It is no secret that I’m a fan of elderberries for their natural immune-boosting powers. I make elderberry syrupin batches during the cooler months to keep the flu at bay, but my favorite way to take it is actually a warm, comforting cup of elderberry tea.
Imagine for a moment … six small children … all getting the flu … all at the same time …
I’ll do everything in my power to make sure that doesn’t happen! I can’t begin to express how grateful I am for this natural remedy.
Health Benefits of Elderberry Tea
Black elderberries (technicallysambucus nigra) are small, dark purple berries common in parts of North America and Central Europe. Elderberries can be used in jellies, pies, or baked goods much like any berry. They can also be dried and made intoteas, tinctures, and syrups for medicinal purposes.
Several studies (like this one) show that elderberry syrup administered at the first sign of illness seems to shorten the severity and length of colds and flu.Its effectiveness is probably thanks to elderberry’s high levels of vitamins A and C, as well as a flavonoid and antioxidant profile that outranks other berries.
How to Use Elderberries (+ Recipes)
There are plenty of easy ways to make natural cold and flu-fighting remedies from elderberries for the whole family.
Elderberries for Kids
Here are 5 ways to transform elderberries into natural immune-boosting remedies for kids:
- Flu-Busting Gummy Bears – Kids won’t even know these tasty gummies are really a cold and flu remedy.
- Elderberry Marshmallows – I’m ok with “a spoonful of sugar to make the medicine go down” in this case. These marshmallows are sweetened with natural honey and contain gelatin, ginger, and other ingredients known to boost the immune system.
- Fizzy Elderberry Kombucha Soda – Please their palate and their gut at the same time with this healthy soda alternative!
- Elderberry Popsicles – These popsicles are the perfect choice to soothe sore throats.
- Elderberry Syrup – The classic approach. Sweeten to taste and store in the fridge to administer during flu and cold season. Here’s how to make it.
How to Make Elderberry Tea
Nothing against elderberry syrup, but I prefer my gelatin in coffee and my elderberries in tea. It’s quick, simple, and comforting when I’m feeling under the weather.
This tea has a naturally sweet flavor on its own from the elderberries, but sweeten to taste with a small amount of raw honey if desired.I like adding herbs like turmeric and cinnamon for added benefits and flavor, but these aren’t necessary either.
If the taste of elderberry isn’t your cup of tea to begin with (sorry, had to go there!), try adding an herbal tea bag like peppermint or chamomile to mellow out the flavor.
Without further ado, here’s how to make a “cuppa” elderberry tea that’s good for the body and soothing for the soul:
Immune-Boosting Elderberry Tea Recipe
This delicious immune-boosting homemade elderberry tea is made with dried elderberries, herbs, and spices.
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Calories 26kcal
Author Katie Wells
Servings
Ingredients
- 16 oz filtered water (here is the water filter we use)
- 2 TBSP dried elderberries
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp raw honey (optional)
Instructions
Put water and elderberries into a small saucepan.
Add turmeric and cinnamon.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for about 15 minutes. This helps bring out the beneficial properties of the elderberries.
Remove from heat and let cool for about 5 minutes.
Finally, strain through a fine mesh strainer and pour into individual mugs.
Stir in raw honeyif using.
Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Immune-Boosting Elderberry Tea Recipe
Amount Per Serving (8 oz)
Calories 26
% Daily Value*
Sodium 9mg0%
Carbohydrates 6.6g2%
Fiber 1.4g6%
Sugar 2.9g3%
Protein 0.2g0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Notes
For an iced tea, pour into a mason jar and allow to cool, then refrigerate for up to 1 week. Serve over ice if desired.
Where to Get Elderberries
Elderberries are common in forests and wooded areas in parts of the U.S., but please don’t try gathering them without an expert. There are plants that resemble elderberries that are not safe to eat (or drink). The berries also must be properly dried and separated from the leaves and stems or they can cause digestive problems.
Rather than forage in the woods for my tea ingredients, I order organic dried elderberries in bulk since they are much less expensive this way. I store them in our deep freezer between uses and they last for years, especially if we — hopefully — stay healthy!
Store-bought Options
If illness strikes without dried elderberries on hand, some stores carry good natural brands of elderberry tea like this one as well as ready-madeelderberry syrup.
Do you use elderberries to ward off sickness? What other natural remedies do you swear by? Please share!
FAQs
Possible Interactions
- Diuretics (water pills). Diuretics help the body get rid of excess fluid and increase the amount of urine your body makes. ...
- Diabetes medications. Elderberry may lower blood sugar levels. ...
- Chemotherapy. ...
- Laxatives. ...
- Theophylline (TheoDur). ...
- Drugs that suppress the immune system.
Fortunately, the ripe berries and flowers do not contain the same toxin. However, eating ripe berries may have other negative health side effects. The safest way to eat elderberries is cooked. Cooking eliminates sambunigrin from any part of the elderberry plant.
How do you use elderberries medicinally? ›
You can't go wrong with cooking the berries to make elderberry syrup, jams or jellies, and other concentrates. You can also find elderberry gummies in supplement form. “Because most research has been conducted on elderberry syrups and concentrates, I recommend using those,” Jones said.
How to prepare elderberries for consumption? ›
Method
- Carefully separate your elderberries from their stalks with a fork or your hands.
- Chop up a little ginger into small pieces.
- Put the elderberries and chopped ginger into a pan and cover them with water.
- Bring to the boil and let simmer for 10 minutes.
The bright, minty flavor of peppermint leaf brightens and accents the tart elderberry taste. Many co*cktails and tea blends combine elderberry and mint for an amazingly herbal, earthy combination. This combination is also great for gut health, so elderberry, mint tea is highly recommended for not-so-great stomach days.
Who should not drink elderberry tea? ›
"Autoimmune diseases" such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Elderberry might cause the immune system to become more active. This could increase the symptoms of autoimmune diseases.
Does boiling elderberries destroy vitamin C? ›
Elderberries contain vitamin C, but much of it is destroyed by heat. Adding lemon juice provides an additional vitamin C boost to the syrup.
How long to cook elderberries to remove cyanide? ›
To neutralize toxins, specifically cyanide-inducing glycosides, heat treatment is a must. Boiling elderberries for at least 30 minutes is the go-to method. This ensures the destruction of harmful compounds. Steaming or baking can also do the trick, as long as the berries reach a high enough temperature.
How long do elderberries need to be boiled? ›
Add elderberries, 4 cups water, cinnamon sticks, ginger and cardamom to a large pot and heat over medium heat. Once it has reached a boil continue to cook, uncovered, for 45 minutes. Occasionally check to make sure the water has not reduced past the point of the berries.
What is the healthiest way to consume elderberry? ›
There are several elderberry supplement options and preparations, such as gummies, lozenges, syrups and teas, but the most popular and best way to consume elderberry is in syrup form.
Indigenous Uses
As a food, elderberries were crushed, strained, and boiled into a syrup or made into a jam. They were used as a sweetener in various recipes. Medicinally, the berries supported the treatment of many illnesses.
How often should I drink elderberry tea? ›
Elderberry tea is caffeine-free and can be enjoyed daily, both for its health benefits and soothing taste. If you want to experience the traditional immune benefits of elderberry but don't drink tea, Gaia Herbs offers 18 supplements that feature elderberry*, from syrups and gummies to extracts and powders.
What to do with boiled elderberries? ›
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- Add the cooked berries to baked goods or pancakes. (taste and sweeten extra if needed)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Feed to chickens (or pigs!)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Make ART! ...
- Pour a solid amount of vinegar over the berries, and. ...
- I'm guessing you could also steep used berries in. ...
- Toss them into the compost (along with the fully-
Some varieties of elderberries can be toxic when eaten raw – the best way to avoid this is to make sure you always cook your elderberries well first. There are recipes that use raw elderberries but these are best avoided.
Are dried elderberries safe for tea? ›
Beyond being a simple folk medicine, elderberry is still revered in our modern world. It is harvested and crushed up into jams, chutneys, and even wines and is loved because of its tart flavor and delicate muscat scent. It is also delicious in tea and comes heaped in rich and heavenly nutritional benefits too.
Does elderberry interact with anything? ›
Elderberry has no known severe, serious, or moderate interactions with other drugs. Elderberry has mild interactions with at least 28 different drugs.
When not to take elderberry? ›
People who have an allergy to elder pollen might react to elderberry supplements. If you have diabetes, multiple sclerosis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis, talk to your doctor before taking elderberry.
Can I take elderberry and Vitamin C together? ›
Although elderberry has a history of being used for a wide variety of health reasons, when the goal is to supplement your diet to help support your immune system with Vitamin C and Zinc, the combination of elderberry with Vitamin C and Zinc provides the antioxidant and immune system support that is more helpful than ...
Are there negative side effects of elderberry? ›
The common side effects of taking raw elderberry plant products, such as fruit, flower, leaves, bark, or root include: Stomach problems. Nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea and constipation.
