Since stumbling upon elderberry syrup + making it for my family over the past year or so, I have come to realize it’s awesome powers. But it can be slightly time consuming, especially when making gummies for the kids. Recently I have been reminded that enjoying the benefits of elderberry doesn’t just have to come in syrup form. Yes, syrup is more concentrated but sometimes you just need a quick elderberry fix + who feels like making syrup if they’re already under the weather? Not me! Enter, super simple, delicious + immune boosting elderberry tea.
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Why Elderberry Tea?
This has been by far the easiest way to reap the immune boosting benefits of elderberries without going crazy. I usually buy a 1lb bag of Frontier Co-op organic dried elderberries from Amazon or our local specialty market in late summer/early fall to have on hand for cold + flu season. It may seem expensive (a 1lb bag is around $30) but when you consider a thing of gummies or syrup from the store is $15-$18 a bottle, it’s just way more economical to get the big bag. I have been able to get at least 6-7 batches of syrup out of 1 bag.
There are several different recipes for elderberry tea but the most important part of making the tea is to let the berries steep in almost boiling water for about 20-25 minutes (or 30 if you want). This allows the beneficial flavonoids to be released as well as “cook off” any potential harmful parts of the berries. Dried elderberries are considered safe but the seeds + stems of raw elderberries can cause nausea + vomiting if not properly cooked. For this reason, I also try to pick out any rogue stems I find in my bag o’ berries.
OK, let’s get down to business. To make the elderberry tea, you will need…
Tools
French Press (I like this double-walled french press for keeping the liquid hotter for longer)
OR
Teapot with infuser (I like this classic + simple all glass teapot from Target)
Ingredients
16oz Filtered Water
1-2 TBSP Organic Dried Elderberries
Add-Ons
1tsp (or more to taste) Raw Organic Honey (I try to use local whenever possible but in a pinch I like this brand)
Dash of other supporting spices like Clove, Cinnamon + Ginger (I like Simply Organic spices…inexpensive + high-quality)
If using French press, pour 1-2 TBSP of dried elderberries into press, pour boiling water over the berries, stir + cover with press (DO NOT PRESS YET) + let steep for 20-30 minutes. Press. Pour into mug + stir in any add-ons you like. Sip + enjoy!
If using a tea pot, pour 1-2 TBSP of dried elderberries into mesh strainer, cover with boiling water + let steep 20-30 minutes. Pour + enjoy the same as above.
More Recipes
If you’re ever inclined to make your own elderberry syrup or gummies, here is the recipe I use. And here are the gelatin + gummy molds. A teaspoon is about 3 gummies. Talk to your practitioner about dosing but the recommended dose for preventative measures I have seen are 1/2-1tsp for children 2yrs + up. My husband + I take 1 TBSP for cold m+ flu prevention. Always, always, ALWAYS speak to your healthcare practitioner before using supplements.
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