the listed ingredients before you use them. This is especially important if you are ill, pregnant or nursing, or administering to children or the elderly. If you are taking medications or other herbal supplements/remedies, please consult your physician about adding herbals to your health regimen.