I had never heard of elderberry or its benefits until I became a homesteader.
But in the fall and winter, it becomes a big buzz word around the community.
So today, I wanted to take a deeper look into elderberry, with its benefits and drawbacks. Then we will discuss how you can use this plant on your homestead to benefit your family.

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What is elderberry?
“Elderberry refers to several varieties of the Sambucus tree, which has clusters of white flowers and black or blue-black berries. The most common variety is Sambucus nigra, also known as European elderberry or black elderberry.” Healthline
You can grow these in your backyard, just like other berries. Then you can make all kinds of elderberry concoctions without paying the hefty health food store price tag.
What are the benefits of elderberry?
You have heard that elderberry syrups and gummies can help you get through the cold and flu season quicker, but what are the real benefits of elderberry?
- High in nutrients, including vitamin C, dietary fiber, antioxidants and flavonols.
- Can reduce severity and length of the cold and flu
- May have positive effects of heart and blood vessel health.
- Helps fight cancer
- Fights harmful bacteria
- May support the immune system
- Could protect against UV radiation
- May increase urination
- May have some antidepressant properties.
- Info from Healthline.com
What are the dangers of elderberry?
Elderberry can be toxic if not used properly.
In order to eat the berries, they need to be cooked first. Eating raw elderberries can lead to stomach issues in humans.
The flowers of the plant are edible, but not the bark or rest of the plant.
Follow instructions properly when making homemade elderberry products to ensure your family’s safety.

How can I use elderberry on the homestead?
Here are a few recipes for different ways to use elderberry in your home and on the homestead.
Elderberry Syrup
How to Make (Immune-Boosting) Homemade Elderberry Syrup @ Live Simply
Instant Pot Elderberry Syrup @ Graceful Little Honey Bee
Elderberry Tincture
How To Make An Elderberry Tincture @ Traditional Cooking School
Frozen Elderberry Drops
DIY Frozen Elderberry Drops for Kids @ Eco Living Mama
Elderberry Jelly
The Best Elderberry Jelly Recipe @ Taste of Home
Elderberry Gummies
Elderberry Gummies for Cold, Flu and Sleep @ Real Food RN
Elderberry Jam
Elderberry Jam: A Homemade, Sugar-free and Easy-to-Make Jam @ Claudia Canu
Elderberry Tea
How to Make Elderberry Tea @ Wellness Mama
Elderberry Vinegar
How to Make Elderberry-Infused Herbal Vinegar @ Mountain Rose Herbs
Elderberry Elixir
Elderberry Calendula Cold & Flu Elixir @ The Herbal Academy
Elderberry Lollipops
Paleo Elderberry Lollipops with Lemon Balm & Lavender @ Salt In My Coffee
Elderberry Honey
Fermented Elderberry Honey @ Grow Forage Cook Ferment
Elderberry Powder
How to Dehydrate Elderberries and Make Elderberry Powder @ Healing Harvest Homestead
That is a long list! There are so many ways to incorporate elderberry into your family’s life to increase their immune system and keep them well this cold and flu season.

How do you use elderberry in your home or homestead? Let us know in the comments below. And if you found this post helpful, please share. Thanks!

Don't know where to start with homesteading?
Grab our checklist to show you how to make your dreams a reality, step by step.
When you sign up for our email list, you will get this PDF for free, along with weekly emails covering topics on gardening, homesteading, etc. Don't worry. We won't spam your inbox. You can unsubscribe any time.