Curious what is elderberry tea? Do you love drinking teas with earthy undertones? Elderberry tea won’t leave you indifferent then. One sip of this healthy tea and its sweet and tart taste is more than enough for it to win your heart forever.
I became interested in the concept of superfoods a couple of years ago. Given that I’m an avid tea drinker, I take a special interest in super herbs that can be used to make tea. I’m happy to introduce you to elderberry tea. It’s a unique tasting tea with a dominant sweet and tart taste painted over the subtle earthy canvas.
Personally, I drink it out of a transparent teacup to admire its unique jammy dark color. But enough about me and my relationship with Elderberry tea. Here is everything you need to know to become an expert on the topic.
What is Elderberry Tea?
Elderberry is a tree that belongs to the family of Sambucus trees. Although native to European shores, the Elderberry tree now grows worldwide. The tree can grow as high as 9 meters, and it has unique flowers. They are white and have a unique fragrance that resembles the smell of ripe freshly-cut apples.
While most people wait for the tree’s fruit, which is called Elderberry, some use flowers to make a syrup. Elderberry tea is not a new way to consume Elderberry — it has been in use for quite a long time now.
A Brief History of Elderberry Tea
Many civilizations had recognized the powerful beneficial properties of Elderberry long before modern medicine did. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Native Americas were the first to treat a wide range of ailments using this plant.
As the news about its benefits continued to spread like wildfire, Elderberry became a go-to remedy in many folk medicine practices. Today, Elderberry tea is a favorite drink of many people across the globe. Some love it for its unique flavor; others drink it for its benefits. I drink it because of both.
Can Elderberry Tea Help Improve My Health?
Even Hippocrates, the father of medicine, frequently prescribed it to treat all sorts of conditions. In fact, it’s so powerful that it can improve several aspects of your health.
Source of Powerful Antioxidants
As the number of stressors exponentially rises, the immune system suffers. Stress also exposes us to several specific risks, including cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and diabetes. Elderberry can help combat stress by providing more than enough antioxidants. Anthocyanins are the critical component found in this tea.
It’s what gives it the purple color. Anthocyanins are quite potent antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties as well. Given the high concentration of anthocyanins in elderberry tea, it can help reduce the risks, as mentioned earlier, and help you live a healthier life.
Immune System Boost
The immune system is what protects you from viruses and bacteria. However, it has a very sensitive natural balance. A lack of nutrients and vitamins can weaken it, leaving your body more prone to certain infections and conditions. To boost your immune system, you need a cup of nutrients and antioxidants.
Nutritionists put Elderberry into the superfood category for a reason. It is rich in all sorts of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, but it’s an excellent source of flavonoids, phenolic acids, vitamin C, polyphenols, and fibers. It can help you boost your immune system, increase white blood cell count, and get your defenses ready against various illnesses.
The most potent compound in Elderberry Tea to boost the immune system is probably quercetin. Scientists believe that it makes the immune system more agile and ready to use a vast arsenal of defenses against health risks.
Better Control of Blood Sugar Levels
Keeping blood sugar levels in check is important for people with diabetes and everyone else. It can prevent diabetes and insulin resistance. People with diabetes who successfully keep blood sugar levels in check also reduce the risks of certain complications.
Elderberry tea can help with it. Introducing elderberry tea to your diet can help you control blood sugar levels.
How to Make Elderberry Tea?
You have two options to try elderberry tea: make it from premade elderberry tea or dried Elderberry. I opted for dried Elderberry as I want to concoct my potions. You have to put elderberries in water and simmer for about 15 minutes.
Strain the liquid and pour it into your favorite teacup. A couple of ingredients complement the flavor perfectly, including cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, fresh ginger or rosemary, and orange peel.
