Fit as a Mama Bear

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • 4 Day Protein Challenge
  • Fitness
  • Shop
  • About Me
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • 4 Day Protein Challenge
    • Fitness
    • Shop
    • About Me
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Cold And Cough Remedies

    Elderberry Cough Syrup Recipe With Cinnamon And Honey

    Modified: Aug 19, 2024 · Published: Feb 1, 2020 by Shelby Stover · This post may contain affiliate links · 42 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    Pin image with text: two images of elderberry cough syrup in a mason jar with honey and elderberries behind it
    Pin image with text: homemade purple cough syrup in a mason jar with honey and elderberries behind it
    Pinterest image with text: homemade elderberry syrup in a mason jar with cinnamon sticks, honey and elderberries around it
    Pinterest image with text: homemade elderberry syrup in a mason jar with cinnamon sticks, honey and elderberries around it
    Pinterest image with text: two images with homemade elderberry syrup in mason jars. Elderberries on the side. One image with a spoon of syrup above the jar

    Use this easy elderberry cough syrup recipe to help ease a scratchy throat. With only six ingredients, this homemade cough syrup with honey is easy to whip up but packs a big punch to your immune system.

    Elderberries can help ease a cough and reduce the duration of cold systems. A natural cold remedy perfect for moms.

    Homemade elderberry syrup in a mason jar with cinnamon sticks, honey and elderberries around it.

    This elderberry syrup recipe whips up quickly and is a great way to soothe a sore throat. Likewise, as a Certified Nutrition Coach, it's always a great way to boost the immune system.

    Not only will this cough syrup help with a sore throat but it can also prevent symptoms from getting worse!

    Sources used in writing this blog post: health benefits of elderberry syrup, benefits of honey.

    Anti-Bacterial & Immune-Boosting Ingredients

    Dried elderberries: though fresh elderberries will work as well, I have never used them. It's much easier to get ahold of dried elderberries.

    Cinnamon: Cinnamon not only helps flavor this elderberry cough syrup recipe but can also help reduce inflammation which means it’s a great way to ease a sore throat.

    Cloves: Though the cloves are optional they've been said to be anti-bacterial. Full cloves are best (you strain them out afterward) but fresh, dried and ground cloves will work too. Likewise, powdered ginger is a great add in too!

    Fresh lemon juice: Lemon is one of the ingredients in my easy homemade cough drops recipe because lemon can help break down mucus in the throat. It’s anti-bacterial and especially soothing when combined with honey.

    Local, raw honey: Of course, the homemade elderberry syrup recipe is going to contain honey! Raw honey is a staple for sore throats because it’s soothing, it coats the throat, and is anti-bacterial.

    The best thing to do is use local, raw honey to get the biggest bang for your buck. This way, all the good stuff hasn’t been boiled out. Using local can also help you adjust to local pollen levels and reduce allergies.

    How To Make Elderberry Cough Syrup At Home

    • In a large pot, combine everything except the lemon juice and raw honey.
    • Heat until boiling and then reduce heat and keep it at a rolling boil for 30 minutes, stirring often.
    • Once boiling is done, pick out the cinnamon sticks and strain out the elderberries from the liquid.
    • Whisk in the honey and lemon juice.
    • Pour into a jar and keep in the fridge until needed.

    When To Use The Elderberry Syrup Recipe

    • Immediately when you feel a cough or cold coming on
    • As an immune system boost in the winter months 
    • In the form of homemade gummy bears.

    Just like cough syrup, Sage tea is another great way to ease a sore throat if you find yours "tickling".

    Important Teaching Tips

    • make sure you really boil down the elderberry syrup and cook the elderberries. Fresh elderberries are not to be consumed and can have toxic effects. 
    • you want to whisk the honey in while the mixture is warm but not hot! This prevents the good stuff in the honey from being broken down
    • store the elderberry syrup recipe in the fridge in an airtight jar
    • use the cough syrup when you feel a scratchy throat coming on. I personally take 1-5 tbs/day if I'm feeling sick
    • use the leftover berries to make elderberry tea
    • Know that elderberry extract has never been used in this cough syrup recipe so I don't know how it would alter it
    • Maple syrup cannot be used for honey.
    homemade elderberry syrup in a mason jar with cinnamon sticks, honey and elderberries around it.

    Homemade Cough Syrup Recipe For Kids

    Now, I’m not a doctor, herbalist, or anything of the sort. I personally use this elderberry cough syrup recipe with my kids.

    However, this was a very personal decision and I urge you to research. Learn, read and make your own informed decisions based on tested health benefits and what you’re comfortable with.

    For me, I feel far more comfortable giving them this homemade cough syrup for cold and flu symptoms than I do medical varieties. If it is something more serious, obviously consult and doc and do what you need to mama.

    We love elderberry cough syrup recipe as a preventative measure (like in homemade gummies) to keep our immune systems up in the winter.

    However, if you're not comfortable whipping up a batch for your kids, you can purchase elderberry syrup instead.

    House Staple
    Elderberry Syrup for Kids
    Elderberry Syrup for Kids
    $25.06

    If you don't want to make your own this is the best cough syrup for kiddos to give their immune system a boost!

    Buy Now
    07/11/2025 10:06 am GMT

    Frequently Asked Questions About Elderberry Syrup

    What are the benefits of elderberries?

    Elderberries have been a staple for cold and flu season for years. They’re used most in homemade elderberry syrup for coughs but are a general immune system boost. This means that they have health benefits that have been said to reduce inflammation and cough and cold symptoms.

    How do you store elderberry syrup?

    Homemade cough syrup is best stored in the fridge and should last roughly 6-8 weeks so long as it was cooked (boiled down) properly.

    Should I use elderberry extract?

    Elderberry extract is a potent variation of elderberry juice and is much different than homemade cough syrup. The extract is more geared towards boosting the immune system where as this cough syrup recipe helps to soothe cold and flu smptoms.

    Other Natural Cough & Cold Remedies

    To naturally prevent coughs and colds during the season we:

    • Make homemade fire cider,
    • Snack on gut-boosting gummies 
    • Implement proper nutrition and protein intake
    • Use a homemade honey cough syrup along with the elderberry version
    • Elderberry thoat lozenges
    • Use bone broth powder and whip up gut-healing chocolate smoothies
    • Dose up on fermented foods

    If you do end up with a bit of a cough or cold, make use of easy homemade cough drops, DIY shower melts to reduce congestion and electrolyte popsicles etc.

    I also use a lot of bone broth to both fight colds and prevent them! It's actually one of my most recommended foods for toddlers because it's so healing. However, making homemade broth takes TIME (a lot of it!) which I'm slightly limited on.

    So while I do strive to make my own I also make use of two-time savers: I use bone broth powder from perfect supplements (use code mamabear10) normally whisked into something (or even snuck into a gut healing chocolate smoothie!).

    Learn more about powdered bone broth.

    House Staple
    The Highest Quality Organic Bone Broth on The Planet
    The Highest Quality Organic Bone Broth on The Planet
    48.95

    Made from 100% USDA Organic and free-range chickens, this bone broth is a convenient way to enjoy the health benefits of bone broth without time spent in the kitchen. Use code mamabear10 to save money on your next order.



    Pros:
    • Is Non-GMO
    • Contains Type I, II, and III Collagen
    • Just 6% of Your RDA of Sodium
    • Is MSG Free
    • Is Glyphosate Free
    • Contains no toxic herbicides/pesticides.
    Buy Now

    It’s never fun getting sick as a mom. But what I’ve experienced is that while taking precautions to stay healthy doesn’t mean you NEVER Get sick; it tends to mean you don’t get as sick.

    Pinterest image with text: homemade elderberry syrup recipe in a mason jar with cinnamon sticks, honey and elderberries around it.

    homemade elderberry syrup in a mason jar with cinnamon sticks, honey and elderberries around it

    Homemade Elderberry Cough Syrup

    Shelby Stover
    A homemade cough syrup recipe made from elderberries honey and spices to ease a sore throat.
    5 from 19 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    10 minutes mins
    Total Time 45 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 16
    Calories 45 kcal

    Video

    Ingredients
      

    • 1.5 cups elderberries freeze-dried
    • 3 cups filtered water
    • 3 cinnamon sticks or 6 if they're short
    • 1 teaspoons nutmeg
    • ½ cup raw honey
    • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
    • ½ tablespoons cloves optional
    • 1 tablespoons fresh ginger optional

    Instructions
     

    • In a large piece of cookware, combine everything except the lemon juice and honey.
    • Heat until boiling and then reduce heat and keep it at a rolling boil for 30 minutes, stirring often.
    • Once boiling is done, pick out the cinnamon sticks and strain out the elderberries from the liquid. Make sure to press into the mesh sieve to get all the good juice!
    • Whisk in the honey and lemon juice.
    • Pour into a jar and keep in the fridge until needed.

    Notes

    • make sure you really boil down the syrup and cook the elderberries. Raw elderberries are not to be consumed
    • you want to whisk the honey in while the mixture is warm but not hot! This prevents the good stuff in the honey from being broken down
    • store the elderberry syrup in the fridge in an airtight jar
    • use the cough syrup when you feel a scratchy throat coming on. I personally take 1-5 tbs/day if I'm feeling sick
    • the recipe makes 1 cup which is about 16 sevrings
    Disclaimer:

    Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"

    Nutrition

    Calories: 45kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 4mgPotassium: 52mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 84IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword cough syrup,, elderberries, elderberry cough syrup, homemade cough syrup, honey, natural cough syrup
    Have You Tried This Recipe?Please leave a star rating and comment below. Mention @fitasamamabear or tag #fitasamamabear!

    This elderberry syrup recipe is a great way to help relieve a sore throat naturally! As well as give the immune system a helping hand. It’s simple to make so keep some on hand for when your system needs a boost!

    More Cold And Cough Remedies

    • Jar with brown honey and onions in it.
      Homemade Honey Onion SyrupFor Coughs
    • Homemade sore throat lozenges in a tipped over jar and in a silicone mold with dried elderberries around it.
      Elderberry Cough Drops Recipe For Sore Throat Relief
    • Mason jar with cinnamon, honey and garlic cloves with more cinnamon sticks behind it.
      Honey And Garlic Elixir For Cough And Cold
    • Fire Cider in a Jar with a lid on a distressed wood table.
      Homemade Fire Cider Recipe For Cough & Cold

    Comments

    1. Jennifer says

      July 16, 2022 at 10:09 am

      5 stars
      Cough syrup shouldn't taste so good! This really worked and it was a treat to have it go down nicely!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        July 16, 2022 at 12:42 pm

        Hehe it's definitely delicious! My kiddos love it.

        Reply
      • Sky says

        April 30, 2024 at 6:07 am

        Do you have to use freeze dried elderberries??

        Reply
        • fitasamamabear says

          April 30, 2024 at 5:43 pm

          It's personally all I've ever used. I think fresh would be fine if you're able to pick them and make sure they haven't been sprayed.

          Reply
    2. Sherrie says

      July 17, 2022 at 4:49 pm

      5 stars
      I've been looking for an elderberry cough syrup recipe for some time and yours is perfect! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Rose says

        April 17, 2023 at 9:01 am

        5 stars
        I tried this cough syrup recipe and by far it's the perfect I've made. It even tasted good!

        Reply
        • fitasamamabear says

          April 18, 2023 at 7:38 am

          Haha it's SO yummy eh?

          Reply
    3. Donna says

      July 18, 2022 at 12:28 am

      5 stars
      This worked out a little too perfectly - my youngest is hooked and keeps asking for more! Love it

      Reply
    4. Claire says

      July 18, 2022 at 1:31 am

      5 stars
      My partner won't touch store-bought cough syrup. He has bad memories of his mum pouring it down his throat as a kids. So every cold season he suffers with a the irritation of his cough.
      When I saw this I thought it was worth a go. He loved it. He likes to warm a little up before he takes it as he find the heat helps his throat as well. Such a great recipe 🙂

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        July 18, 2022 at 11:36 am

        Omg huge win! Happy I could help, it IS delicious warmed up, I hadn't even thought of that but I always lick the spoon when making it hehe

        Reply
    5. Amanda Dixon says

      April 17, 2023 at 8:18 am

      5 stars
      This worked beautifully. The spring allergies has had my throat all itchy, and this perfectly soothed it. Feels so much better!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        April 18, 2023 at 7:38 am

        Oh I hadn't even thought of that issue, glad it helped!

        Reply
    6. Sharina says

      April 17, 2023 at 9:16 am

      5 stars
      Finally! I got to have a restful sleep after drinking this elderberry cough syrup. Such a keeper!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        April 18, 2023 at 7:38 am

        Amazing to hear!

        Reply
    7. Clare says

      April 17, 2023 at 9:29 am

      5 stars
      This was a hit! If cough syrup can be a hit. But my kids hate cough syrup, they say it tastes like petrol (how they think they know that is beyond me!!!)
      But when they have coughs and sore throats, I really don't like them always sucking on those chemically cough sweets that really are nothing but sugar.
      So I gave this a go and it was delicious and good for them, and no of them minded taking it.
      I am so happy I found this recipe 🙂

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        April 18, 2023 at 7:38 am

        Ahh best thing ever. My kids love it too and actually ask for it lol SO much better than all the random ingredients they put into lozenges sometimes!

        Reply
    8. Lisa says

      April 17, 2023 at 10:12 am

      5 stars
      My family likes this homemade syrup much better than the premade. Thanks so much for sharing the recipe. It's delicious and works great.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        April 18, 2023 at 7:39 am

        Happy to hear it! My kiddos love it too.

        Reply
    9. Tallery says

      September 12, 2023 at 12:35 am

      How long does this last?

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        September 15, 2023 at 7:44 am

        If stored in the fridge mine has lasted a solid 4-6 weeks.

        Reply
    10. GRETA says

      September 12, 2023 at 10:17 am

      5 stars
      Yay, I found this recipe just in time. The cold season is here and so good to have a cough syrup recipe saved. Love it and will using this. Thanks for the recipe.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        September 15, 2023 at 7:45 am

        It's definitely a great help!

        Reply
    11. Lea says

      September 12, 2023 at 1:16 pm

      5 stars
      The ginger and lemon gave it a delightful zing! Helped with a terrible cough. Appreciate this recipe.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        September 15, 2023 at 7:45 am

        Wahoo!

        Reply
    12. Ali says

      September 12, 2023 at 1:19 pm

      5 stars
      Ha! Who knew we could make cough syrup at home and that it would taste so great!! Loved it!! Thank you

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        September 15, 2023 at 7:45 am

        Right?! My kids ask for it all season lol

        Reply
    13. Chad says

      September 12, 2023 at 2:42 pm

      5 stars
      This is WAY better than store bought. Thanks for the great recipe!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        September 15, 2023 at 7:46 am

        Thank you!

        Reply
    14. Jan says

      September 12, 2023 at 3:07 pm

      5 stars
      Just made a batch for the upcoming colder weather. All this time I've been buying this stuff and spending a ton of money monthly on it. Love that I can do it myself now!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        September 15, 2023 at 7:46 am

        It's SO expensive to buy!

        Reply
    15. Quinn says

      September 14, 2023 at 10:22 am

      5 stars
      This is the first homemade one that actually tastes good. Great flavor combo!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        September 15, 2023 at 7:50 am

        This is awesome to hear, glad you enjoy it!

        Reply
    16. Sam says

      September 14, 2023 at 11:39 am

      5 stars
      Making my second batch today - loved it the first time I made it and decided I cant live without! Thank you!!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        September 15, 2023 at 7:50 am

        Ahh yay! My kids actually ask for it lol

        Reply
    17. Betsy says

      September 14, 2023 at 1:06 pm

      5 stars
      With the seasons changing again, my allergies are so agitated. I cannot believe how great this homemade cough syrup (one) tastes and (two) how easy to make and (three) how much it helped my sore throat. I won't be purchasing store bought anymore. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        September 15, 2023 at 7:50 am

        Allergy season is a rough one, really happy this helps!

        Reply
    18. Kayla says

      September 14, 2023 at 3:36 pm

      5 stars
      Will try to make this and see if it alleviates my asthma attacks which I frequently get. I hope this works! thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        September 15, 2023 at 7:51 am

        Fingers crossed for you!

        Reply
    19. Maggie says

      September 14, 2023 at 4:34 pm

      5 stars
      I never thought of making cough syrup, but looking at the ingredients in my store-bought bottle of syrup made me not want to take it. The elderberries were at the local health food store, so I tried your recipe, which is super easy and works for sore throats.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        September 15, 2023 at 7:51 am

        It's so easy to make your own.. and such a mnoney saver!

        Reply
    20. Marc C says

      January 17, 2024 at 7:08 am

      Excellent ! Thank you Shelby.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        January 17, 2024 at 7:58 pm

        Anytime!

        Reply
    5 from 19 votes

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Blond haired woman in a black sweater outside smiling at the camera

    Welcome!

    I'm Shelby, a Certified Strength & Nutrition Coach who has spent the last 10 years helping women feel more comfortable in their skin though home strength training and healthy food- no diets, no shortcuts

    More about me
    • Amazon
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Mastodon
    • Pinterest
    • X
    • YouTube

    Popular

    • Woman in the gym laying on a bench with a mini band around her knees.
      The Best 9 Lower Glute Exercises + Underbutt Workout
    • Pin image with text: close up shot of a woman in purple sports bra and black pants lifting her shirt to show a flat tummy
      How To Fix Diastasis Recti Years Later
    • Mason jar with caramel protein shake topped with coconut whipped cream, caramel sauce and chocolate chips two red straws in the smoothie and chocolate chips on a cutting board behind it
      Salted Caramel Protein Shake (Dairy-Free)
    • Pin image with text: multiple images of high protein snacks like protein smoothies, donuts, protein fluff and ice cream
      48 High Protein Snack Recipes [Sweet Snacks]

    Seasonal

    • White bowl with a dragon fruit smoothie bowl in it topped with bananas, strawberries, and coconut on a yellow linen with berries, dragon fruit, and spoons around it.
      Dragon Fruit Protein Smoothie Bowl
    • Papaya smoothie bowl topped with berries, banana and coconut in a blue bowl with a spoon and fresh fruit behind it.
      Papaya Smoothie Bowl (High Protein)
    • Ginger beer mocktail in a mason jar with fresh mint and lime on the jar and ingredients and another jar around it.
      Refreshing Ginger Beer Mocktail
    • Mini food processor with homemade pesto sauce in it.
      Pesto Recipe Without Pine Nuts [Dairy-Free]

    Fitness Tips

    • Woman laying on floor with one knee bent and other in a hamstring stretch.
      5 Best Hamstring Exercises for Runners
    • Woman in blue shorts and tank top running outside.
      Want to Run Better? These 11 Tips Change Everything
    • Woman performing a squat with a pink mini band around her legs.
      36 Mini Band Exercises + A Full Body Workout
    • Woman in piegon pose on a bench for a glute stretch.
      9 Best Glute Stretches

    Follow Me On Social:

    • Amazon
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Mastodon
    • Pinterest
    • X
    • YouTube

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    DISCLAIMERS As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.The content on Fit as a Mama Bear is provided for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented here. Statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. No products mentioned are intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.










    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

    This worked exactly as written, thanks!
    My family loved this!
    Thank you for sharing this recipe

    Or write in your own words:

    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.