Elderberries’ natural immune boosting powers are why I love them so much. During the cold season, I make a big batch of elderberry syrup to help ward off the flu. My favorite way to use them is as a warm, soothing elderberry tea.
Imagine for a moment… six kids all getting the flu at the same time…
This happened to me a few times, but thankfully the natural remedy helped the runny nose stop quickly. I can’t express to you how grateful I am for this elderberry tea.
Health Benefits of Elderberry Tea
Black Elderberry (also known as ElderberryElderberries are small, deep purple berries that are common and found in parts of North America and Central Europe. Elderberries, like other berries, are often used in jellies, pies, and baked goods. They can also be dried and made into decoctions, tinctures, and syrups.
Some research Giving elderberry syrup at the first signs of illness has been shown to reduce the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms, likely due to the high levels of vitamins C and A in elderberries. Elderberries are also richer in flavonoids and antioxidants than many other berries.
How to Use Elderberries (+Recipes)
There are lots of easy ways to make natural cold and flu remedies using elderberries. These recipes are popular with kids and adults alike.
Elderberry Recipes
Here are five ways to turn elderberry into a natural immune-boosting remedy.
- Flu-fighting gummy bears – Kids won’t even know that these tasty gummies are a cold and flu remedy.
- Elderberry Marshmallows – In this case, “adding a spoonful of sugar to make the medicine easier to swallow” is fine. These marshmallows are sweetened with natural honey and contain gelatin, ginger, and other ingredients known to boost the immune system.
- Carbonated Elderberry Kombucha Soda – Satisfy your taste buds and stomach at the same time with this healthy soda alternative!
- Elderberry Popsicles – These popsicles are great for soothing a sore throat.
- Elderberry syrup – The classic approach: Sweeten to taste and store in the fridge to use during flu and cold season. Here’s how to make it:
How to Make Elderberry Tea
I’m not against elderberry syrup, but I like to put gelatin in my coffee and organic elderberries in my tea. It’s quick, easy, and soothing when I’m not feeling well.
This tea tastes naturally sweet from the elderberries, but you can add some raw honey to sweeten it if you like. I also like to add herbs like turmeric, rosehips, hibiscus, echinacea, and cinnamon for extra flavor. These aren’t strictly necessary, but they do add to the health benefits: cinnamon helps balance blood sugar, and herbs like turmeric are anti-inflammatory.
If you don’t like the taste of elderberry (sorry, we had to say that!), try adding a tea bag of an herbal tea like peppermint or chamomile to round out the flavor. If you don’t need decaffeinated, loose leaf teas like green or black tea also work well with this tea. After steeping for 15 minutes, add the tea leaves and let steep for a further 3 minutes before straining.
Here’s how to make a wholesome, calming cup of elderberry tea:
Elderberry Tea Recipe for Immunity Boosting
This delicious immune-boosting elderberry tea is made with dried elderberries, herbs and spices.
-
Combine water, elderberries, turmeric, and cinnamon in a small saucepan.
-
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes. This will bring out the beneficial properties of the elderberries and reduce the bitter taste of the turmeric.
-
Remove from heat and let cool for about 5 minutes.
-
Strain through a fine sieve and pour into individual mugs.
-
If using raw honey, stir it in.
Nutrition facts
Elderberry Tea Recipe for Immunity Boosting
Serving Size (8 oz)
calorie twenty four
Calories from Fat 1
% Daily Value*
fat 0.1 grams0%
Saturated Fat 0.02g0%
Polyunsaturated fat: 0.05g
Monounsaturated fat 0.02g
sodium 15mg1%
potassium 57mg2%
carbohydrates 6 grams2%
Fiber 1gFour%
3g sugar3%
protein 0.2 g0%
Vitamin A 89IU2%
Vitamin C 5 mg6%
calcium 18mg2%
iron 0.5 mg3%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
For iced tea, pour into a mason jar, let cool and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Serve over ice if desired.
Where to Get Elderberries
Elderberries are common in some forests and wooded areas of the United States, but be sure to identify them before picking them. Some plants resemble elderberries, but they are not safe to eat (or drink). Raw elderberries are poisonous and can cause digestive upset, so it’s important to cook them beforehand.
Instead of searching the woods for tea ingredients, we order certified organic dried elderberries in bulk, which takes less time and can be stored in the freezer between uses, allowing them to last for years, especially if we’re staying healthy.
In-store purchase options
If you become ill and don’t have dried elderberries on hand, some stores sell good quality natural brands of elderberry tea. in this wayYou can also find ready-made Elderberry syrup.
Do you use elderberry to prevent illness? What other natural remedies do you swear by? Let us know!
