October 01, 2026

Homemade Elderberry Gummies: Herbal Immune Support for the Whole Family

It’s that time of year again—crisp fall mornings, back-to-school routines, and cozy sweaters! With cold and flu season just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about natural ways to support your immune system and maintain balanced wellness throughout the fall and winter months. By incorporating supportive seasonal herbal friends like Elderberry (Sambucus nigra, S. canadensis), you can help strengthen your body’s resilience against those seasonal sniffles!

Elderberry is an all-time favourite herbal remedy for preventing and fighting colds and flu. Its immune-stimulating and antiviral herbal actions make it especially effective during the onset of illness. These vibrant purple berries are packed with antioxidants, soothing coughs, supporting respiratory health, as well as helping reduce the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms.

Making your own elderberry syrup into gummies at home is a delicious, practical way to maintain a healthy immune system to help care for the whole family. To get started, you’ll need a good-quality elderberry syrup, which you can make at home or purchase. We recommend our herbal medicine learning kit — DIY Elderberry Spice Syrup Kit that includes a recipe, and all the herbal ingredients you need to learn how to make your own homemade syrup. Or you can purchase trusted high-quality brands like Elderberry Syrup by Harmonic Arts or Elderberry Cough Syrup for Kids by St. Francis Herb Farm. Once you have your syrup, follow this simple recipe to create great-tasting, portioned gummies—perfect for both kids and adults, at home or on the go, for your daily winter wellness routine!

How to Make Elderberry Gummies

These elderberry gummies are an easy and tasty way to maintain and support your immune health, while also sharing a homemade remedy with your loved ones—helping to keep your family happy and healthy all season long!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (250 ml) homemade from DIY Elderberry Syrup Kit or Harmonic Arts Elderberry Syrup
  • 2 heaping Tbsp or (1 package) organic grass-fed gelatin OR 1 - 2 tsp Agar Agar powder (vegan option)*
  • ½ cup apple juice (for sweetness) 

* For vegan gummies option: Make your syrup with maple syrup instead of raw honey. Be sure to keep the liquid-to-Agar Agar ratio the same (1 tsp for every ½ cup liquid). Agar Agar powder can be different from brand to brand. Check for package instructions. 

Directions:

Set your silicone mold or container on counter ready for pouring. 

For Gelatin:

  1. First, bloom the gelatin in ½ cup of cold water for 5 minutes.
  2. Gently heat your Elderberry Syrup in a pot and pour the gelatin mixture on top, stirring until the gelatin is mixed. If using apple juice, pour it in too.
  3. Then, pour or ladle it into the molds.
  4. Set molds in the fridge overnight. Then remove your gummies from the molds or cut into small cubes and store in the fridge. 

For Agar Agar Powder:

  1. Add your Elderberry Syrup to a small pot and sprinkle the Agar Agar powder on top. If using apple juice, pour it in too.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil and boil for 1 minute.
  3. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
  4. After 5 minutes, ladle into molds. Set in the fridge for 20 minutes to harden, then pop them out of the molds!
  5. Store in the fridge.

When to enjoy your gummies: 1 gummy = approx. 1 tsp (1 serving). These delicious treats can be enjoyed on a regular basis, a gummy or two each day or use them more frequently during onset of the first signs of colds and flu symptoms or soothing a sore throat and cough. Keep refrigerated, gummies will last 4-6 weeks when sealed properly.

References:

  • Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical herbalism: The science and practice of herbal medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts.
  • Learningherbs.com. 5 Simple Elderberry Recipes: Syrup, Gummies, Tea, and More! Available from: https://www.learningherbs.com/blog/elderberry-recipes
  • Gardner, Z., & McGuffin, M. (2013). American herbal product association’s herbal safety handbook. New York: CRC Press. 
  • Adelmann M. Herbal Academy. 2016. How To Make Immune Stimulating Elderberry Syrup. Available from: https://theherbalacademy.com/blog/quick-and-simple-elderberry-cold-syrup/
Written by Des