The Power of Elderberry: Immune Support & A Delicious Gummy Recipe
When it comes to natural immune support, elderberry has been used for centuries in traditional herbal medicine. Known for its rich, dark purple berries, Sambucus nigra (elderberry) is a powerhouse of nutrients and antioxidants that support overall wellness—especially during the cooler months when colds and flu are more common.
At Gut Recovery Centre, we’re big fans of getting back to basics with real food and natural remedies. So, let’s chat about why elderberry is an immune-boosting hero, and how you can whip up your own elderberry gummies at home (with a little help from gelatin and local honey!).
The Benefits of Elderberry
Elderberry has been traditionally used for:
Immune support – rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and anthocyanins that help modulate immune response.
Antiviral properties – studies suggest elderberry can reduce the duration and severity of colds and flu symptoms.
Antioxidant protection – supports the body in fighting oxidative stress and inflammation.
Respiratory health – may help relieve congestion and soothe irritated sinuses.
Gut and metabolic health – the polyphenols in elderberries also feed beneficial gut bacteria and support metabolic wellbeing.
In herbal medicine, elderberry is considered a supportive remedy that helps the body's innate healing processes, making it a beautiful ally in both preventative care and acute immune support.
We love elderberry in syrups, teas, and of course—gummies! It’s a delicious way to get a daily boost, especially when combined with gut-loving gelatin and local honey. (As always, if you’re on medication or have a health condition, check in with a qualified practitioner before starting anything new.)
Why We Love Adding Gelatin & Local Honey
This elderberry gummy recipe isn't just delicious—it’s also a functional food.
Gelatin is a fantastic source of amino acids, particularly glycine, which supports the health of the gut lining, skin, joints, and connective tissue. From a naturopathic perspective, we love foods that nourish both the immune system and the gut.
Local honey – A spoonful of local honey does more than just taste good. It’s rich in antioxidants and has natural antibacterial properties. Plus, using local honey may help your body adapt to local pollens (handy for those spring sniffles).
Elderberry Gummies Recipe
What you need:
500ml elderberry juice (homemade or store-bought)
4 tbsp grass-fed gelatin powder
4 tbsp local honey (adjust to taste)
Something to set the gummies in – silicone moulds, muffin trays, or a baking dish all work great.
What to do:
Pour the elderberry juice into a saucepan.
Sprinkle the gelatin powder over the juice and let it sit for a few minutes to bloom (this means it will absorb the liquid and look wrinkled or slightly clumpy).
Turn the heat to low and stir gently until the gelatin dissolves completely. This only takes a few minutes—avoid boiling.
Remove from heat, allow to cool slightly, then stir in the honey.
Pour the mixture into silicone moulds or a lined baking dish.
Place in the fridge for a few hours until fully set.
Once set, pop the gummies out of the moulds, or if using a baking dish, cut them into squares or rectangles.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. They last about 3–5 days. (They can get a little watery if left out at room temperature too long.)
Tips and Variations:
Elderberry juice is naturally tart, so feel free to adjust the amount of honey to your preferred taste—more if you like it sweet, less if you prefer it tart.
Get creative! You can infuse the elderberry juice with cinnamon, ginger, or clove for extra immune benefits and a beautiful warming flavour.
You can also start by making your own elderberry syrup (simmering berries with water and spices) and then adding the gelatin to that.
Taking a couple of gummies daily can be a great way to boost your immune system and overall wellness. As always, check in with your practitioner for guidance, especially for children, pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you have underlying health conditions.
Stock Up on Your Favourites
Looking for high-quality elderberry syrup, grass-fed gelatin, or other wellness goodies? Check out our curated picks on Vital.ly—it’s our go-to spot for practitioner-approved products!
You’ll need to sign up with us first by clicking the button below, and then we can make recommendations for you. If you already have a Vital.ly account with another practitioner, you can search for the products we mention when you order next, but make sure you check with them to make sure they are a good fit for you.
A Naturopath's Tip
Herbs like elderberry are most effective when combined with a holistic approach—nourishing your gut, supporting sleep, managing stress, and eating a diverse, whole-foods diet. Nature provides us with the tools to thrive, and elderberry is a beautiful example.