Elderberry Tea Benefits: 10 Amazing Scientific Insights

Elderberry has a long history steeped in folklore and tradition. In fact, the Ancient Egyptians used it to improve their complexions and heal burns. Meanwhile, Native Americans employed it to treat infections, and it’s still widely used across Europe and North America today.

This article will introduce you to elderberry tea, how it’s made, the numerous elderberry tea benefits, how to best consume it, and potential side effects and considerations you should know.

So, get your kettle on and ready your favorite teacup for some insightful reading about elderberry tea benefits!

What is Elderberry Tea and How is it Made?

Elderberry tea is a delicious and healthy brew made from the dried berries or flowers of the elder tree, scientifically known as Sambucus. There are different types of elderberry tea, including:

• Elderberry Fruit Tea
• Elderberry and Echinacea Tea
• Elderberry Flower Tea

For a more comprehensive overview of elderberry tea, its various types, origins, and specific details related to each type, check out our complete guide on elderberry tea!

How to Make Elderberry Tea

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make elderberry tea with the dried form and the tea bag form.

1. Boil one cup of water in a saucepan.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of pure organic elderberry tea (or 1 elderberry tea bag) to the boiling water.
3. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
4. Strain the tea into a cup, and it’s ready to drink!

This tea is naturally caffeine-free, making it a perfect choice for those who want to avoid caffeine.

Now that we’ve discussed how to prepare elderberry tea, let’s delve into its numerous health benefits.

List of Elderberry Tea Benefits

Let’s take a look at the extensive list of elderberry tea benefits.

1. Antioxidant Activity

Antioxidants are compounds that protect your cells against harmful free radicals. Elderberry tea is rich in phenolic compounds, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, contributing to its antioxidant activity (Viapiana & Wesolowski, 2017). Antioxidants can protect the body from oxidative stress, reducing the risk of chronic diseases (Osman et al., 2023).

2. Anti-inflammatory Properties

Inflammation is a protective response of your body to injury or disease. However, when it becomes chronic, it can lead to various health issues. Elderberry tea exhibits potent anti-inflammatory properties (Costa et al., 2021). The bioactive compounds in elderberry, such as anthocyanins and flavonols, help in reducing inflammation (Liu et al., 2022). This can be beneficial in managing various inflammatory conditions like arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease.

3. Immune Support

The immune system is our body’s defense mechanism against infections and diseases. Elderberry tea is known for its immune-boosting properties (Schön et al., 2021). It enhances the immune response and can reduce the severity and duration of respiratory infections (Tiralongo et al., 2016). Drinking elderberry tea, especially during the flu season, can help in strengthening your immunity.

4. Antiviral Activity

Viruses are tiny infectious agents that can cause a range of diseases, from the common cold to more severe diseases like COVID-19. Elderberry extracts show antiviral effects against respiratory viruses (Schön et al., 2021). They can inhibit viral replication, reducing the risk of respiratory infections (Wieland et al., 2021). Incorporating elderberry tea into your diet can help in keeping these viruses at bay.

5. Management of Cold and Flu Symptoms

Elderberry tea benefits help in the symptom management of cold and flu. which are common respiratory illnesses that can cause discomfort and inconvenience. Elderberry tea has been shown to reduce the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms (Tiralongo et al., 2016). It can help alleviate symptoms such as cough, congestion, and sore throat (Crawford et al., 2022). So, next time you have a cold or flu, try sipping on some elderberry tea for relief.

6. Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease and stroke, are among the leading causes of death worldwide. Consuming elderberries and elderberry extracts is associated with cardiovascular health benefits (Osman et al., 2023). The high antioxidant content of elderberry tea can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases (Lingli et al., 2020). Regular consumption of elderberry tea can contribute to maintaining a healthy heart.

7. Anti-diabetic Effects

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar. Elderberry extracts have been shown to improve insulin activity and help regulate blood glucose levels (Ho et al., 2017). This can be beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition. Incorporating elderberry tea into a balanced diet can be a natural way to manage diabetes.

8. Neuroprotective Effects

Neuroprotection refers to the mechanisms within the nervous system that protect neurons from damage. Some studies suggest that elderberry extracts may have neuroprotective effects (Simonyi et al., 2015). The bioactive compounds in elderberry tea can protect against neurodegenerative diseases and promote brain health. Regular consumption of elderberry tea could be a proactive way to care for your brain health.

9. Anticancer Properties

Cancer is a broad group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth. Elderberry tea contains bioactive compounds that have been associated with anticancer effects (Osman et al., 2023). These compounds can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. While elderberry tea should not replace conventional cancer treatments, it can serve as part of a holistic approach to health and well-being.

10. Digestive Health

Digestive health is essential for overall well-being. Elderberry tea has traditionally been used to promote digestive health (Martini, 2021). It can help alleviate constipation and support overall gastrointestinal function. If you’re experiencing digestive discomfort, elderberry tea could be a soothing solution.

In conclusion, the list of elderberry tea benefits is truly extensive, from antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory properties to digestive health and more. If you’re interested in exploring the world of tea further, don’t forget to check out our comprehensive article on the “health benefits of drinking tea“!

What’s the Best Way to Take Elderberry Tea?

Elderberry tea can be enjoyed in many forms, including tea bags, loose tea, and powder. It pairs well with a splash of honey or a squeeze of lemon. Elderberry tea benefits for skin can be best enjoyed by having a cup in the morning or before bedtime.

If you prefer to sip it in a fun and flavorful way while benefiting from other herbs, you should absolutely try the elderberry blends from Art of Tea!

Potential Side Effects and Considerations of Elderberry Tea

Although elderberry tea is generally safe for most people, it’s important to source high-quality elderberry products to ensure safety and efficacy.

Conclusion

To recap, the health benefits of elderberry tea are many, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, immune support, antiviral activity, and support for digestive health, to name a few. Encouragingly, it’s a versatile addition to your daily routine that’s well worth trying.

Let us know how it made you feel and don’t forget to check out our review post about the best elderberry tea!

References

• Costa, C., Patinha, S., Rudnitskaya, A., Santos, S., Silvestre, A., Rocha, S. (2021). Sustainable Valorization Of Sambucus Nigra L. Berries: From Crop Biodiversity To Nutritional Value Of Juice and Pomace. Foods, 1(11), 104. Link Here
• Crawford, C., Brown, L., Costello, R., Deuster, P. (2022). Select Dietary Supplement Ingredients For Preserving and Protecting The Immune System In Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review. Nutrients, 21(14), 4604. Link Here
• Ho, G., Kase, E., Wangensteen, H., Barsett, H. (2017). Phenolic Elderberry Extracts, Anthocyanins, Procyanidins, and Metabolites Influence Glucose And Fatty Acid Uptake In Human Skeletal Muscle Cells. J. Agric. Food Chem., 13(65), 2677-2685. Link Here
• Lingli, S., Qiuhua, L., Xiang, L., Xingfei, L., Wenji, Z., Chen, R., … & Shili, S. (2020). Phytochemical Profiles and Bioactivities Of Cake Tea Leaves Obtained From The Same Cultivar: A Comparative Analysis. Natural Product Communications, 8(15), 1934578X2094550. Link Here
• Liu, D., He, X., Wu, D., Li, H., Feng, Y., Zou, L., … & Gan, R. (2022). Elderberry (sambucus Nigra L.): Bioactive Compounds, Health Functions, and Applications. J. Agric. Food Chem., 14(70), 4202-4220. Link Here
• Martini, N. (2021). Elderberry. J. Prim. Health Care, 1(13), 91-92. Link Here
• Osman, A., Avula, B., Katragunta, K., Ali, Z., Chittiboyina, A., Khan, I. (2023). Elderberry Extracts: Characterization Of the Polyphenolic Chemical Composition, Quality Consistency, Safety, Adulteration, And Attenuation Of Oxidative Stress- And Inflammation-induced Health Disorders. Molecules, 7(28), 3148. Link Here
• Schön, C., Mödinger, Y., Krüger, F., Doebis, C., Pischel, I., Bonnländer, B. (2021). A New High-quality Elderberry Plant Extract Exerts Antiviral and Immunomodulatory Effects in Vitro And ex Vivo. Food and Agricultural Immunology, 1(32), 650-662. Link Here
• Simonyi, A., Chen, Z., Jiang, J., Zong, Y., Chuang, D., Gu, Z., … & Sun, G. (2015). Inhibition Of Microglial Activation By Elderberry Extracts and Its Phenolic Components. Life Sciences, (128), 30-38. Link Here
• Tiralongo, E., Wee, S., Lea, R. (2016). Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms In Air-travellers: A Randomized, Double-blind Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial. Nutrients, 4(8), 182. Link Here
• Viapiana, A., Wesolowski, M. (2017). The Phenolic Contents and Antioxidant Activities Of Infusions Of Sambucus Nigra L.. Plant Foods Hum Nutr, 1(72), 82-87. Link Here
• Wieland, L., Piechotta, V., Feinberg, T., Ludeman, E., Hutton, B., Kanji, S., … & Garritty, C. (2021). Elderberry For Prevention and Treatment Of Viral Respiratory Illnesses: A Systematic Review. BMC Complement Med Ther, 1(21). Link Here