Elderberry is definitely having a moment.
Even though the moment is due to a pandemic, mixed with the oncoming flu season, it’s still a positive point that this herb is getting some acknowledgment for its immune-boosting powers.
Elderberry is “one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in the world” having been used by both “ancient Egyptians [and] Native Americans.” This herb has been used to treat infections, heal burns, improve skin clarity, and speed recovery from ailments such as the common cold and the flu. On top of that, throughout history elderberry has also been used as a remedy for “pain relief, swelling, inflammation, to [stimulation of] the production of urine and [induceing] sweating.”
So, what’s in elderberry?
The berries are rich in nutrients such as “vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants such as phenolic acids, flavonols, and anthocyanins.” This is where those immune-boosting powers reside!
While elderberry supplements are an excellent way to ingest this herb safely, you can also try out a more direct approach via elixirs, tinctures, and teas! With that said, make sure to keep a wary eye out for high levels of sugar, artificial flavors and coloring, and sneaky non-vegan ingredients such as honey. Here are a few to get you on the right path!
As always, make sure to speak with a medical professional before adding any new ingredient to your herbal diet.
1. Buddha Teas Organic Elderberry Tea
Buddha Teas Organic Elderberry Tea/Amazon.com
As the weather drops, sipping a cup of tea first thing in the morning or last thing before bed takes on a whole new range of pleasure! Why not make it count towards your body as well? This Buddha Teas Organic Elderberry Tea is infused with antioxidants, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B, phosphorus, potassium, copper, and zinc, all of which lend to those wonderful immune and respiratory system boosting health benefits. This tea sources organic, wild-harvested elderberries, bleach-free tea bags, and the boxes are made from 100 percent recycled material. An 18-pouch box costs $6.98.
Amazon Customer says “I stumbled upon the goodness of elderberry by accident. I was beginning to feel like I was getting sick and stopped at a tiny gas station/grocery store in the middle of Montana where they only sold health products. I purchased some elderberry syrup something I’d never heard of before. Right away I felt better and my cold never materialized into anything worse. The last few times after that when I’ve felt like I was getting something I’d reach for the elderberry syrup and every time nothing would materialize into a full-blown cold. I’ve recently discovered my love of teas and herbal infusions and how healthy they can be. With winter here and so many people getting the flu I put the two together and found this elderberry tea! I first bought a box and sent to my parents because they have been fighting colds. My mother said when she was a child that she would go out into the wilderness with her grandparents and pick wild elderberries, dry them, and drink elderberry tea all winter long to stay well. I bought a box for myself and am just so in love with it. With a little bit of raw local honey, it is so delicious and is now hands down my favorite drink. This brand has such a beautiful presentation with its lovely box. It’s almost like unwrapping a gift each time I make the tea. Organic, non-bleached tea bags, caffeine-free, the only ingredient is elderberries. Pure love.”
2. Herb Pharm Certified Organic Black Elderberry Liquid Extract
Herb Pharm Certified Organic Black Elderberry Liquid Extract/Amazon.com
Herb Pharm is an awesome company that focuses on organic, wild-harvested ingredients. This Herb Pharm Certified Organic Black Elderberry Liquid Extract offers a quick, easy, and safe way to get your daily dose of elderberry to help stave off illness this winter season. This liquid is alcohol-free, easily absorbed, and capsule-free meaning you only get what you want without any extra unnecessary ingredients. Herb Pharm is proud to offer a product that is certified organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, and sustainably wildcrafted from native environments. A 1-ounce bottle costs $12.50.
Fiveorange says “Black Elderberry is excellent at warding off sickness if you take it as soon as you get symptoms. It doesn’t hurt to take it daily as a precaution. I also carry elderberry gummies in my purse because they travel better than a tincture. So many people don’t cover their mouths when they cough or make their kids stay home from school when they are sick. It’s wintertime now and I have to be ready. This product is a permanent thing in my life. I’m very sensitive to my environment and I have no time to be sick. This big bottle is expensive but it will last and it is much cheaper than lost productivity because of illness.”
3. MaryRuths Organic Elderberry Syrup Black Sambucus Liquid
MaryRuths Organic Elderberry Syrup Black Sambucus Liquid/Amazon.com
MaryRuths Organic Elderberry Syrup Black Sambucus Liquid is organic, non-GMO, antioxidant-rich, and low-sugar! MaryRuths supplements are formulated by Health Educator, Nutritional Consultant, and Culinary Chef MaryRuth Ghiyam, therefore you can trust what’s in the sauce. This syrup was formulated to be easily absorbed to effectively boost the immune system and infuse the body with lots of plant-based flavonoids. A 1-fluid ounce bottle costs $19.99.
4. Good Nature Organic Elderflower Tea
Good Nature Organic Elderflower Tea/Amazon.com
This Good Nature Organic Elderflower Tea takes elderberry to the next level with the elderflower — “delicate white flowers” that blossom on the elderberry bush. This tea offers a delicate flora flavoring without any sugar, artificial colors, artificial flavors, or any preservatives. On top of that, Good Nature teas are certified USDA organic, gluten-free, calorie-free, sugar-free, and this specific tea is caffeine-free. The elderflower sourced for this tea promises to be of high-quality Pharmacopoeial Grade Herbs. A 20-pouch box costs $4.99.
PKelly says “Elderflower is a warm earthy tasting tea that I just love. This brand is just fine.”
5. Earthley Elderberry Herbal Extract
Earthley Elderberry Herbal Extract/Amazon.com
This Earthley Elderberry Herbal Extract provides a unique elixir of elderberries and immune-boosting herbs. With a two-year shelf life, this extract is the perfect go-to source for your winter immune support! This elixir has been made with 100 percent pure ingredients and is free of alcohol, gluten, soy, corn, nuts, or added sugars, colors, and flavors. This elixir promises to be a “one-two punch for colds, coughs, sore throats, and more.” A 2-ounce bottle costs $21.99.
KR125 says “This is our favorite. My kids hate elderberry syrup, so this is a much better route.
We’ve been using it for the past year and love it for helping support our kid’s immune systems! All my kids love the taste.”
6. Gaia Herbs Black Elderberry Syrup
Gaia Herbs Black Elderberry Syrup/Amazon.com
Gaia Herbs Black Elderberry Syrup$19.99.
Abigail N Detmers says “I really like this stuff. I took it most of the winter when it seemed everyone was down with some sort of sickness. In fact, most of my family got hit with the flu (Influenza A) and I started upping the amount I took. I never got the flu. Could be coincidence, but I like to think not. The flavor isn’t bad at all. It is thick, but doesn’t bother me. It lasts for quite some time. I will be purchasing again!”
7. Nature’s Way Sambucus Elderberry Drops Ultra-Strength
Nature’s Way Sambucus Elderberry Drops Ultra-Strength/Amazon.com
This Nature’s Way Sambucus Elderberry Drops Ultra-Strength$18.89.
Amy says “This stuff is great! While everyone around me was sick, I managed to not get it. I took 4 drops daily during the time that my husband was sick and I stayed healthy. I do take one drop daily under normal circumstances as good measure. No flu shots for me. I will keep buying!”
8. The Republic of Tea Organic Elderberry Herbal Tea
The Republic of Tea Organic Elderberry Herbal Tea/Amazon.com
When seeking a high-quality tea keep an eye out for unbleached tea bags like this The Republic of Tea Organic Elderberry Herbal Tea. Republic of Tea is proud to offer a product that is certified USDA organic, non-GMO project verified, and kosher. For those watching their nutritional intake, this product is gluten-free, sugar-free, carb-free, and zero-calorie! A 36-pouch box costs $17.31.
b pullin says “Love this tea! I have a sweet tooth, and though this is not in any way a sweet tea, it was delicious. Very delicate flavor while full of cinnamon and the cardamom flavor was not overwhelmed by it. I drank it just before bedtime and had no trouble sleeping so no concern about caffeine either. Well worth the $. I WILL be buying it again.”
9. Andi Lynn’s Pure Black Elderberry Drops
Andi Lynn’s Pure Black Elderberry Drops/Amazon.com
This Andi Lynn’s Pure Black Elderberry Drops$19.99.
Jul says “I like to he favor, I like that is not sweet. U can feel the product is concentrated but not too thick. I had a rash for months my doctor blamed on weak immune system, I went away in a couple of weeks after taking it daily.”
10. Garden of Life Mykind Organics Plant-Based Elderberry Immune Syrup
Garden of Life Mykind Organics Plant-Based Elderberry Immune Syrup/Amazon.com
This Garden of Life Mykind Organics Plant-Based Elderberry Immune Syruptwo immune-boosting agents for this syrup — elderberry and echinacea. Included in the formula is antioxidant-rich vitamin C, organic amla berry, rosemary, and zinc. This product is sugar-free and sources nutrients from real foods! A 6.59-fluid ounce bottle costs $23.79.
Momtotwo83 says “I love this elderberry so much. I swear by it for my kids. They take it no problem now, but can easily be mixed in water or oj. Wish it wasn’t quite as expensive or larger size, but of the many, I’ve tried we like this the best so stick with it.”
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