Easy DIY Tonic for Your Immune System

Elder is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in the world. Both the flowers and berries from Sambucus nigra, or black elder, were commonly used to support immunity and respiratory function.

Today, elderberries are brewed into a syrup that contains vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, iron, B6, fiber, and beta-carotene. Our Elderberry Tonic makes a delicious syrup to use on a daily basis to boost your immune system, increase your vitamin intake, and to help you ward off viruses and colds. 

Elderberry Tonic

All you need for your Elderberry Tonic kit is a stove, pot, and container. I like to use a mason jar for storage!

Elderberry Syrup Instructions

• Before opening, shake the bag well to mix ingredients.
• In a pot on the stove, bring two cups of water to a boil.
• Add 1/3 cup of elderberry mixture to the hot water and turn down to a rolling simmer.
• Once reduced to 1 cup of liquid (about 20 mins), strain. The dried berries will absorb the water as it simmers, so to get the most out of the berries we suggest you use a fine strainer, cheesecloth or muslin bag to catch the berries and once cool, squeeze as much of the remaining juice out as possible.
• Refrigerate.

Notes on usage & dosage*

*Please consult your healthcare provider with any concerns before taking herbs or supplements.

• For Immunity: Adults take ½ - 1 tbsp daily. Children under six take ½ - 1 tsp daily.
• For Cold and Flu: Adults, take one tbsp every 2-3 hours. Children under six, take 1 tsp every 2-3 hours.

Tips for Storage

Store your syrup in a labeled glass jar in the refrigerator. It keeps for up to 3 weeks (the sugar acts as a natural preservative). Read on for a couple of my favorite recipes for your elderberry syrup!

3-Ingredient Elderberry Soda
by love simply

I’ve tried and tested this mocktail recipe and it is delicious! It might just be my new go-to for how I drink my daily syrup.

Ingredients:

1 cup plain sparkling water (like S.Pellegrino, La Croix, etc.)
1 TB homemade elderberry syrup
½ lime, juiced
ice
(optional) fresh herb garnish, like thyme or mint

Instructions:

• Pour the sparkling water into a glass, followed by the elderberry syrup and lime juice. Stir the soda to combine the ingredients.
• Top the soda off with ice and an herb garnish if you want to feel fancy. 

 Vegan Elderberry Gummies

If, like me, you sometimes have difficulty getting your kids to drink Elderberry Tonic, why not try and make it fun for them. Gummies are a treat, right? Your kids will gobble them up!

Ingredients:

½ cup elderberry syrup
½ cup juice (like pomegranate)
3 tsp unrefined sugar
2 ¼ tsp agar

Instructions:

• Add the juice and agar to ½ cup of syrup and stir well.
• Turn on the heat and gently heat to a simmer.
• Add sugar and continue to heat for 5-10 minutes.
• When the mixture takes on a slightly thicker and less grainy appearance, remove from the heat.
• Pour the mixture into the molds.
• Cool slightly on the counter and then transfer to the refrigerator to cool completely.
• After 30 minutes, unmold and place gummies in a storage container.
• Store in the refrigerator.

With deep reverence to Christine and the plant allies she works with, we thank New Moon Tea Co.

Christine Riediger is the creator, blender, artist, and dreamer behind all of the teas and products that New Moon Tea Co has to offer.

Inspired by the earth and plants around us and the ancient traditions which were used as prevention, maintenance, and restoration, she embarked on a journey to learn the ancient art of herbalism. Through New Moon Tea Co., she invites you to come along on a clean, fair, healthy, and hand-crafted tea journey, one cup at a time.

For more goddess goodies, sign up for your own magical box here!

If you liked this post, check out Herbal Remedies: Using Spagyrics to Go Deeper with Plants.