Like so many moms, I created this elderberry extract recipe to pinch pennies while we stay healthy. I admit I attempted to create a taste similar to the store-bought (and expensive) varieties, but I failed in the consistency department.
Yet, I do believe that my own extract stands head and shoulders about the store-bought brands in effectiveness. This comes from experience and knowing that a medicine cap full of elderberry extract every few hourse chases away the severity of a cold and in some cases, stops it dead in its tracks.
You can make it ahead of time, and keep it for a few weeks in the refrigerator, or you can make it the day that you need it. But making it ahead of time melds the flavors together.
So, if you want to have an elderberry extract on hand that works and keeps your family healthy, read on.
Proof that Elderberry Works
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center:
One study suggested that using a standardized elderberry extract, Sambucol could shorten the duration of flu by about 3 days.
Further,
Another preliminary study found that a lozenge with elderberry extract (ViraBLOC) helped reduce flu symptoms when taken within 24 hours of symptoms starting. In the lab, one study suggested that elderberry could kill the H1N1 virus (“swine flu”) in test tubes, but researchers don’t know whether it would be effective against H1N1 in people.
Further, the Journal of International Medical Research concluded in another study about elderberry in the use of flu bug symptoms:
Elderberry has been used in folk medicine for centuries to treat influenza, colds, and sinusitis, and has been reported to have antiviral activity against influenza and herpes simplex. We investigated the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry syrup for treating influenza A and B infections. Sixty patients (aged 18-54 years) suffering from influenza-like symptoms for 48 h or less were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study during the influenza season of 1999-2000 in Norway. Patients received 15 ml of elderberry or placebo syrup four times a day for 5 days and recorded their symptoms using a visual analog scale. Symptoms were relieved on average 4 days earlier and use of rescue medication was significantly less in those receiving elderberry extract compared with placebo. Elderberry extract seems to offer an efficient, safe, and cost-effective treatment for influenza. These findings need to be confirmed in a larger study.
I have used both the Sambucol syrup and my own homemade version of elderberry extract which I will share with you. Both have stopped or dramatically lessened cold and flu viruses within a day in our family. And, when there is a bug that seems to be stubborn, elderberry extract definitely lessens the punch.
In the study carried out with Sambucol syrup, there was a question as to whether or not their use of vitamin C had anything to do with its effectiveness, however, the lozenges seemed to at least reduce the symptoms.
In my personal opinion, using vitamin C can only help, and adding vitamin D adds an extra boost. But, without the elderberry, you won’t have the same effect.
Homemade elderberry Extract Saves Money
How? Well, purchase a large bag of organic dried elderberries for about $20, which usually comes in a 1-pound bag. This makes enough elderberry to get you through at least one winter, depending on how many people you have in your family. And, it is super easy to make!
A bottle of Sambucol or Sambucus costs about $17 on Amazon or more in a health food store. While I do use it in a pinch, I would not recommend it to save you money. Plus, a bottle of elderberry syrup or gummies does not go very far to actually stop a virus.
Elderberry Extract Recipe
This is my general (and somewhat perfected) recipe.
Ingredients you need:
- 1/2 cup of dried elderberries
- 1 cup of water
- 1-2 tablespoons of raw honey (an antiviral if you don’t use the cheap stuff)
- 2 tablespoons of powdered beef gelatin (for gut health)
- Stevia to taste
- 2-3 dried whole cloves (antiviral)
- 1/2 of a whole cinnamon stick
- 1 packet of grape single drink mix powder (sugar-free)
How to make your elderberry extract
I add 1/2 of a cup of dried elderberries (You can purchase them here), stevia, cloves, and cinnamon to 1 cup of water in a small saucepan. Heat the liquid over medium heat until it is reduced and dark in color. You won’t have but a half cup or less of liquid and it will probably be underneath the berries and seasonings.
Strain the liquid and then add in the gelatin, raw honey, and grape drink mix. Stir until the gelatin is dissolved, then cool until the liquid is at room temperature.
Using a funnel, pour the liquid into a small glass jar, or my favorite, a dropper bottle, making it easy to dispense.
Whenever you feel like a bug is coming on, or the kids look like they are coming down with something. Drop a half to a full dropper of extract into their mouths or a drink. Every time, the affected person feels ill, give them more extract. Do this until there are no more symptoms.
One Final Note
While this recipe works great and tastes awesome without any kid complaints, you can also have a similar effect from making a simple elderberry tea.
I simply add about a tablespoon of dried berries and seep them in about two cups of boiling water. Add in honey or other sweetener to the tea and drink.
While the elderberry does really boost your immune system, you can always supplement with other healthy vitamins such as C and D.
Some people even regularly add elderberry to their daily regimine to boost a resistance during the cold and flu season.
And, of course, we can all always eliminate the sugar and junk food from our diets! Either, way, this will help you and your family get well from just about any cold and flu virus.
