Using a great elderberry tincture recipe lets you enjoy the benefits of elderberries. An elderberry tincture is a powerful liquid form of elderberries that’s simple to make and consume. It preserves and concentrates the berries’ properties, making them more effective and long-lasting.
Learning to make elderberry tinctures is worth it because of their health benefits. Elderberry is a popular medicinal plant globally, with its berries and flowers full of antioxidants and vitamins that may boost the immune system. It’s often believed to help treat colds, flu, constipation, hay fever, and sinus infections.
Elderberries might have been cultivated even by prehistoric humans. They were used in Panama to help fight a flu epidemic in 1995, and elderberry-based remedies date back to Ancient Egypt.
Elderberries are rich in flavonoids, especially anthocyanins, which give them their dark purple color. These flavonoids have antioxidant properties that help protect cells and boost the immune system.
Tinctures have been used for thousands of years and are an important part of traditional herbal medicine. Elderberry tinctures are made by soaking the berries in alcohol, which extracts and concentrates their active ingredients into a liquid form.
Using tinctures makes it easy to consume elderberries’ natural immune-boosting compounds. This homemade recipe is similar to our aronia berry tincture recipe—affordable and easy to prepare at home.
There are various ways to make an elderberry tincture, but we’ll show you a straightforward method that doesn’t require complex measurements. If you’re a visual learner, you can find a video that demonstrates this elderberry tincture recipe.
You can add antiviral herbs to the tincture if you want. Making tinctures typically takes longer than making an elderberry elixir, as it can take weeks or even months to fully infuse the liquid with elderberry properties. Alcohol-based tinctures have a long shelf life and are convenient to use when needed.
Tinctures are usually taken orally, often placed directly under the tongue, with a dose of two droppers having the same effect as a cup of elderberry tea.
For kids, pregnant women, or those avoiding alcohol, it’s best to dilute the tincture with hot tea to evaporate the alcohol.
Colds and flu are both respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses, but elderberry helps as an antiviral, preventing and treating these viruses. Elderberry compounds can stop viruses from entering and replicating in cells and strengthen the immune response.
Topical elderberry tinctures have been used traditionally to ease dental pain, cuts, bruises, and burns.
Anthocyanins in elderberries reduce inflammation by preventing nitric oxide production, a molecule that triggers inflammation. Relieving inflammation may ease pain and swelling.
Herbal medicine has been used for centuries to treat various conditions, including cancer. Many believe amygdalin, a compound found in elderberries, is good for cancer prevention. Research indicates that anthocyanins protect against oxidative stress, reducing inflammation. Studies have explored elderberries’ anti-cancer properties across different cancer growth stages.
Elderberries have anti-aging and free-radical-fighting properties, helping keep your skin healthy and radiant. They’re rich in vitamin A, which promotes healing, prevents breakouts, supports the skin’s immune system, and aids natural moisturization, making elderberries a great skin tonic, especially for dehydrated mature skin.
Sinus congestion occurs when fluid gets trapped in the sinuses, leading to swelling and excess mucus. Elderberry may help relieve sinusitis and bronchitis symptoms by inhibiting bacterial growth. It can clear sinus infections, acts as a natural diuretic and laxative, and eases allergy symptoms.
Elderberries may also help with constipation and digestion due to anthraquinone, a compound that reduces water absorption in the intestines. This boosts intestinal pressure, prompting bowel movement.
Elderberry is renowned worldwide as a top herbal antiviral. Using this elderberry tincture can naturally alleviate respiratory issues, nasal and lung congestion, sinusitis, allergies, inflammation, and cold and flu symptoms.
