Elderberry Syrup

Modern medical studies have suggested that elderberry extract (mainly from
Sambucus nigra or black elderberry, “Shakespeare’s species”) has helped to
alleviate—and even kill—some strains of the flu. In addition, studies are
exploring additional antiviral, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory qualities of
elderberry, which shows promise as an immune booster and cell builder.

There are many recipes for elderberry syrup and they all require the addition of
sweetener to make it more palatable. Also, many of them use dried black
elderberries, because of their aforementioned medicinal properties. I’ve
prepared this syrup using our local elderberries and have been very happy to
have this on hand when the worst of the coughs and colds arrive midwinter. This
syrup is great in tiny doses for kids, though I have to admit that when I feel
the viruses coming on, I tend to grab my elderberry-infused brandy.