How to make Elderberry Tincture for Cold & Flu Season
Please note that I am not a certified medical practitioner. This post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or prescribe any treatments. Always consult your healthcare provider before using natural remedies.
With the weather turning to a new season soon, we know cold and flu season is just around the corner. An elderberry tincture is an excellent tool to have on hand in preparation for the seasons of potential illness.
Out of many potential herbal remedies, I have found elderberry to not only be the most tolerable. It’s an easy way to enter into the world of herbalism too. Once you experience the wonders of elderberry, you might just be hooked and start trying other natural healing practices.
Where to Find Elderberry
There are many ways you can obtain elderberries. The easiest way is to find dried berries online. Common places to find dried elderberries include Amazon, Etsy, and Azure Standard. This tends to be the easiest method as there is little additional work needed in order to enjoy the berry goodness. However, if you are looking to use fresh elderberries, you may want to explore the options mentioned below.
If you are looking to use fresh elderberries, one main method is to forage some from public lands near you. To find elderberry plants, you will want to be well versed in their features so they’re easier to spot.
In the late spring and early summer, elderberry plants will produce clumps of delicate white flowers. If you plan on foraging your berries, I recommend scouting for your plants in early summer as that is the time I’ve found them to be most recognizable. This also allows you to know where to look for berries later on.
TIP: Having a good foraging resource (either book or seasoned forager companion) is ideal when you’re first sourcing your wild elderberries.
The last way is to plant your own elderberry! This is the easiest of the two harvesting methods as you will typically have easier access to the bushes, you will be able to keep a closer eye on your plants and it may be a faster harvest. An additional benefit is you can care for these plants as you wish. Meaning, you can feed your plants and amend the soil to ensure your berries are organic.
Why make a tincture with Elderberries?
Tinctures are infusions that use a high proof alcohol to extract the medicinal properties of your chosen herbs. Tinctures are an amazing tool to preserve the medicinal properties of plants almost indefinitely.
Some may be concerned with ingesting alcohol at each dose. While this is a valid concern, it is important to recognize that the amount of alcohol ingested from a tincture is quite miniscule due to the dosage being less than a half a teaspoon. it may not be suitable for all users.
Why Use More Than Elderberries for Elderberry Tincture?
On their own, elderberries are a wonderful resource for aiding in the fight against colds and flu. By adding other herbs and spices, your elderberry tincture becomes elevated in both the medicinal value and flavor.
Looking to try an elderberry tincture before you make your own or need the tincture now? Earthley Wellness has amazing options for you! They have elderberry tinctures along with many other tincture blends. If you use the Earthly Wellness coupon code HELLONATURAL to save 10% your first order.
Ingredients and Tools
½ cup dried or 1 cup fresh elderberries
1 inch of ginger root, sliced
2 cinnamon sticks – 3 inches long (or 2 tsp ground cinnamon)
2 tbsp rose hips
High proof vodka – preferably something like Everclear. If everclear isn’t available to you, use the highest proof vodka you can get and use dried elderberries
2 pint canning jars – 1 for infusion and 1 for storage
A funnel
Directions
Add all solid ingredients to your pint canning jar.
Pour high proof vodka over all solid ingredients until covered.
Secure an airtight lid and shake.
Place your infusion in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight.
For the first two weeks, be sure to shake the jar well every other day.
After four to six weeks, strain all solids from your liquid and transfer into a clean jar for storage. For best results, use an amber bottle.
IMPORTANT TIP: Label your infusion jar and storage jar with the contents. This is especially important when you make any changes and you need to make the recipe again or need to know the ingredients for an allergy.
Elderberry Tincture Dosage
Be sure to consult a healthcare professional before consuming any tincture.
The typical dosage for elderberry tincture will depend on your health status and your age.
For ages 1 – 6: 2 – 4 drops a day without sights of illness or 5 drops 2 – 3x per day when there are symptoms of illness.
Children ages 6 – 12: 5 – 10 drops a day without sights of illness or 10 drops 2 – 3x per day when there are symptoms of illness.
For ages 13 and older: 20 – 40 drops a day without sights of illness or 30 – 40 drops 2 – 3x per day when there are symptoms of illness.
Looking for more herbal inspiration? Try this Elderberry Oxymel or this Elderberry Gummies recipe.
Elderberry Tincture FAQ:
Where can I find elderberries?
Common places to find dried elderberries include Amazon, Etsy, and Azure Standard. Fresh elderberries can be easily spotted when foraging or you can grow your own by getting an elderberry plant.
When is the best time to harvest elderberries?
Elderberries are typically ready to be picked in late summer-early fall. The delicate white flowers will have transformed into tiny dark purple berries.
Why make a tincture with Elderberries?
Tinctures are infusions that use a high proof alcohol to extract the medicinal properties of your chosen herbs. Tinctures are an amazing tool to preserve the medicinal properties of plants almost indefinitely.
How long will elderberry tincture stay good?
As long as it is stored in a cool, dry place outside of direct sunlight, a tincture will store almost indefinitely. This extensive shelf life is due to the preserving properties of the high proof alcohol used in making tinctures.
How do I store my elderberry tincture?
Any tincture should be stored in a cool, dry place outside of direct sunlight. The most ideal storing container is a glass amber bottle.
Did you try this? Share your creations in the comments or by tagging @MissysHomestead on Instagram.
Elderberry Tincture for Cold & Flu Season
Equipment
- 2 Wide mouth pint canning jars
- Funnel
Materials
- ½ cup dried or 1 cup fresh elderberries
- High proof vodka – preferably something like Everclear. If Everclear isn’t available to you use the highest proof vodka you can get and use dried elderberries
Optional additions
- 1 inch Ginger root sliced
- 2 Cinnamon sticks – 3 inches long or 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp Rose hips
Instructions
- Add all solid ingredients to your pint canning jar.
- Pour high proof vodka over all solid ingredients until covered.
- Secure an airtight lid and shake.
- Place your infusion in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight.
- For the first two weeks, be sure to shake the jar well every other day.
- After four to six weeks, strain all solids from your liquid and transfer into a clean jar for storage. For best results, use an amber bottle.
Notes
Elderberry Tincture Dosage
Be sure to consult a healthcare professional before consuming any tincture. The typical dosage for elderberry tincture will depend on your health status and your age.- For ages 1 – 6: 2 – 4 drops a day without sights of illness or 5 drops 2 – 3x per day when there are symptoms of illness.
- Children ages 6 – 12: 5 – 10 drops a day without sights of illness or 10 drops 2 – 3x per day when there are symptoms of illness.
- For ages 13 and older: 20 – 40 drops a day without sights of illness or 30 – 40 drops 2 – 3x per day when there are symptoms of illness.
