Homemade Elderberry and Lavender Syrup
By Alexis Hardy
Cold, Flu, and Corona season are upon us! One of my family’s favorite recipes during the winter is homemade elderberry and lavender syrup. I prefer homemade over store-bought supplements because I can control the ingredients that go into this syrup. Most supplements are full of way too much sugar and do not contain pure elderberry. Even the most popular elderberry supplements contain “elderberry flavor,” which does not give the same beneficial properties of true elderberries!
Elderberries have played an important role in health and wellbeing throughout history. They have been used to fight respiratory infections and boost immunity for hundreds of years. Elderberries are packed with antioxidants like flavonoids and vitamin C. Scientists have now just begun to study the antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties of elderberries. The studies are promising and indicate that elderberries provide health benefits such as reduced cold duration.
My recipe includes one of my favorite herbs: lavender. Lavender is an essential herb to keep in your pantry. This herb is commonly used to promote calm and helps with depression and anxiety. Used in dishes, it gives a bright floral flavor. When digested, lavender can help relieve indigestion.
I prefer to use a pressure cooker (like an Instant Pot) to boil this syrup. I use a pressure cooker to ensure I am extracting all of the yummy benefits from the elderberries. If you don’t own a pressure cooker, you can boil in a saucepan.
Elderberry syrup can be taken straight – 1 Tablespoon for adults and 1 teaspoon for children once a day. Or you can use this syrup liberally on top of pancakes, which is one of my family’s favorite ways to eat it up. This syrup doesn’t last long in my house! From my family to yours, we hope you have a safe and healthy year!
About the Author – Passionate about herbs, flowers, and food, Alexis Hardy enjoys spending her time in her garden. She lives with her husband and two children in Salt Lake City, Utah. When it’s cold and snowy during the winter-time she enjoys sewing and cooking. Follow her on Instagram @hardyhomemade for more home and garden tips.
