Last Updated on August 16, 2024 by Kiersten James
High potency elderberry syrup recipe for toddlers to keep your family healthy during school and flu season this year.
Having lots of experience in immunotherapy, I have always been a long time proponent for elderberry syrup. It has recently been proven by scientists to be a highly potent and effective weapon against the flu virus in humans.
Follow along below for the elderberry syrup recipe I use for my family. I’ve also included dosing guidelines for both adults and children.
Never give any product or syrup containing honey to children under 1 due to the increased risk of botulism poisoning.
Fun Facts About Elderberries
Fresh berries, their bark, and leaves are poisonous if eaten raw.
In the Middle Ages, elderberry trees were considered holy with the capabilities to restore health and promote long lives.
Hippocrates called elderberry “nature’s medicine chest“.
Elderberries are packed with anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are potent antioxidants with anti-inflammatory effects. They are also what give the berries their dark purple color.
Elderberry Syrup Recipe for Toddlers
Things you may need
- Large pot
- Large bowl
- Mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Glass storage containers (these are what I use)
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk (optional)
- Funnel (optional)
Ingredients
- 4 cups filtered water
- 1 cup organic dried elderberries
- 2 tablespoons organic dried rose hips
- 1/4 cup organic raw honey
- 1 tablespoon organic whole cloves
- 5-6 large shavings of raw ginger root
- 5 organic cinnamon sticks
Instructions
Add all ingredients except the honey to a large pot.
Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for one hour or until liquid content reduces by half.
Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool on the stove.
Once cool, use a mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the contents of the pot into a large bowl. Push the material into the strainer with a wooden spoon to encourage liquid release.
Save the liquid, discard the solid material. Side note: I’ve poured the elderberry decoction right down my sink drain in distracted mom moments more than twice.
Add the honey to the cooled liquid. Stir or whisk until well combined.
Pour the elderberry syrup into a glass storage container. A funnel or small ladle makes this easier!
How to Store Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry syrup, when made properly, will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 months in an air tight glass bottle.
Since this elderberry syrup is freshly made and contains no preservatives, it will start to ferment if left out on the counter too long. It’s not a big deal, but the taste will suffer and it may cause you to go to the bathroom more frequently.
Don’t forget to shake well before each use.
Elderberry Syrup Recipe for Toddlers: How to Use
Children and adults with active illness
Sick children 2 years and older: 1 teaspoon (5mL) by mouth at 7am, 1pm, and 7pm for 7 days or duration of symptoms, if shorter. Continue twice daily 12 hours apart for one additional week after symptoms improve.
Sick adults and children 12 years and older: 1 tablespoon (15mL) by mouth at 7am, 12pm, 4pm, and 8pm for 7 days or duration of symptoms, if shorter. Continue twice daily 12 hours apart for two additional weeks.
Children and adults exposed to the virus
Children exposed to the flu virus but not actively ill: 1 teaspoon (5mL) by mouth twice daily, 12 hours apart for two weeks. If conversion to illness occurs, increase dosing to three times daily following the above regimen.
Adults and children 12 years and older exposed to the flu virus but not actively ill: 1 tablespoon (15mL) by mouth twice daily 12 hours apart for 2 weeks. If conversion to illness occurs, increase dosing to four times daily following above the regimen.
Immune support during flu season (September through April)
Children 2 years and older: 1 teaspoon (5mL) once daily.
Adults and children 12 years and older: 1 tablespoon (15mL) once daily.
More Home Remedies for Cold & Flu Season
Easy Fermented Garlic Honey Recipe (Uses & Benefits)
Homemade Amish Cough Syrup Recipe (Kids & Adults)
How to Make Pine Tea to Alleviate Cold Symptoms (Safe for Children)
Elderberry Syrup Recipe for Toddlers
Sharing my high potency elderberry syrup recipe for toddlers to keep your family healthy during school and flu season this year.
Materials
- 4 cups filtered water
- 1 cup organic dried elderberries
- 2 tablespoons organic dried rose hips
- 1/4 cup organic raw honey
- 1 tablespoon organic whole cloves
- 5-6 large shavings of raw ginger root
- 5 organic cinnamon sticks
Tools
- Large pot
- Large bowl
- Mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Glass storage containers
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk (optional)
- Funnel (optional)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except the honey to a large pot.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for one hour or until liquid content reduces by half.
- Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool on the stove.
- Once cool, use a mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the contents of the pot into a large bowl. Push the material into the strainer with a wooden spoon to encourage liquid release.
- Save the liquid, discard the solid material or add it to compost. Side note: I've poured the elderberry decoction right down my sink drain in distracted mom moments more than twice.
- Add the honey to the cooled liquid. Stir or whisk until well combined.
- Pour the elderberry syrup into a glass storage container. A funnel or small ladle makes this easier!
Notes
Elderberry syrup, when made properly, will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 months in an air tight glass bottle. Shake well before using.
Children and adults with active illness:
Sick children 2 years and older: 1 teaspoon (5mL) by mouth at 7am, 1pm, and 7pm for 7 days or duration of symptoms, if shorter. Continue twice daily 12 hours apart for one additional week after symptoms improve.
Sick adults and children 12 years and older: 1 tablespoon (15mL) by mouth at 7am, 12pm, 4pm, and 8pm for 7 days or duration of symptoms, if shorter. Continue twice daily 12 hours apart for two additional weeks.
Children and adults exposed to the virus:
Children exposed to the flu virus but not actively ill: 1 teaspoon (5mL) by mouth twice daily, 12 hours apart for two weeks. If conversion to illness occurs, increase dosing to three times daily following the above regimen.
Adults and children 12 years and older exposed to the flu virus but not actively ill: 1 tablespoon (15mL) by mouth twice daily 12 hours apart for 2 weeks. If conversion to illness occurs, increase dosing to four times daily following above the regimen.
Immune support during flu season (September through April):
Children 2 years and older: 1 teaspoon (5mL) once daily.
Adults and children 12 years and older: 1 tablespoon (15mL) once daily.
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