Elderberry Tea
You’ve likely heard of elderberry before. It’s the immune-boosting fruit that’s used in many over-the-counter cold and flu treatments, like cold capsules, lozenges, and syrups. And while those items do contain the benefits of elderberry, they also contain tons of sugar, thickeners, and other ingredients that you may want to avoid, especially when you’re sick.
So today I’m bringing you a simple recipe to enjoy the all benefits of elderberry, without any of those negatives – elderberry tea! It’s just 3-ingredients, easy to make, and you can get your health benefits directly from the source by making this oh-so-easy and healthy tea.
Elderberry Tea Recipe Video
Watch how I make this refreshing tea in the video below!
Health Benefits of Elderberries
Elderberries contain antioxidants that shore up the immune system, and have been used for hundreds of years to fight colds and respiratory infections. They’re high in flavanoids, vitamin A, vitamin c, and dietary fiber, and can help reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. Many of those benefits are thanks to the anthocyanin, which gives the berries their deep purple color.
Where Can you Find Elderberry?
When shopping for dried elderberries, check out the cold remedy section of your local health food or gourmet grocery stores. If they don’t carry them, you can always order online from Amazon (that’s where I get mine).
3-Ingredient Elderberry Tea
Yes, there’s just three ingredients in this recipe – water, dried elderberries and a cinnamon stick. But you can also tweak it and have fun with it!
How to Customize Your Tea
Elderberry tea is mild in flavor so feel free experimenting with juices, herbs, and spices to flavor it to your liking. Sometimes I’ll boil ginger, turmeric, lemon, or even orange slices with the elderberry to give it a spicier or more fruity flavor.
You can also swap some of the water with unsweetened cherry juice for an additional shot of antioxidants, and up the cinnamon to help regulate blood sugar levels. If I happen to have some dried hibiscus flowers, I’ll toss a few into the tea to deepen the ruby red color, and they may help lower blood pressure. If you like your tea with a touch of sweetness, try adding raw honey or maple syrup.
How to Make Elderberry Tea
Make this simple tea in minutes whenever you feel like your immune system can use a boost.
Combine: Add water, dried elderberries, and a cinnamon stick to a small saucepan and stir well.Boil: Heat on high just until the tea starts to boil. Then, turn the heat down to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes.Rest: Let the tea cool in the pot for 5 minutes.Strain: Strain the tea through a fine-mesh strainer into a mug and enjoy.
Can you make this an iced tea? You sure can! If it’s a hot summer day, just boil and strain the tea, then chill it in the fridge. Serve it over ice for a refreshing beverage!
More Healthy Drink Recipes
If you’re looking to boost your immune system, you can’t go wrong with any of these options!
Green Juice (Power Packed!)Turmeric SmoothieGinger ShotsTurmeric TeaGolden Milk
Easy Elderberry Tea
from votes Prep: 5 minutes Cook: 20 minutes Total: 25 minutes Servings: 1 servings PrintPinReviewSaveSaved
Description
Elderberry tea is a immune-boosting tea that helps to ward off colds and flu. If you need a little boost, sip this easy-to-make tea all winter long. Watch how I make it in the video above!
Video
Ingredients
2 cups water2 tbsp dried elderberries1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a small pot. You’ll notice the berries instantly start releasing their color.
Heat the pot over high heat. When the tea just starts to boil, turn the heat down to low and simmer for 15 minutes.Once the tea is finished simmering, turn off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Strain the tea through a fine-mesh strainer into a glass and enjoy!
Lisa’s Tips
This is the brand of organic dried elderberries I buy. And it’s usually enough to last the entire cold and flu season!The elderberry tea gets deeper and darker in color the longer you boil it. If you prefer a lighter colored tea, just reduce the time on the stove by 5 minutes.
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 Course: Drinks Cuisine: American Keyword: elderberry tea, elderberry tea recipe
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