Last Updated on June 2, 2025 by Helena Akter
Struggling to use elderberries for tea? Well, many find it confusing to prepare them properly, unsure of the right methods or proportions. However, it’s not that hard to learn how to use dried elderberries for tea.
In fact, you can use dried elderberries for tea by simmering 2 tablespoons with water, cinnamon, and turmeric for 15 minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey for a delicious, health-promoting herbal tea. You can also use marshmallows or Astragalus root for extra herbal benefits.
Here, we’ll share the easy methods to brew the perfect dried elderberry tea, tips to improve its taste, and the amazing benefits it brings to your health. Let’s get started!
Key Summary
- Elderberries are small, dark berries that can be dried and used to make herbal tea. They’re rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, and compounds like quercetin. However, unripe berries and certain plant parts contain toxic compounds and should be avoided.
- Simmer 2 tablespoons of dried elderberries with water, cinnamon, and turmeric for 15 minutes. Strain, cool, and optionally add honey for sweetness.
- Elderberry tea is good for your heart because it can lower cholesterol and blood pressure. It also strengthens your immune system with its antioxidants and might help keep blood sugar levels steady.
How Can You Dry Elderberries?
Before you learn how to use dried elderberries for tea, you have two options. You can either buy dried elderberries from a store or dry them yourself at home. If you prefer the second option, here’s how you can do it.
Selection and Cleaning
First, sift through your elderberries and set aside any that aren’t ripe yet. Put the good ones in a colander and quickly wash them under cold water. Spread them out on paper towels and gently pat them down to soak up the extra water.
Preparation for Drying
You can basically use 2 methods to dry your selected elderberries.
Using a Dehydrator
Lay the berries out on the dehydrator trays without overcrowding them. Turn it on to a gentle heat. In this case, about 115°F or 46°C should do it. Well, it’ll take a few hours, but it’s worth the wait!
Oven Drying
If you don’t have a dehydrator, an oven can help you out. Just arrange the berries on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Here, make sure none of them touches each other.
Fire up your oven to the lowest heat, around 115°F (46°C), and let them bake for about 15 minutes. Peek in and see if they’ve shrunk to about half their size and turned darker.
If not, keep them in longer, checking every five minutes.
Cool Down and Store
After drying the berries, take them out and let them cool off completely. Then, store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay good, and you can enjoy them anytime you want.
How to Make Elderberry Tea Effortlessly
Making elderberry tea is simple! Here’s our no-fuss dried elderberry tea recipe —
What You’ll Need —
- Water: For two servings, you need 20 oz of filtered water to ensure a pure taste.
- Elderberries: Use 2 tablespoons of dried elderberries for 20 ounces of water. If you need a larger amount, add more water and elderberries, keeping the same ratio.
- Cinnamon: ¼ teaspoon or a small stick for a warm spice kick.
- Turmeric: ½ teaspoon of powder or a slice of the fresh root to add a peppery zest.
- Honey: Optional, but a teaspoon can sweeten your tea if you like.
Tools Required —
- A simple small pot.
- A fine mesh sieve for straining.
Let’s Brew It Together —
- Mix the Ingredients: Grab your pot and toss in the water, dried elderberries, cinnamon, and turmeric.
- Cook: Set your pot on the stove and bring everything to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, lower the heat and let it all simmer gently for about 15 minutes. It helps to blend all those flavors and reduces the turmeric’s sharpness.
- Cool Down: After your tea has simmered, take the pot off the stove and let it sit for a cool-off session of about 5 minutes.
- Strain and Serve: Place your sieve over your favorite mug and pour the tea through to catch any bits.
Additional Tips —
- If you’re in the mood for something sweet, swirl in a teaspoon of raw honey. Actually, it depends on you!
- For a healthy herbal kick, start by adding one tablespoon of dried marshmallow root or Astragalus root.
3 Health Benefits of Elderberry Tea
Following are some of the major benefits you can enjoy from sipping elderberry tea —
Protect Your Heart
Elderberry tea is a great option for supporting heart health. Studies suggest that consuming elderberry juice can help reduce your cholesterol and blood fat levels. Now, these are important in preventing heart disease.
Additional research, including tests on rats, has found that the polyphenols in elderberries can lower high blood pressure. It reduces strain on your heart and decreases the risk of damage to other organs.
Improve Immune System
It’s rich in polyphenols, antioxidants that protect your cells and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Also, these antioxidants help strengthen your immune defenses, keep your cells healthy, and support a normal inflammatory response.
Besides, studies in animals suggest elderberries can increase white blood cell counts, which are important for fighting infections.
Prevents Diseases
Elderberry tea contains powerful compounds like quercetin, which support your body’s metabolism. Plus, it may lead to a longer, healthier life. These substances are also known to fight cancer and make your immune system more active.
Additionally, elderberries can stabilize your blood sugar levels, helping in diabetes control and lowering the risk of complications. However, research is still ongoing, so it’s best to talk to a doctor before using elderberry tea as a remedy.
Possible Side Effects of Elderberry Tea
Elderberry tea is loved for its rich taste and possible health perks. However, like many herbal remedies, some potential elderberry tea side effects need attention, particularly for specific groups.
Toxicity in Unripe Berries and Plant Parts
The leaves, stems, and unripe berries of elderberry plants contain sambunigrin, a toxic compound. When consumed, it can turn into hydrogen cyanide, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
To stay safe, you should only use ripe elderberries that have been properly prepared.
Risks for Pregnant and Nursing Women
There’s not enough research to confirm if elderberry is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Here, two factors increase the risk bar —
- Lack of evidence
- Chance of stimulating the immune system
That’s why it’s recommended to avoid elderberry tea during pregnancy or nursing. Plus, always check with your doctor before adding any herbal teas to your diet if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Concerns for Autoimmune Conditions
Elderberry may not be suitable for people with autoimmune conditions, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. That’s because it can reactivate your immune system.
Thus, to stay safe, you should avoid elderberry tea or check with your healthcare provider before trying it.
Final Words
We discussed how to use dried elderberries for tea, including how to dry them yourself and brew a healthy drink. Remember, always use ripe elderberries and follow proper drying methods to avoid toxicity.
Elderberry tea can help your heart, strengthen your immune system with antioxidants, and may help prevent illness. But, it’s not for everyone. If you’re pregnant, nursing, or have an autoimmune disease, ask your doctor first.
Using dried elderberries for tea regularly can be a simple method for improving your overall health. So, why not give it a try and enjoy its natural benefits?
FAQs
How to make elderberry ice tea?
To make elderberry iced tea, brew elderberry tea as usual, then strain and mix with cold water. Cool it in the fridge, and increase the flavor with honey or lemon juice. Finally, serve chilled with ice and garnish with orange slices or fresh herbs like mint.
What does herbal elderberry tea taste like?
Herbal elderberry tea tastes like a blend of tart and earthy flavors. However, you can modify its taste by adding spices like cinnamon, cloves, or ginger or herbs such as chamomile and mint during brewing.
Can you drink elderberry tea every day?
Yes, you can enjoy elderberry tea every day. It’s rich in nutrients, supports your immunity, and has no caffeine. It’s particularly useful in cold and flu season, as it may help relieve symptoms.
References
https://simplybeyondherbs.com/elderberry-tea-recipe
https://blogs.sas.com/content/efs/files/2013/11/ElderberryTeaRecipe.pdf
https://www.webmd.com/diet/elderberry-tea-is-it-good-for-you
https://www.gaiaherbs.com/blogs/seeds-of-knowledge/elderberry-tea
https://www.myteadrop.com/blogs/news/7-amazing-benefits-of-elderberry-tea
