An elderberry tincture is a great way to boost your immune system and help fight off a cold or flu quickly. Making a tincture is simple and requires just two ingredients: elderberries and alcohol. but I sometimes use chose to add a handful of herbs to my elderberry tincture to give it an added antiviral boost, but they’re completely optional.
Elderberry, specifically the subspecies Sambucus nigra and Sambucus canadensis, has been used for centuries to fight colds and the flu. In recent decades, a new interest in the plant has led to several large studies to determine its efficacy.1 Impressively, it turns out that elderberry stimulates the body’s immune system, is a potent antioxidant and really can shorten and decrease symptoms of colds and flu.2
You can make syrup, jelly, and other goodies with the elderberry, but our project focuses on making elderberry tincture, an alcohol-based extract of elderberry that has medicinal properties. Unlike elderberry syrup, this elderberry tincture has a much longer shelf life and is a great way to use up any extra elderberries before they expire.
How To Make An Elderberry Tincture
What You Need:
- Clean canning jars: Wide-mouth ones are easier to work with, but any glass jar with a tight lid will do. Just avoid metal, as it can react with the tincture.
- Elderberries: Fresh and local are best, but dried berries work just fine. If you’re using frozen berries, let them thaw before you start.
- A fork: For plucking the berries off the stems.
- A bowl and a colander: For washing and prepping the berries.
- 100-proof vodka: This is your tincture’s base. You can also use brandy if you prefer.
Pick the Right Berries
If you’re foraging, double-check to make sure you’ve got the right berries. You want elderberries, not the toxic water hemlock! Look for berries that are deep purple-black and slightly soft. Snip them off with scissors to make it easy.
No elderberry bush at home? No problem! You can buy them online or at a local health food store. Just remember to stock up before cold and flu season because they tend to sell out fast.
Prepping the Berries
Gently use a fork to remove the berries from their stems, starting from the bottom and working your way up. This helps keep the berries intact. Rinse them well in a colander to remove any dirt or bugs.
Optional: If you’re using fresh berries, give them a gentle mash for extra juice in your tincture. If you’re using dried berries, you can skip this step.
Fill the Jar
Fill your jar about 1/4 of the way if you’re using dried elderberries, or 1/2 of the way if you’re using fresh ones. Leave about an inch of space at the top. For an extra boost, add a few pinches of antiviral herbs like echinacea, sage, thyme, or bee balm if you’d like.
Add Vodka
Pour in enough vodka (or any other high-proof alcohol) to cover the berries completely. Fresh berries are juicy, so a higher-proof alcohol like Everclear is helpful to balance out the moisture. If you’re using dried berries, an 80-proof alcohol with higher water content is perfect. Use a chopstick or knife to stir gently, releasing any trapped air bubbles. Top up with more alcohol if needed.
Labeling and Waiting
Label your jar with the date, type of plant (elderberry), and the type of alcohol used. This is especially important if you’re making other tinctures too!
Steeping and Straining
Let your tincture sit for two to six weeks. Give the jar a good shake daily to mix everything. For the first week, check to ensure the berries are always submerged, adding more alcohol if needed. I like to place the jar near something I use regularly, so I remember to shake it whenever I see it.
After six weeks, strain the tincture through a colander into a bowl, pressing the berries to get out all the liquid.
Transfer the finished tincture to a clean, dark bottle for storage.
How To Store Elderberry Tincture
To ensure your elderberry tincture stays potent and effective, it’s crucial to store it properly. Here are a few tips:
- Cool, Dark Place: Store your tincture in a cool, dark location. A cabinet away from direct sunlight and heat sources is ideal, as light and temperature fluctuations can degrade the tincture over time.
- Amber Glass Bottles: I highly recommend using amber glass bottles for storing your tincture. The dark glass helps protect the contents from light exposure, which can reduce the tincture’s effectiveness. Dropper bottles are also convenient for easy dosing.
- Consistent Temperature: Keep your tincture at a stable room temperature. While it doesn’t need to be refrigerated, avoid placing it in areas where the temperature fluctuates frequently, such as near a stove or heating vent.
How Long Does An Elderberry Tincture Last
An elderberry tincture can last up to 5 years when stored properly. This is significantly longer than elderberry syrup, which typically lasts about 2 to 3 months in the refrigerator and only about 2 weeks at room temperature. Tinctures are a fantastic way to make the most of your elderberries, especially since they can be expensive. Proper storage in a cool, dark place ensures that your tincture retains its potency, making it a reliable remedy throughout the year, even after the cold and flu season ends.
Elderberry Tincture Dosage Guide
Before using elderberry tincture, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider. However, here are some commonly recommended dosages:
Adults & Teens (12+ years)
- Immune Support: Take 1 teaspoon (roughly 2 full droppers) once a day if you’ve been around someone who’s sick or want to strengthen your immune system.
- During Illness: Increase to 1 teaspoon, three times a day, if you’re feeling under the weather or already ill.
Children (5-12 years)
- Immune Boost: Give 1/2 teaspoon daily to help protect against illness when exposed to sickness.
- During Illness: When symptoms appear, administer 1/2 teaspoon three times a day.
Toddlers (2-4 years)
- Immune Boost: Administer 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon once daily if they’ve been around someone sick.
- During Illness: Increase the dose to 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon three times a day if they start showing symptoms.
If you’re using dropper bottles, remember that 1 teaspoon is approximately two full droppers. For accuracy, you can measure the dosage with a measuring spoon until you get familiar with the dropper’s capacity. This helps ensure you’re giving the correct amount, especially for younger children.
Elderberry Tincture
Ingredients
- Fresh or dried elderberries: Enough to fill the jar 1/3 to 1/2 full (approximately 3-5 ounces by weight.)
- Vodka (at least 80-proof: About 10 ounces, enough to completely cover the berries.)
Instructions
- Fill with Berries: Add the elderberries to the jar. For dried berries, fill about 1/3 full; for fresh, fill up to 1/2 full. Do not pack the berries tightly; let them settle naturally.
- Add Alcohol: Pour vodka over the berries until they are completely submerged. The alcohol should be at least 80-proof to ensure proper extraction and prevent spoilage.
- Seal and Shake: Close the jar securely and give it a gentle shake. Store the jar in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or pantry. Shake the jar every few days to mix the contents. Keep an eye on the liquid level, especially if using dried berries, and add more alcohol if needed to keep the berries submerged.
- Strain the Mixture: After 6 to 8 weeks, line a funnel with cheesecloth and place it over a dark amber glass bottle. Pour the tincture through the cheesecloth, squeezing it to extract all the liquid from the berries.
- Bottle and Label: Discard the used berries and any solid residues. Label your bottle with the contents, date, and dosage instructions.
Notes
- Storage: Keep the tincture in a cool, dark place. Properly stored, it can last up to 5 years.
- Dosage: The standard dosage is usually a few drops to a dropperful. Consult with a healthcare professional for the appropriate dosage.
