How to Make Elderberry Goji Berry Syrup
One of my favorite recipes to make in the fall and winter is Elderberry Goji berry syrup. Elderberries have gained popularity in recent years for their use in alleviating cold symptoms and boosting the immune system to decrease the duration of the common cold. Derived from the Sambucus nigra plant, dried elderberries have a long history in folk medicine in syrups, preserves and tinctures. They are naturally high in immune boosting compounds such as vitamin C and antioxidants, phenolic acids, flavonols, and anthocyanins.
A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study conducted in 2016 concluded that elderberry is effective at reducing upper respiratory symptoms and duration. The study involved 312 participants and found that those taking the placebo had longer cold duration and the symptom scores were reported significantly higher. (1)
In 2021, a systemic review of 1187 records and 5 randomized trials on elderberry for the treatment or prevention of viral respiratory illness. It was concluded that elderberry may not reduce the risk of developing the common cold but it may reduce the duration and severity of colds. (2)
Are elderberries safe?
When elderberries are raw, they contain cyanide-producing compounds that can cause side effects such as nauseous, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, many herbalists agree that dried and/or cooked elderberries don’t cause the same symptoms as fresh berries. It is always a good idea to ask your doctor if elderberries are safe for you.
How to use elderberries?
Elderberries can be made into gummies, lozenges, pills, teas, tinctures and syrups. My favorite way to give my immune system a little extra boost is through this easy elderberry goji berry syrup recipes. Goji berries also known as Lycium barbarum are high in antioxidants, vitamin A and C which are helpful for building immunity and protecting body from illness. Elderberry goji berry syrup is a wonderful addition to pancakes, tea or can be taken alone. I take 1 teaspoon a day as a preventative if I’m about to travel or around a crowd. (My kids take 1/2 teaspoon). During illness, I double or triple this amount.
Homemade Elderberry Goji Berry Syrup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dried elderberries
- 1/2 cup dried goji berries
- 4 cups filtered water
- 1 cup raw honey
Instructions
- Add berries and water to instant pot.
- Cover and pressure cook on high for 7 minutes.
- Allow to naturally release (15 mins)
- Strain fluid from berries
- Add fluid to instant pot and put on sauté setting high and reduce fluid by half stirring frequently. It usually takes about 15 mins.
- Add to 1 cup raw honey and stir to mix.
- Store in glass jar and refrigerate. Use within 1 month.
Notes
If you don’t have goji berries, you can double the elderberries and make elderberry syrup.
If you do not have an instant pot, you can make this on the stove top. Bring berries and water to boil, then allow to simmer for 3 hours. Drain berries from fluid and bring fluid back to stovetop. Sautee and reduce fluid by half. Remove from heat and mix in raw honey.
References:
Tiralongo E, Wee SS, Lea RA. Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Nutrients. 2016 Mar 24;8(4):182.
Wieland LS, Piechotta V, Feinberg T, Ludeman E, Hutton B, Kanji S, Seely D, Garritty C. Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: a systematic review. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021 Apr 7;21(1):112.
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