How to Make an Easy Elderberry Tincture

Elderberry is an extremely beneficial plant. The berries have been used in folk remedies for hundreds of years on various medical ailments and diseases. An elderberry tincture is often used to treat symptoms of the flu or common cold. Historically, making a tincture involved a long process, including picking and drying the elderberry flowers. Thankfully, today you can make an elderberry tincture in just minutes using dried elderberry in tea bags and no alcohol, which makes it perfectly safe for children.

Things You'll Need

• 16 ounces water 2 elderberry tea bags Honey (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat water in a teapot or regular pot on the stove, until rapidly boiling. Remove pot from the heat source.

2. Place tea bags into a large mug or jar. Pour boiling water over the tea bags.

3. Allow to steep for 3 to 5 minutes.

4. Remove tea bags and squeeze the remaining liquid from the bags into the mug.

5. Add honey for sweetness, although it is optional.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase elderberry in tea bags, a syrup or chewable pill form at your local grocery store or pharmacy under the name Sambucol.

• Make and use as needed, because this tincture has no alcohol for preservation, so it can not be stored.

Resources

• Elderberry Fights Flu Symptoms, at WebMD