By Carissa, trained herbalist and co-owner of Town Farm Tonics
So, what is elderberry syrup used for? Short answer: elderberry syrup is a sweet, tangy herbal syrup that people have traditionally taken in the fall and winter, and these days it's also stirred into drinks, drizzled on yogurt, and swirled into just about anything that could use a little fruity depth. At our house in Westport, it's a daily staple once the weather turns. We love using it as the base for our morning supplement shot; mine has Vit D + K and a homemade post-partum support tincture. My toddler's has cod liver oil, elecampane for his lung health, and probiotics. The rich flavor masks any bitter or bold notes from supplements, so adults & kids alike can enjoy their morning health shot!
If you're new to elderberry, or you've been taking it for years and wondered what the actual story is, this is your simple guide.
What Is Elderberry Syrup?
Elderberry Syrup is made by simmering elderberries with water and other kitchen herbs and spices to create then preserving the result with honey. The cooking matters, since elderberries aren't meant to be eaten raw. Simmering them creates a decoction, which is how a bitter, tart little berry turns into something you want to sip off a spoon. The simmering is also how the health-supportive compounds are concentrated.
Ours is made in small batches with elderberries, local honey, apple cider vinegar, ginger, rose hips, cinnamon, nettles, and elderflower. That's it. Real food and herbs, no mystery ingredients. Once you taste it, you'll get why it's a favorite: sweet first, then tart, with a touch of warmth.
What Is Elderberry Syrup Traditionally Used For?
Elderberry has a long history in folk herbalism, particularly in Europe. For generations, people have turned to it as a cold-weather kitchen herb, the kind of thing a household keeps on hand when the days get shorter and everyone starts trading sniffles. Interestingly, folklore includes stories of protective magic - not far off from how Elder protects our health to this day!
Today, most people who take elderberry syrup are doing it for the same reason: they want a simple daily habit as the seasons change. Some take it every day through the fall and winter. Some keep it for the first sign that a family member is run down. Either way, it works as a habit that's easy to keep, because a spoonful of something delicious is a lot easier to stick with than something you hold your nose & gulp down!
How Do You Use Elderberry Syrup?
Beyond the spoon, Town Farm Tonics Elderberry Syrup is so versatile because it's SO delicious. We crafted ours as a functional food, intended to be used for health & enjoyment. Here are some of our favorite uses:
- Straight from the spoon. The classic. Or in a shot glass if you want to feel fancy.
- In a warm mug. Stir a spoonful into hot water or tea.
- With Fire Cider. A spoonful of each in a mug of hot water makes a sweet-and-spicy afternoon sip.
- Over yogurt or ice cream. Voila, dessert that feels like a health food. (It is, we say ;)
- In soda water. A spoonful plus bubbles is an instant herbal soda.
- In sauces. Up the ante on BBQ sauce or a glaze for roasted vegetables.
If you're hunting for more ways, check out our post on hot elderberry lemonade for a cozy way to warm up.
How Much Elderberry Syrup Should You Take?
Follow the serving size on our label; that's 1 tablespoon for adults and 1 teaspoon for children. One 8 oz bottle makes 16 adult servings, or 48 child servings, which makes it quite budget-friendly for families. Affordability is important to us, and we made sure to balance the best ingredients with a product families can afford.
What Makes Our Elderberry Syrup Different?
We're a small family business, and we make our syrup in small batches, with traditional methods with whole ingredients. That means slow simmering and a real human stirring. That means over an hour of steeping whole nettle leaves and rose hips. That means pressing every single ounce of herbs so no drop of magic juice is left behind. We use local honey, and we include herbs like ginger, rose hips, cinnamon, nettles, and elderflower, so you can taste AND feel the difference. It's a functional food, meant to live on your counter and be part of your day, not a supplement you forget in the cabinet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take elderberry syrup every day?
Many people take it daily through the fall and winter. Elderberries have long been a nutritious food, like other wild berries, used in pies, jams, liquors, etc. We do not add any additional immune stimulating herbs like echinacea. So our recipe is gentle enough to enjoy regularly as part of your self care routine.
Is elderberry syrup safe for kids?
A typical serving size for a child is about 1/4 of an adult serving; we suggest 1 teaspoon. It contains honey, so it's not for children under one. For anything beyond that, ask your pediatrician.
When is the best time to take elderberry syrup?
There's no single "right" time. Most people take it in the morning so it's the first thing you think of... The best time is whatever you'll stick with!
Why shouldn't elderberries be eaten raw?
Raw elderberries can upset your stomach, which is why they're cooked in syrups.
A Simple Way to Start
If you're curious, start with a daily spoonful for a couple of weeks and see how it fits into your day. Pair it with simple habits that matter more than any one herb: plenty of water, good food, rest. Add it to a mug, a yogurt bowl, or a shot glass, and make it your own.