Elderberry tincture versus syrup

[TeresaSue D HokeHouseStudent]

This fall after I harvested elderberries I made my first elderberry tincture and syrup.  I am curious as to what others with more experience think the best use of the elderberries are.  Are they better in the syrup, simply because it’s so pleasant to take or are they better in the tincture because you get the most unadulterated benefits from the berries?  Am I missing something in my inexperience?

I have been taking the syrup daily.  I’ve felt like I’m trying to catch a cold so I’ve been taking multiple doses and it seems to be helping.  I haven’t had a chance to use the tincture yet because it isn’t ready yet.

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Sydnia Ginger Anady

[PaigeStudent]

I have seen some of the video Doc Jones has done on elderberry, and it sounds like he likes the elderberry leaf.  I will be interested to see what he types as a response.  Personally, I have used both the syrup and tincture.  I like tinctures because you can pull them off the shelf when you need them.  I have a shelf stable syrup recipe I am working on now.  Glad you are felling better.

PMR

[AnnettStudent]

If you feel like sharing your shelf stable recipe, I’d appreciate it. ?

[Enid SmithStudent]

Hi,

We’re you able to come up with a shelf stable Elderberry syrup?

[DawnStudent]

Yes, good question. I’m interested in this answer too. My thoughts are that they both have their place: one being preserved for future and travel and the other being child/palate friendly. But I understand that alcohol extrapolates different components than water so they are also different in that way. Looking forward to Doc’s experience 🙂 Thanks for inquiring.

[PaigeStudent]

Shelf Stable Elderberry Syrup:

2/3c dried elderberries

1/2c elder flowers/leaves ( just a few leaves)

1 tbsp fresh ginger or less dried ginger

2c brandy

honey to taste

Store in dark, cool place for 4-6 weeks, shaking frequently.  I am then going to add some honey after I strain it, although you could add it before.

Possible additions:  calendula, rosehips, orange or lemon zest

*Also just thought of this, but I am sure you could add some of Doc Jones’ powders or tinctures to strengthen it.

PMR

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Annett, Jo Katsarelis, Gina Younk, Linda A Pawlowski, Chris Durning, Sandra Gay, Alisa Walker, Billie barnette, TeresaSue D HokeHouse, Dawn

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Leaf is stronger than berry. Berry is stronger than flower. I only use the leaf in adults. Berry in anybody, flower in infants.

Tinctures are less work and have a much longer shelf life. Syrups are much tastier and don’t need a shelf life because everyone happily slurps them up. :0)

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

Total of 17 users thanked author for this post. Here are last 10 listed.

Linda Buckley, Stacy Hollingsworth, Dawn Yellets, Sydnia Ginger Anady, Tamra Barnes, Jean, Barb Roth, coronaleo, Helen Pirtle, Chris Durning

[SharonStudent]

But which is more EFFECTIVE – tincture or syrup?  I’m old and take a lot of tinctures anyway, so what’s one more that “could” have been sweeter?  I’d personally rather go for whichever one packs the most punch!

Also, I’ve read recently on Richard Wheelan’s site that Echinacea root and Astragalus are absolutely amazing tonics that can be taken long term and really are quite the “miracle tonic” for the body.  Doc can correct me if this is wrong, but it seems that those two things would be really, really great to take “these days” (and everyone knows what that means)!

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coronaleo, Chris Durning

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

In general, I think tinctures are more effective in some ways than teas or syrups but any of those will do the trick.

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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Jean, Gina Younk, Sharon, Chris Durning, TeresaSue D HokeHouse

[TeresaSue D HokeHouseStudentTopic Author]

Thank you to everyone who answered my question and contributed other information.

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Inger-Lise Pedersen

[DianeStudent]

My 89 year old mother takes 1Tbl/day during “flu season.”  Last year, she “just wasn’t feeling right” and my sister took her to the doctor.  The doctor was sure it wasn’t anything but tested her for the flu as a precautionary measure.  When the doctor came back, he wanted to know what in the world she was doing because she had both Type A and B flu and shouldn’t even feel up to walking much less going out to the doctor!  He’s not much of an “herbal guy” so my mom was afraid to tell him what she was taking.  My sister spoke up and the doctor was stunned and, when he recovered, he said to keep it up!  Now she tells everyone! 🙂

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Tamra Barnes, Jean, Stacy Mackey, Chris Durning

[Milagros LeeStudent]

Wow, both types of the flu and she was walking around and going to see the doctor, incredible.  Glad to hear that she got better and that she was told to “keep it up”, someone else might not have agreed.

Millie

[JeanStudent]

Interesting.  This is the first time that I have heard that one can use the leaf!

[Gina YounkStudent]

Thank you for the clarification – learned something new today!

[bob taylorStudent]

My syrup is not shelf stable, but it is so delicious that it doesn’t last long and I have been selling it to people in our area by the pint. Here is my recipe:

1 quart of elderberry juice or 2 cups of dried berries and 4 cups of filtered or spring water

2 sticks of cinnamon

1 tbsp dried cloves

1/4 cup lemon juice (fresh or bottled)

3 tbsp fresh ginger or 1 tsp dried ginger

optional;

1/4 cup cut/sifted Astragulus root

1 tbsp Cardamom

1/4 – 1/2 cup rose hips

Low simmer for 30 minutes. Allow to cool so you can strain it without burning yourself. Add 1 cup of raw honey or vegetable glycerine (I can’t have honey, myself) for every cup of finished juice. Put in pint canning jars and keep in the fridge. If you take a tablespoon daily you will use it up before it is no longer usable.

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Lorica, Barb Roth, Helen Pirtle, Linda A Pawlowski, Chris Durning, Sandra Gay, Dawn

[Greg BoggsStudent]

This sounds great! I’ll have to try it out sometime

[Chris DurningStudent]

I recently ordered Elderberries & they just came in.  I don’t have an Elderberry Bush yet & have not sourced any locally to gather myself. I plan on planting my own for this spring! Very Excited to add this to my garden.  I am looking forward to making Elderberry Syrup & also an Elderberry Tincture. These recipes sound yummy, as well as, full of healthy nutrients for building immunity in our bodies!!!  😆 😛

[Barb RothStudent]

I just planted elderberry plants that I got from a neighbor last spring.  Hopefully, I will see some produce this year.  Can’t wait!  🙂

[Lisa BatemanStudent]

I got dried berries and just set 2 qt jars of tincture.  I may try the brandy recipe in a previous reply! I planted some this fall (I couldn’t get to it til then) and I can’t wait to have my own. I’d like to add one more species to ensure good harvests. I plan on ordering some clippings  early this spring.

Lisa Bateman

[JeanStudent]

For what its worth . . . some people cannot handle the high sugar content.  But, it probably can be adjusted.  (But that may affect shelf life)  My grandmother use to have elderberry wine on the top shelf.  That sounds interesting.

[Sydnia Ginger AnadyStudent]

i prefer using the tincture- it tastes fairly good and has no sugar in it….trying to cut down on my honey use

[JeanStudent]

When I have to use up things that are too sweet, I add strong tasting tinctures to it to tone it down.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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