The benefits of elderberry tincture are vast and varied. This ancient remedy has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of health issues. Elderberry elixir is known to boost the immune system, fight infection, and promote overall good health. In this article, we will explore the many benefits of elderberry tincture and discuss how you can incorporate it into your own health routine!
Table of Contents
What Is an Elderberry Tincture?
An elderberry tincture is a concentrated form of elderberry juice that is made by steeping the berries in alcohol. The resulting liquid is dark and thick, with a potent flavor. Tinctures are easy to make at home, and they can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Many people choose to make tinctures out of elderberries since it only takes a few minutes of effort to create, and the resulting mixture can be kept for up to a year if stored properly.
Elderberry Tincture Benefits
There are many benefits of elderberry tincture. Here are some of the most notable:
- Elderberry tincture is a powerful immune booster. It can help fight off infection and keep you healthy during cold and flu season.
- Elderberry tincture is high in antioxidants, which help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
- Elderberry tincture has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation and pain in the body.
- Elderberry tincture is a natural detoxifier, and it can help rid the body of toxins and pollutants.
- Elderberry tincture is high in vitamins A, vitamin C, and vitamin E, as well as minerals like zinc and potassium. These nutrients help to support overall good health and boost the immune system.
- Elderberry tincture can be used to treat a variety of health issues, including cold and flu, bronchitis, and sinus infections.
Elderberry Tincture Dosage
The dosage of elderberry tincture will vary depending on the brand you buy (or if you make it yourself) and the strength of the tincture. It is generally recommended to start with a low dose and increase as needed. General guidelines state to start with 1/4 to 1/2 a teaspoon and increase as needed and if no side-effects are experienced, but you should always consult with your doctor before starting any new medication. Most tinctures can be taken by mouth, but some can also be added to water or juice for drinking.
What Is Elderberry Elixir?
Elderberry elixir is a term used to describe a drink made from elderberry tincture and other complementary ingredients, such as honey, ginger, and lemon. This elixir can be enjoyed hot or cold, and it is a great way to get the benefits of elderberry tincture into your system with an improved taste.
Elderberry Tincture Recipe
Making your own tincture is extremely easy and only takes a few minutes of preparation. If you want to try making your own elderberry tincture, here is a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces of vodka or brandy
- ½ pound of dried elderberries (raw uncooked elderberries are toxic)
- Glass jar and lid
- Honey (later – and optional)
- Lemon juice (later – and optional)
Instructions:
Place the berries in a quart-sized jar and add vodka or brandy until the level of alcohol is covering the berries. Screw on the lid and shake well. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least six weeks. Gently shake the jar once a day, or at least every few days.
After six weeks, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into another jar. Discard the leftover elderberries that didn’t fit through the mesh. Add honey and lemon juice, if desired. Your tincture is now complete! Store it in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Additional Tips and Tricks for Making an Elderberry Tincture
If you are interested in making your own elderberry tincture, here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Choose high-quality elderberries. Look for organic berries that have been freeze-dried or fresh.
- Use a good quality alcohol like vodka or brandy. You can also use apple cider vinegar or glycerin.
- Steep the berries for at least two weeks, and up to six months. The longer you steep, the stronger the tincture will be.
- Shake the jar daily to help break down the berries.
- Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or muslin cloth to remove any solids.
- Store the tincture in a cool, dark place.
FAQ
How Long Will an Elderberry Tincture Last?
The shelf life of elderberry tincture is up to one year if stored in a cool, dark place. If the mixture is exposed to sunlight it will break down more quickly.
How Do I Store Elderberry Tincture?
Elderberry tincture can be stored in a cool, dark place like a cabinet or pantry. It is also ok to store it in the fridge.
Does Elderberry Tincture Taste Bad?
No, elderberry tincture does not have to taste bad. You can mix it with other ingredients like honey, ginger, and lemon to improve the taste.
Can I Give Elderberry Tincture to My Kids?
Yes, elderberry tincture is safe for kids. Always make sure that cooked or dried elderberries are used to create the tincture, since the uncooked berries are toxic. You should always consult with a pediatrician before giving any medication to children.
Does Elderberry Tincture Have Any Side Effects?
No, there are no known side effects of elderberry tincture. However, as with any medication or supplement, it is always best to consult with a doctor before starting to take it since some people could rarely experience an allergic reaction.
Is Elderberry Tincture Toxic?
No, elderberry tincture is not toxic. It’s extremely important that the berries go through some sort of heating process before they are used. Uncooked berries possess toxins which can make you ill. The heating process destroys these toxins.
Can You Take Too Much Elderberry Tincture?
Yes, like any other supplement or medication, you can take too much. If you’ve ingested too much, you are likely to experience GI issues such as nausea, cramping, bloating, or diarrhea.
Does Elderberry Tincture Help During Cold and Flu Season
Yes, elderberry tincture has many health benefits and has shown to be effective in studies at reducing cold and flu symptoms and duration.
Does Elderberry Tincture Boost The Immune System?
Yes, elderberry tincture has been shown in studies to boost the immune system. It does this by upregulating production of immune boosting cytokines such as IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-8. This is why it is so effective at combating cases of cold or flu and helping to reduce their associated symptoms.
What Is The Difference Between Elderberry Tincture, Elderberry Syrup, and Elderberry Extract?
Elderberry syrup is made by cooking elderberries with sugar and water. Elderberry extract is made by chemically extracting and concentrating a certain part/ingredient of the berry. Tinctures are generally made without these additional ingredients. They are made by soaking the berries in alcohol then straining out the solids. The resulting liquid is a mixture of the juice from the berries and the alcohol.
Conclusion
So there you have it! The many benefits and uses of elderberry tincture. Whether you are looking to boost your immune system, reduce the duration of colds and flu, or enjoy a tasty anti inflammatory, elderberry tincture is a great option.
Adam Shimit is the main author of Chromatin Health Network. Adam is a medical research professional who has published case studies and reviews across many professional journals and websites. In his spare time he enjoys hiking, nature, and anything fitness related. Read more about him here.