The One Remedy I Never Let Our Home Run Out Of
The scratchy throat. The runny nose. The subtle ache that says, “Here it comes.”
My body feels worn down, and soon enough my kids start to complain about sore throats. It’s the familiar cycle of autumn—when the pace of life speeds up just as our bodies are calling us to slow down.
And yet, despite writing reminders to everyone else about listening to the season’s cues, here I am… not following my own advice.
So what’s an herbalist to do when the household starts to feel sick?
Elderberry syrup.
If you aren’t already taking it, now is the perfect time to start. Elderberry is a gentle, nourishing immune ally that helps support your body through cold and flu season. It’s most effective when taken daily as a preventative, but it can also be increased when you start to feel run down.
In my home, I make a big batch every fall, and it becomes part of our daily rhythm—just one more way we nourish ourselves as a family.
Simple Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Ingredients:
1 cup dried elderberries
½ tsp whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick (or 1 tbsp cinnamon chips)
1 tsp–1 tbsp grated fresh ginger (optional, for a warming kick)
3 cups filtered water
1 cup local raw honey
Instructions:
Add elderberries, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger to a pot with water.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes.
Strain out the herbs and pour the liquid into a clean glass jar.
Once slightly cooled, stir in honey until well mixed.
Store in the refrigerator for up to two months.
Dosage:
Kids: 1 teaspoon daily
Adults: 1 tablespoon daily
When feeling run down: take twice a day
My Trusted Elderberry Sources
For organic dried elderberries, I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs.
If you’d prefer to purchase a premade elderberry syrup, here are a few of my favorites:
Herb Pharm: Kids Black Elderberry AF or the adult version
Wise Woman Herbals: Elderberry Syrup
Gaia Herbs: Black Elderberry Syrup
You can also explore other immune-boosting blends to keep on hand:
Herb Pharm: Immune Avenger (a must-have for kids)
Wise Woman Herbals: Elderberry Plus Syrup
Gaia Herbs: Black Elderberry Syrup – Extra Strength
All of these are available through my Fullscript Store — you’ll receive 10% off your order, plus an extra 5% for first-time purchases!
A Note on Echinacea
Elderberry and Echinacea make a powerful duo for immune support. When your body is fighting something off, adding a splash of Echinacea to your elderberry syrup or taking a tincture alongside it can help shorten recovery time.
Just remember—Echinacea is meant for acute use, not as a daily supplement. Save it for those times your body truly needs an extra boost.
Happy herbal making, my friends.
May your homes stay warm, your hearts nourished, and your immune systems strong this season.
Be well.
In Peace, Love and Service,
Rebecca
