Easy Elderberry Tea Recipe (3 ingredients!) (2024)

Elderberry Tea is a warm drink you can make at home in just minutes! It’s a faster than making elderberry syrup, when your immune system needs a little boost.

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Why You’ll Love It

Elderberries have been long used in folk medicine to potentially help with inflammation, headaches, and cold symptoms, but these immune-boosting berriesmust be cookedbefore they are consumed.

Boiling the elderberries to make an herbal tea is a great way to do that!

PotentialHealth Benefits of Elderberries

  • Black elderberries have been shown to reduce the symptoms and length of influenza when taken at the first sign of illness.
  • In one study of patients with influenza, taking elderberry syrup 4 times a day was shown to reduce influenza-like symptoms 4 days earlier than those who didn’t take it.
  • Elderberries are rich in antioxidants, including anthocyanins, which may have anti-inflammatory and anti-carinogenic properties.
  • The flavonoids found in elderberries may help to lower the risk of heart disease.
  • Black elderberries (also known as Sambucus nigra) may help with blood sugar control.

As an added bonus, this elderberry tea is a comforting cold-weather drink, and tastes amazing with a touch of honey and spices.

Safety Tip:When storing dried elderberries, be sure to keep them away from kids and pets.Dried elderberries may be toxic when eaten straight from the bag, and my kids think the dried berries look like mini chocolate chips– so keep them stored up high, safely out of reach.

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How To Make Elderberry Tea

1. Combine the ingredients.

In a small pot, combine the elderberries, water, and spices. I like to use a whole cinnamon stick and a few whole cloves, but you can also add in any other herbs or spices that you enjoy.

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2. Simmer.

Bring the liquid to a boil over high heat, then lower the heat slightly. Simmer the elderberries for at least 15 minutes. The water will turn dark purple, and your kitchen will start to smell like elderberry juice!

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3. Strain.

Pour the hot liquid through a fine mesh strainer and into your mug. You can discard the elderberry pulp, or save it to boil a second batch later.

Add in any extras you love, such as raw honey or lemon juice, and then enjoy!

Simmer the elderberries in water for 15 minutes. The liquid should be dark purple, and your kitchen will start to smell like elderberry juice!

Pour the liquid through a strainer into your mug to serve, since you won’t want to consume the elderberry pulp.

Variations

The best thing about making elderberry tea at home is that you get to control the flavor. Here are some other add-ins you might want to consider.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where Can You Find Elderberries?

Some health food stores sell dried elderberries, otherwise you can buy them online. Brand availability will vary, but I feel comfortable buying most brands that are certified organic.

What does elderberry tea taste like?

Elderberry tea tastes slightly tart and spicy (depending on which spices you add), with a fragrant smell of berries. Add your favorite sweetener to make it taste more palatable.

Can You Boil Elderberries Twice?

Yes! You can get more “bang for your buck” by reserving the boiled elderberries from your first cup of tea. Just add more water and boil again, for a second,slightly less-strong cup of elderberry tea. If you’re going to boil a second batch, I recommend you do it on the same day, so you don’t have to save the soggy elderberries in the fridge for later.

Can I use raw elderberries?

Dried elderberries will be more concentrated in flavor, so when using fresh elderberries you’ll need to use more. Also, keep in mind that elderberries must always be cooked before you consume them. The berries, leaves, stems, and seeds all contain a toxic substance that is removed by cooking, so don’t be tempted to skip that important step.

What are the side effects of elderberries?

Consuming uncooked elderberries, stems, seeds, or leaves may result in vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea.

Looking for more warm drink ideas? Try Ginger Tea, Cinnamon Tea, homemade chai latte, or healthy hot chocolate.

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Easy Elderberry Tea Recipe (3 ingredients!) (7)

Elderberry Tea (3 ingredients!)

5 from 3 votes

Here's how to make Elderberry Tea at home, using just 3 simple ingredients! Elderberries may help to boost immunity and shorten cold & flu symptoms, so this tea is an easy alternative to elderberry syrup.

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Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 15 minutes mins

Total Time: 20 minutes mins

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons dried elderberries
  • 1 cinnamon stick (or 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon)

Instructions

  • Combine the water, elderberries and cinnamon stick in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it gently simmer for 15 minutes.

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  • Pour the tea through a fine mesh strainer to remove the elderberries and cinnamon stick.

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  • Serve warm with any add-ins you like. I sometimes like to add a squeeze of lemon or orange juice, along with a drizzle of honey. Leftover tea can be stored in the fridge and enjoyed warm or cold, if you want to make a larger batch.

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Video

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, and does not take into account that the elderberries and cinnamon stick are strained out of the final tea. This is just an estimate, and not a guarantee.

Safety Tip: Do not consume uncooked elderberries, or their stems, leaves or seeds. They contain a toxic substance that is removed with cooking.

Nutrition

Calories: 30kcal, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 26mg, Potassium: 83mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 177IU, Vitamin C: 11mg, Calcium: 61mg, Iron: 1mg

Author: Megan Gilmore

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: vegan

Keyword: elderberry tea

If you try this easy elderberry tea recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below letting me know how you like it.

Easy Elderberry Tea Recipe (3 ingredients!) (2024)

FAQs

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 do you remove toxins from elderberries? ›

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.

What is elderberry tea good for weight loss? ›

Elderberries can be beneficial for weight loss due to their effects on metabolic regulation. Significant levels of bioactive compounds found in elderberries contribute to their therapeutic properties, which have been documented over many years.

Does elderberry tea lower blood pressure? ›

Elderberries contain polyphenols which are a type of antioxidant. Antioxidants prevent damage to your cells that can lead to diseases. The antioxidants in elderberry have suspected benefits such as, reduced risk of tumors, boosted immune function, lower blood pressure levels, and reduced blood sugar levels.

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.

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.

What illness do elderberries prevent? ›

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 much cyanide is in elderberry? ›

In addition, the elderberry plant contains substances called cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide in some circ*mstances. This is a toxin also found in apricot seeds and almonds ( 1 , 3 4 ). There are 3 mg of cyanide per 100 grams of fresh berries and 3–17 mg per 100 grams of fresh leaves.

Does elderberry interact with medications? ›

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.

Is elderberry tea a laxative? ›

Elderberry was one of the main ingredients used in a clinical trial of possible treatments for constipation. The treatment that included elderberry proved to be an effective laxative, but more research is needed to see whether elderberry would have the same effect when taken in isolation.

Is it safe to make tea from dried elderberries? ›

Elderberries have been long used in folk medicine to potentially help with inflammation, headaches, and cold symptoms, but these immune-boosting berries must be cooked before they are consumed. Boiling the elderberries to make an herbal tea is a great way to do that!

Is it better to take elderberry in the morning or at night? ›

Elderberry can generally be consumed at any time of day—in the morning, at night, or in between. Since it's a food itself, you could take Elderberry on an empty stomach if it seems to work for you. It can also be taken with food.

Are there negative side effects of elderberry? ›

Common side effects of Elderberry include: Nausea/vomiting (consumption of raw berries) Weakness. Dizziness.

Does elderberry affect the heart? ›

Elderberries are beneficial because they contain antioxidant pigments that both support your immunity and may prevent flu viruses from reproducing inside our bodies. The berries can also decrease inflammation, which may reduce your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease or cancer.

Is elderberry good for your bowels? ›

Yes, elderberry's natural laxative properties can help relieve constipation. The fiber content in elderberries adds bulk to the stool and promotes regular bowel movements. Additionally, elderberry's high water content helps keep the digestive system hydrated, facilitating smoother digestion.

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? ›

Common side effects of Elderberry include:
  • Nausea/vomiting (consumption of raw berries)
  • Weakness.
  • Dizziness.
  • Numbness.
  • Stupor.

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.

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