It\u2019s no secret that I\u2019m a fan of elderberries for their natural immune-boosting powers. I make elderberry syrup<\/a>\u00a0in batches during the cooler months to keep the flu at bay. My favorite way to use them though is in a warm, comforting cup of elderberry tea.<\/p>\n Imagine for a moment \u2026 six children \u2026 all getting the flu \u2026 all at the same time\u2026<\/p>\n While this has happened a few times, thankfully we can get over the sniffles pretty quickly thanks to natural remedies! I can\u2019t begin to express how grateful I am for this elderberry tea.<\/p>\n Black elderberries (aka\u00a0Sambucus nigra<\/em>) are small, dark purple berries. They\u2019re common in parts of North America and Central Europe and you\u2019ll often find them growing around. Elderberries are popular in jellies, pies, or baked goods much like any berry. They can also be dried and made into\u00a0infusions, tinctures, and syrups.<\/p>\n Several studies<\/a> show when elderberry syrup is given at the first sign of illness it can shorten the severity and length of colds and flu.\u00a0Its effectiveness is probably thanks to elderberry\u2019s high levels of vitamin C and A. Elderberry is also richer in flavonoids and antioxidants than many other berries.<\/p>\n There are plenty of easy ways to make natural cold and flu-fighting remedies from elderberries. These recipes are popular with kids and adults alike!<\/p>\n Here are 5 ways to transform elderberries into natural immune-boosting remedies:<\/p>\n Nothing against elderberry syrup, but I prefer my gelatin in coffee<\/a> and my organic elderberries in tea. It\u2019s quick, simple, and comforting when I\u2019m feeling under the weather.<\/p>\n This tea tastes naturally sweet on its own from the elderberries, but sweeten to taste with raw honey if desired.\u00a0I also like adding herbs like turmeric, rose hips, hibiscus, echinacea, or cinnamon for added flavor. These aren\u2019t strictly necessary but they add more health benefits. Cinnamon helps balance blood sugar levels and herbs like turmeric are anti-inflammatory.<\/p>\n If the taste of elderberry isn\u2019t your cup of tea (sorry, had to go there!), try adding an herbal tea bag like peppermint or chamomile to mellow out the flavor. If you don\u2019t need a caffeine-free version, then loose leaf tea like green tea<\/a> or black tea also pairs well with this. After the tea has simmered for 15 minutes, add the tea leaves and steep another 3 minutes before straining.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s how to make a \u201ccuppa\u201d elderberry tea that\u2019s good for the body and soothing for the soul:<\/p>\n \tHealth Benefits of Elderberry Tea<\/h2>\n
How to Use Elderberries (+ Recipes)<\/h2>\n
Elderberry Recipes<\/h3>\n
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How to Make Elderberry Tea<\/h2>\n
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Immune-Boosting Elderberry Tea Recipe<\/h2>\n