How to Make Elderberry Tea (Powerful Natural Remedy Recipe) (2024)

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 Make Elderberry Tea (Powerful Natural Remedy Recipe) (1)

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:

  1. Flu-Busting Gummy Bears – Kids won’t even know these tasty gummies are really a cold and flu remedy.
  2. 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.
  3. Fizzy Elderberry Kombucha Soda – Please their palate and their gut at the same time with this healthy soda alternative!
  4. Elderberry PopsiclesThese popsicles are the perfect choice to soothe sore throats.
  5. 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:

How to Make Elderberry Tea (Powerful Natural Remedy Recipe) (2)

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

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Servings

2

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.

Like this recipe? Check out my new cookbook, or get all my recipes (over 500!) in a personalized weekly meal planner here!

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!

How to Make Elderberry Tea (Powerful Natural Remedy Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

How to Make Elderberry Tea (Powerful Natural Remedy Recipe)? ›

To make elderberry fruit tea use about 1-2 teaspoons of dried berries per cup of water. You can either simmer them ih water over the stove, or steep like a regular tea. Either method will require at least 10-15 minutes. Strain and add sweetener.

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.

How long to cook elderberries to remove toxins? ›

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 elderberry tea good for high blood pressure? ›

One Elderberry Tea benefits is it contains flavonoids which are known to be beneficial in lowering blood pressure by relaxing the walls of the arteries and reducing stiffness in vessels. Elderberry tea also contains Vitamins B6 and C which have both been linked with helping reduce hypertension symptoms.

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.

What not to mix with elderberry? ›

Because elderberry may stimulate the immune system, it could interfere with medications taken to suppress the immune system. These medications include corticosteroids (prednisone) and medications used to treat autoimmune diseases. People with organ transplants should also avoid elderberry.

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.

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.

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.

Can you overdo elderberry? ›

The bark, unripe berries, and seeds contain small amounts of substances known as lectins, which can cause stomach problems if too much is eaten (2). In addition, the elderberry plant contains substances called cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide in some circ*mstances.

Are there negative side effects of elderberry? ›

Elderberry is possibly unsafe when uncooked leaves, stems, or fruit are consumed. The elderberry plant contains a chemical that produces cyanide in the leaves or other plant parts and in the unripe green fruit. This can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, or more serious side effects if consumed in large quantities.

Does elderberry affect the heart? ›

The berries and flowers of elderberry are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that may boost your immune system. They could help tame inflammation, lessen stress, and help protect your heart, too.

Is elderberry safe for your liver? ›

Cardiovascular disease risk biomarkers and liver and kidney function are not altered in postmenopausal women after ingesting an elderberry extract rich in anthocyanins for 12 weeks.

What to do with elderberries after boiling? ›

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  1. Add the cooked berries to baked goods or pancakes. (taste and sweeten extra if needed)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
  2. Feed to chickens (or pigs!)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
  3. Make ART! ...
  4. Pour a solid amount of vinegar over the berries, and. ...
  5. I'm guessing you could also steep used berries in. ...
  6. Toss them into the compost (along with the fully-
May 24, 2020

What happens if you don't cook elderberries? ›

When uncooked, elderberries contain a toxic substance that can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, so any preparation of elderberries you use should be cooked. Commercial preparations of elderberry such as syrups and lozenges don't contain this substance and are generally recognized as safe for that reason.

How do you remove cyanide from elderberries? ›

Simmer it for about 20 minutes; this should be enough to break down the cyanogenic compounds. But remember, you need to stir them occasionally to ensure even heat distribution. After cooking, strain the mixture using a fine-mesh sieve.

Can you take elderberry daily long term? ›

Elderberry extract is possibly safe when taken for up to 12 weeks. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to use for longer than 12 weeks. It is possibly unsafe to consume elder leaves or stems, or unripe or uncooked elderberries.

What are the side effects of taking elderberry everyday? ›

The elderberry plant contains a chemical that produces cyanide in the leaves or other plant parts and in the unripe green fruit. This can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, or more serious side effects if consumed in large quantities.

What are the benefits of drinking elderberry everyday? ›

The berries and flowers of elderberry are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that may boost your immune system. They could help tame inflammation, lessen stress, and help protect your heart, too. Some experts recommend elderberry to help prevent and ease cold and flu symptoms.

How long does elderberry tea stay in your system? ›

The water-soluble components in elderberry extract only stay in your body for 1-2 days before being excreted.

References

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