Elderberry tea has been around for a long time and has, in recent years, received a great deal of attention from the natural health community. Typically prepared from the flowers or berries of the black elderberry plant, elderberry tea has been used for medicinal purposes in many cultures, including Native Americans, Egyptians, and more.
Elderberry tea, a tea made from the flowers and berries from the elderberry plant, has a sweet, tart taste with some earthy undertones. Elderberries are known “superfoods”. Many people choose to use elderberries as a health and wellness tea.
The Benefits of Elderberry Tea
Drinking elderberry tea may offer a number of benefits in addition to a healthy diet and healthy lifestyle. Make sure to always check with your healthcare provider before using elderberry tea or any other nutritional supplements.
Generally, elderberry is sold as a tea, in a juice, or as a syrup, though it can also be found in gummies, jellies, lozenges, or even pills and powders. When you're feeling a bit under the weather, grab a warm mug of elderberry tea.
- Elderberries may help strengthen the immune system. While it should not be used as a replacement for medical care, you should always discuss wellness care options with your doctor.
- A warm cup of elderberry tea may help to promote a sense of calm and relaxation.
How to Make and Flavor Elderberry Tea
Making elderberry tea yourself means that you can choose your flavors, which can help you get exactly the tea you're looking for. Even if you make elderberry tea from a prepared tea bag, however, you may want to add your own flavors.
Preparing Tea from Elderberries
- Add water and dried elderberries to a small saucepan.
- Turn the heat up to high and wait for your mixture to start boiling.
- Once it starts to boil, reduce heat to medium-low.
- Allow it to simmer for around 15 minutes. Try not to keep it on the heat too long!
- Finally, let it rest and cool for around 5 minutes before straining through a fine-mesh strainer.
You can make just enough elderberry tea for a mug, or make more to reheat later.
Add in Flavor
Elderberry tea has a relatively mild flavor on its own, which means that you can choose the flavors you want to add. You might want to try:
- Cinnamon
- Honey
- Unsweetened cherry juice
- Maple syrup
- Iced Tea
While many people prefer their tea in a mug, warm, with just a hint of steam curling up, others may prefer their tea iced. Once you've brewed your tea, pour it over ice and enjoy in a glass with your favorite fruity accent! You can also make a whole pitcher and keep it in the fridge to enjoy later, especially if you find yourself trying to fight off a summer cold or want to make sure that you have plenty on hand.
What Does Elderberry Tea Taste Like?
Elderberry tea generally has a relatively mild taste, which makes it perfect for combining with whatever you like! Elderberry has a light, floral flavor. Sometimes, depending on the berries used, it may have tart undertones. It also has a light earthy flavor.
You can change up the taste of your elderberry tea based on your specific flavor preferences. For example, you may want to enhance that tart flavor by adding cherry juice or play up its natural sweetness by adding a little honey or maple syrup. Brewing it with a cinnamon stick can also help enhance the flavor of your tea.
Can You Drink Elderberry Tea Every Day?
Yes, you can drink elderberry tea safely every day, as long as you do not notice any undesirable side effects and you get your elderberries from a reputable source. Again, use caution and check with your healthcare provider before trying any new supplements.
Shop Elderberry Tea at Co-op Market
Ready to add elderberry tea to your diet, or to use it to help fight off cold and flu symptoms? Check out these products at Co-op Market.
