Elderflower Tea: A Delicious and Healthy Herbal Infusion with Medicinal Properties

How many of you are scoping out the wild elderberry bushes while you are hunting and scouting? I know I am! Luckily, where we are, the berries are typically ready right in between archery and rifle deer season. Perfect time to harvest! What you may not know is that the elderflower is quite usable as well.

Elderflower tea is a popular herbal infusion made from the flowers of the elderberry plant, also known as Sambucus nigra. This fragrant tea has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various health issues, including cold and flu symptoms, inflammation, and allergies. In this post, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make elderflower tea and discuss some of the medicinal benefits of this herbal infusion.

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon of dried elderflowers or 2-3 fresh elderflower heads

2. 8-10 oz. of boiling water

3. Honey or lemon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Collect fresh elderflower heads from a trusted source, making sure they are clean and free from any insects or dirt. If you cannot find fresh elderflowers, you can use dried elderflowers instead.

2. Rinse the elderflowers under running water and remove any stems or leaves.

3. Place the elderflowers in a tea infuser or directly into a teapot.

4. Boil the water and pour it over the elderflowers, filling the pot or cup almost to the top.

5. Let the elderflowers steep for 5-10 minutes, or until the water turns a light yellow color and the aroma is strong.

6. Remove the infuser or strain the tea using a fine-mesh strainer.

7. If desired, add honey or lemon to taste.

Now that you know how to make elderflower tea let's talk about the medicinal benefits of this herbal infusion.

Medicinal Benefits of Elderflower Tea:

1. Boosts Immune System: Elderflowers contain antioxidants, which help to fight off harmful free radicals in the body that can weaken the immune system. Drinking elderflower tea can help to boost the immune system and reduce the risk of illness.

2. Reduces Inflammation: Elderflowers have anti-inflammatory properties, making them an effective natural remedy for reducing inflammation in the body. Drinking elderflower tea can help to alleviate symptoms of inflammation, such as joint pain and swelling.

3. Relieves Allergies: Elderflower tea has natural antihistamine properties that can help to relieve allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Drinking elderflower tea can be a natural alternative to over-the-counter allergy medications.

4. Eases Cold and Flu Symptoms: Elderflower tea is a popular natural remedy for cold and flu symptoms, such as congestion, cough, and sore throat. The antibacterial and antiviral properties of elderflowers help to fight off the infection and reduce the severity of symptoms.

In conclusion, elderflower tea is a delicious and healthy herbal infusion that can be made from both fresh and dried elderflowers. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can make your own elderflower tea at home and enjoy its natural healing properties.

Happy foraging my outdoors friends!