Natural Immune Boosting ELDERBERRY TEA

Natural Immune Boosting ELDERBERRY TEA

Elderberry Tea- Benefits, How To Make, & Side Effects

The benefits of elderberry tea:
1.  Boosting the immune system
2.  Cleansing the body
3.  Improving vision
4.  Speeding up the metabolism
5.  Increasing respiratory health
6.  Lowering inflammation, protecting against chronic disease, aiding the healing process, stimulating digestion and eliminating chronic pain, among others.

Elderberry tea is a popular drink for people suffering from macular degeneration, respiratory infections, indigestion, constipation, high toxicity, chronic pain, obesity, poor metabolic function, bronchitis, cancer, and other chronic diseases.

Vision Health

Significant levels of vitamin A in elderberry tea make it the ideal booster for vision health. Vitamin A acts as an antioxidant and can help prevent macular degeneration and slow the development of cataracts as you age. 

Metabolic Function

The B-family vitamins are well represented in elderberry tea, most of which can boost the metabolism.  By improving metabolic function, it can increase passive fat-burning, which can aid in weight loss efforts, while also optimizing various processes in the body related to hormones and digestion.

Detoxify the Body

Elderberry tea has been linked to laxative and diuretic effects, meaning that it can detoxify the body by expelling excess toxins, salts, and fats through urination.  As a laxative, this tea can improve symptoms of constipation, reducing the occurrence of hemorrhoids, and maximize nutrient uptake efficiency.

Indigestion

Soothing the stomach with natural anti-inflammatory compounds, elderberry tea can reduce excess flatulence, indigestion, acid reflux disease, and stomach upset, making it an excellent tea for before or after meals. 

Respiratory Infections

Some of the most popular traditional uses of elderberry tea relate to respiratory infections, bronchitis, coughs, and congestion. There appears to be decongestant and expectorant qualities in elderberries volatile compounds, helping to ease inflammation in the respiratory tracts and eliminating mucus and phlegm where bacteria and other pathogens can thrive. 

Immune System

High levels of vitamin C make this herbal tea a potent immune system aid, as it can stimulate the production of white blood cells, and also act as an antioxidant throughout the body.  Ascorbic acid can seek out free radicals and lower oxidative stress, which allows your immune system to focus on more pressing  attacks and infections.

Pain and Inflammation

Studies have found that there are certain analgesic properties to elderberry tea, as well as anti-inflammatory properties that help those recovering from illness, injury or surgery.  This tea is particularly popular for those suffering from back pain or joint disorders, and some people drink 2-3 cups per day to relieve pain from morning to night. Elderberry tea can also be used medicinally to treat symptoms of arthritis.

Cancer

Due to the presence of various flavonoids, triterpenoids, and cinnamic acid, a number of research studies have tried to link elderberry tea to cancer prevention and anti-mutagenic properties.  While these studies are still ongoing, early results show that the antioxidants in this tea can help defend against oxidative stress, cell mutation, and apoptosis in healthy cells.

How do You Make Elderberry Tea?

Brewing your own elderberry tea is quite easy, and requires nothing more than a few tablespoon of whole dried organic elderberries, herbs, and spices. 

Ingredients 

  • 16 ounces water (I use distilled water)
  • 2 TBSP  dried elderberries (Sambucus ebulus) from Mountain Rose Herbs
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon powder
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder.optional
  • 1 tsp raw honey optional

Instructions

  • Put water and elderberries into a small saucepan.
  • Add turmeric and cinnamon.
  • Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This helps bring out the beneficial properties of the elderberries.
  • Remove from heat and let cool for about 5 minutes.
  • Finally, strain through a fine mesh strainer and pour into individual mugs.
  • Stir in raw honey if using.
Enjoy!

    Notes

    For an iced tea, pour into a mason jar and allow to cool, then refrigerate for up to 1 week. Serve over ice if desired. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 8oz | Calories: 26kcal | Carbohydrates: 6.6g | Protein: 0.2g | Sodium: 9mg | Fiber: 1.4g | Sugar: 2.9g 

     

    What Does an Elderberry Taste Like?

    Elderberry has a unique flavor, ranging from tangy and tart to bitter or sweet, depending on when in the growing season they are picked, and which variety you are eating. European black elderberries tend to be more tart or bitter, whereas American elderberries are typically sweet, and are more popular for use in jams, desserts, and candies

    Elderberry Tea Side Effects

    The side effects of elderberry tea are mainly gastrointestinal in nature, resulting in nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This can be due to consuming an excessive amount or if one has a particular allergy to the elderberry plant or other members of the Sambucus genus. However, other side effects related to specific medical conditions or drug interactions.

    • Diabetic Problems – Given that elderberry tea does have blood sugar-lowering tendencies, hypoglycemic patients should be careful when adding elderberry tea to their diet. This could cause dangerously low blood sugar, resulting in fainting or diabetic shock. Speak to your doctor before consuming this powerful tea.
    • Autoimmune Disease – Many of the antioxidants found in elderberry tea are excellent stimulants for the immune system, but this can exacerbate certain autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis or lupus.
    • Pregnancy – A limited amount of research has been done on the effects of elderberry tea during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, but due to the wide range of powerful chemicals found in this tea, it is not recommended. 
    • Mistaken Identity – The elderberry plant looks extremely similar to water hemlock, which is a very toxic and lethal plant when ingested. Do not pick elderberry in the wild unless you are trained to know the difference, or else a mistake could cost you your life!

    https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/elderberry-tea.html#metabolic-function