Give Your Immune System a Kick Start with an Elderberry Tincture
I was introduced to Elderberry a few years ago by my sister-in-law when we were home for the holidays, and I started to feel like I was getting sick. I took several spoonful’s for 2 days and I swear, never fully got the cold I felt like I was getting. It only took those few sips to intrigue me and want to explore this liquid gold more. So I started researching and naturally wanted to figure out how to make my own.
Disclaimer: The 2020 cold and flu season is scarier and more severe than ever. I am not a doctor and cannot give medical advice. Everything I share here is based on my own experience with the standard cold and flu. Elderberry will not cure any viruses, but it can be good for your overall immune system.
What is Elderberry?
Elderberry comes from the medicinal plant Sambucus nigra, or black elderberry. Various parts of the elderberry tree have been used throughout history for medicinal purposes and in those good ‘ol days before big pharma, the flowers and leaves were used for pain relief, swelling, and inflammation. The bark was even used as a diuretic, laxative and to induce vomiting. I also read that in folk medicine, the dried berries or juice were used to treat influenza, infections, headaches, dental pain, heart pain and nerve pain.
I get all tingly thinking about the early days when people used natural remedies to treat ailments instead of a pill. Elderberry is not a miracle cure, but I’ve been using my homemade tincture for years to boost my immune system during key sick times and I think it helps.
What is a tincture?
A tincture is a way of preserving a plant’s medicinal extracts in liquid form that you take by mouth. They are made by taking fresh or dried flowers, herbs, leaves, roots or bark in an alcohol, vinegar or glycerin-based solvent for 4-6 weeks. The solvent will then draw out the plant’s natural compounds that you can consume. Alcoholic tinctures have a longer shelf life and will absorb into the body faster, however if you are looking for a non-alcoholic alternative solution, you can use raw apple cider vinegar or a glycerin-based solvent.
What are the benefits of Elderberry?
Elderberry syrup has been used for centuries as a home remedy to treat the cold and flu. It’s been said to reduce the severity and duration of the virus if taken within 48 hours of the first symptoms. The berries and flowers are high in vitamin C and fiber and contain all these amazing antioxidants that I won’t nerd out on here. These little goodies can also help with inflammation and supposedly lessen stress. In short, it boosts your immune system and can help prevent and ease your standard cold and flu symptoms.
What are the cautions with Elderberry?
Of course, there will always be varying opinions on whether elderberry is truly helpful, but generally I’ve researched that most doctors believe it’s safe to have in small doses. Please keep in mind, however, that uncooked berries or flowers from the plant can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea and large amounts can even cause poisoning. Another thing to note is that if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have other immune problems you probably shouldn’t take it. In short, never eat these berries or flowers raw and always talk with your doctor before taking elderberry.
You can find elderberry syrup online or at most natural food stores and likely some grocery stores. But if you know me, you know I don’t do things the easy way. So here’s my crazy easy tincture recipe that you can make on your own as we move into the cold and flu season.
As a reminder, this is by no means guaranteed to keep you safe from a cold, flu or most recently COVID-19. But I do believe this is a nice immune booster which is always good for your body.
I hope you try it and I hope you all stay safe and healthy this fall and winter.
Peace & Love,
Nikki
DID YOU MAKE THIS TINCTURE?
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HOW TO MAKE AN ELDERBERRY TINCTURE
What You’ll Need:
80 proof vodka
Pint sized mason jar with lid
Jar or dropper bottles
How to Make Your Tincture:
Fill your mason jar 1/3 – 1/2 way full of your dried elderberries.
Completely cover them with vodka leaving about a 1/2” of headspace. Cover tightly with a lid and give that jar a shake to make sure the elderberries are covered and soaked.
Keep the jar in a cool and dark place for 4-6 weeks, giving your jar a good shake at least every other day, if possible. Add more vodka if needed to ensure the elderberries are completely covered.
After 4-6 weeks, strain the berries out by placing a piece of cheesecloth over a bowl and pour the mixture into the cheesecloth. Then squeeze out as much of the liquid as you can into the bowl. This liquid is your tincture.
You can keep the tincture in jars or transfer to dropper bottles.
Take about 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon, or dropper full, of the tincture every couple of hours when you’re starting to feel sick.
Alcohol-based herbal tinctures have a long shelf life if stored in a cupboard or out of direct sunlight. Refrigeration is not needed, and the tincture can last about 3 years.
NOTES:
Be sure to label and date your tincture so you know when it expires.
If you’re looking for an alternative to alcohol, you can replace the vodka with raw apple cider vinegar. Keep in mind vinegar tinctures only have a 1-year shelf life.
