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How to Make Immune-Supporting Elderberry Tea

By Jill Levy

June 12, 2020

Elderberry is recognized within the wellness space as an immune-supporting herb that promotes overall health. Its beneficial use is thought to date back to Hippocrates, who valued the plant because of its health-supporting versatility.

In addition to supplementing with elderberry capsules, elderberry tea is also an easy way to reap the benefits of this beneficial herb. It’s warm, comforting and serves as a natural immune-supporter.

What Is Elderberry Tea?

Elderberry tea is made from dried berries and flowers of the elder plant. They are simmered in hot water, infusing the plant’s beneficial compounds into a sweet, comforting tea.

Like capsules and syrup made from the plant, elderberry tea contains flavonoid antioxidants, including anthocyanins, which are found in superfoods like berries and cherries. These antioxidants help support a healthy immune system, and are capable of supporting overall neurological and cardiovascular health.

What does elderberry tea taste like? It has a naturally sweet taste from the berries, with earthy, sometimes described as tart undertones. Your tea can be sweetened with honey and stevia, or adding cinnamon and turmeric works well, too.

Benefits

Research on the elder plant has been conducted for the last 20 years, investigating its antioxidant benefits and immune-boosting potential. Today, it’s one of the most well-known herbs because of its unique performance.

Here’s the general rundown of the benefits of elderberry tea:

• Supports a healthy immune system

• Contains immune-supporting antioxidants

• Helps promote healthy digestive function

• Promotes skin’s healthy structure

• May support heart health

Related: Top Foods and Supplements that Support the Immune System

Recipe

It’s easy to make your own elderberry tea, and you’ll have the soothing effects on the body and mind.

To make two cups (16 ounces) of tea, follow this easy elderberry tea recipe:

1. Heat two cups of water in a small saucepan.

2. Add 2 tablespoons of dried elderberries.

3. Bring water to a boil and then reduce heat.

4. Simmer elderberries for 10-15 minutes.

5. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

6. Strain berries through a fine mesh strainer.

7. Stir in additional herbs or sweeteners.

To add your preferred flavor, you have some options. Spices like cinnamon and turmeric work well in elderberry tea. If you go this route, add the spices during the simmering process so that the flavor and beneficial compounds come out into the tea.

For a sweeter flavor, honey and stevia are great options. Add in these natural sweeteners after the tea has been strained and cooled.

If you’re looking to enjoy elderberry tea during the hotter spring and summer months, you can add it to glass mason jars and put them in the refrigerator for a refreshing iced tea.

Related: How to Make Echinacea Tea

Elderberry Supplement

Don't have time to make elderberry tea? Try our Ancient Herbals Elderberry + Probiotics supplement. It features a fermented elderberry and probiotic blend.

It was formulated with a select probiotic to withstand harsh conditions to deliver benefits like support for a healthy immune system, gut-related immunity and immune system activation.

Other Considerations

You should always consult your healthcare professional before starting any new dietary or lifestyle regimen, including using dietary supplements such as elderberry or drinking elderberry tea. If you are using an herbal product, always follow label directions and suggested use guidelines.

Final Thoughts

• Elderberry has gained popularity in the wellness space as an immune-system supporter, and for good reason. It contains powerful antioxidants and when combined with a tough strain of probiotics, it helps to support immune and gut health.

• In addition to supplementing with a high-quality elderberry capsule, drinking elderberry tea is an excellent way to receive the plant’s beneficial compounds.