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
Cooking elderberries is not just a culinary step; it's a safety measure. 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.
Is it okay to drink elderberry tea every day? ›
Elderberries offer excellent nutrition that contains antioxidants and vitamin C, which can boost the immune system among other benefits. Yes, you can take elderberry supplements daily, even three to four times a day.
Is it safe to make tea from dried elderberries? ›
As a result, in spite of the toxicity of raw, unripe elderberries, properly prepared elderberry tea is not thought to have any significant health risks.
Who should not take elderberry tea? ›
Elderberry appears to have few side effects when used properly for short periods of time (up to 5 days). Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take elderberry. If you have an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, ask your doctor before taking elderberry, as it may stimulate the immune system.
How long do elderberries need to be boiled? ›
Elderberry Uses | Boulder Berry Farms. (1) Add berries and spices to water, heat until boiling. (2) Reduce heat to keep from a constant boil (high temperatures will destroy some of the nutrients) and continue cooking for 20-30 minutes. (3) Remove from heat and let cool.
What is the best way to take elderberry? ›
For flu, some studies have used 1 tablespoon of an elderberry syrup extract four times a day. Another common form of elderberry is a lozenge, often with zinc, that is taken numerous times daily after a cold begins. Ask your health care provider for advice.
Is elderberry tea good for your kidneys? ›
Elderberry is a rich source of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that help our immune system. It's popular in folk medicine, and researchers have now confirmed that it helps treat cold fever and influenza. Furthermore, it helps reduce stress and aids in diabetes, heart problems, liver diseases, kidney problems, etc.
Is elderberry good for the liver? ›
However, another study in mice with high cholesterol found that a diet including black elderberry reduced the amount of cholesterol in the liver and aorta but not the blood ( 24 ). Further studies found that rats that were fed foods containing polyphenols extracted from elderberry had reductions in blood pressure (25).
Is it better to take elderberry in the morning or at night? ›
Best Times to Use Elderberry Supplements
Not necessarily. We recommend taking elderberry every day to help support your immune system year-round. * So take your supplement when it is most convenient for you and when you are most likely to remember - whether that's in the morning, after lunch, or before bed.
Can elderberry raise blood pressure? ›
Elderberry can lower blood pressure.
The antioxidants, such as polyphenols found in elderberry, lower blood pressure by reducing oxidative stress. Elderberry also lowers uric acid in the bloodstream. Both oxidative stress and uric acid have been found to be a main cause of high blood pressure.
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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-
“While studies have yet to show a direct connection between elderberry and chronic lung conditions, elderberry does contain quercetin, which is a flavonoid and antioxidant that's known to support lung function, especially in those who suffer from asthma and chronic obtrusive pulmonary disease (COPD),” Jones explained.
What shouldn't you mix with elderberry? ›
Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with ELDERBERRY. Elderberry can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system.
What medications cannot be taken with elderberry? ›
Do not take elderberry without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:
- medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection;
- medicine to treat multiple sclerosis;
- medicine to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders;
People who have autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease should not use elderberry. Elderberry may boost the immune system, which can worsen autoimmune diseases.
How do you get cyanide out of elderberries? ›
The uncooked berries, leaves, bark, and roots of the elderberry plant contain the chemicals lectin and cyanide, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Cooking the berries and seeds will remove the cyanide.
Does elderberry clean your system? ›
The humble elderberry is considered to be quite the superfood. It was first used by early indigenous people of the Americas to brew up heady concoctions to boost the immune system, detox and cleanse the body, reduce inflammation, and to treat fevers, cold, and flu too.
How do you make elderberries safe to eat? ›
Small amounts of cyanide can be released when raw elderberries are eaten as well. The fix for this is easy: Remove the potentially harmful parts of the plant before consuming (meaning the stalks and leaves) and cook the elderberries. Boiling the berries is a safe bet, but they can also be baked, stewed, and steamed.
Does heat destroy elderberry? ›
Cooking the berries destroys the glycosides present in the seeds, making the berries with their seeds safe to eat. As such, the fruit of the Black Elderberry should always be cooked before consumption.
