By Sarena-Rae Santos, Natural Health Blogger
When people first embark on their herbalism journey, many people start building an apothecary. Not me. I didn’t want to overwhelm myself, so I experimented with just a few herbs. Instead of buying all the herbs that intrigued me, I focused on a select few. I predominantly focused on lung health, with a side of immunity support.
As someone with an autoimmune disease, I read so much conflicting information regarding immunomodulators. After reading up on echinacea, elderberry, and astragalus, I was most intrigued with elderberries. Of course, elderberry is known for its immune-supporting benefits, but they’re so much more than that. Other elderberry benefits include:
- Rich in antioxidants
- May improve cold and flu symptoms
- May be good for heart health
- May help fight cancer
- May lower blood sugar levels and insulin dependence
- Supports skin health
- May improve allergy symptoms
Of course, the most commonly made elderberry remedy is traditional elderberry syrup, but I wanted something simpler, so I made this simple elderberry tincture.
Simple Elderberry Tincture
Ingredients & Supplies:
- ¼ cup dried elderberries (I used this)
- 1 ¼ cup 70 or 80-proof alcohol (I used organic vodka)
- 16 or 32 oz. Mason jar
Directions:
Step 1: Gather ¼ cup of dried or ½ cup of fresh elderberry.
Step 2: In a Mason jar, pour 1 ¼ cups of alcohol over the elderberry and combine well.
Step 3: Place the jar in a cool, dark cabinet to steep for 4-6 weeks and shake daily.
Step 4: After steeping, strain the mixture through a strainer covered in cheesecloth.
Optional: Some people use a French press to extract the remaining liquid after straining the mixture.
Step 5: Transfer to a dark-colored, glass, airtight container for long-term storage.
Usage & Storage: Take 10-20 drops (1/8-1/4 tsp) 2-3 times daily. It will last about two years when stored in a cool, dark place like a cabinet. If you notice visible mold at the top, it has gone bad.
Disclaimer: This post is not intended as medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and nothing in this post is intended to diagnose, treat, or cure anything. If you have questions, please do your own research or seek advice from a health professional.
