Homemade elderflower tincture can support a healthy immune system and help to promote a stronger respiratory system. Here’s a simple recipe taking you through how to make DIY elderflower tincture.
Elderflowers (and elderberries) are commonly used in herbal medicine and they have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that make them a powerful ingredient in herbal remedies. I especially like making elder flower tincture because it preserves the medicinal benefits of the flowers long past their usual lifespan. It’s a must-have in my collection of herbal tinctures and I want to share how simple it is to make!
Elderflowers emerge in early to mid-summer where we live. They grow in clusters of white flowers and can be harvested into elderflower tincture, elderflower syrup, and more. In the late summer or early fall, the burgundy elderberries can be boiled to create elderberry syrup (or elderberry gummies). The elder tree (scientifically known as sambucus nigra) provides a huge variety of herbal remedies and if you’re a hobby herbalist like me, it’s a good tree to know about.
Benefits of elderflower tincture
Immune system support – Elderflowers are rich in antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which can help to support the immune system by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Supports respiratory health – Elderflower tincture can be used to reduce the symptoms of colds, flu, and allergies.
Anti-inflammatory properties – The anti-inflammatory properties of elderflowers may help to relieve symptoms of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and sinusitis. It may also help to reduce the swelling and pain associated with these conditions.
Digestive aid – Elderflower has traditionally been used to support digestive health and can help relieve digestive discomfort from bloating, gas, and indigestion.
Mood support – Some people believe that elderflower tincture can have mild sedative and calming effects, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and promote relaxation.
Antioxidant benefits – Elderflowers contain various antioxidants that help protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals and aid the body’s natural detoxification.
Overall, elderflower tincture is a good one to keep stocked in your homemade herbal remedies because it can support the immune system and be helpful in reducing inflammation.
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How to make DIY elderflower tincture
I use the folk method to make tinctures at home. This means that I do not weigh the plant material or alcohol before I make my tincture. I simply add the plant material into a glass jar and submerge it with alcohol. If you’re planning to sell your tinctures, however, it becomes more important to weigh the plant material to help ensure that the final tinctures have roughly equivalent medicinal components.
Tools
An airtight container with a plastic lid – I use a glass mason jar with a piece of parchment paper between the metal lid and tincture to prevent the alcohol from corroding the metal.
Small amber glass bottles with dropper tops – I use these ones.
A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter
A small funnel
Supplies
Bunches of fresh elderflowers – the amount depends on how large of a glass jar you are using. You want to be able to fill your jar ¾ of the way full with fresh flowers.
80-proof vodka (or 40% grain alcohol) – If you want to avoid alcohol, you can simply swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar.
Instructions
If you’re foraging your elderflowers, it’s best to do so in the morning, before the direct sunlight hits the flowers. This is because the plant’s essential oils are at their most concentrated levels before receiving direct sunlight. Flowers harvested in the morning will result in a stronger tincture.
Take your elderflowers and remove the green stems and leaves. Make sure to completely remove the green stems and leaves – you only want the flowers in your tincture. I do this by gently shaking the flowers off the stems over a plate.
Fill a sanitised glass jar ¾ of the way full with fresh flowers.
Cover the flowers with your alcohol until they are submerged.
Put the lid on your jar and give it a gentle shake. It’s best to use a plastic lid, rather than metal, to avoid corrosion. If you only have a metal lid, put a piece of parchment paper between the mixture and the lid.
Leave the jar in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight for 6-8 weeks.
After 6-8 weeks, strain off the mixture. Use a small funnel to add the tincture into an amber glass dropper bottle and add it to a glass bottle.
Add the date and label the tincture so you don’t forget when you made it or what it is.
That’s it!
How much elderflower tincture to take?
I like to take 1-2 droppers full per day. If you feel a cold or flu coming on you can increase this to 2-3 times per day.
How long does elderflower tincture last?
Like many tinctures made with alcohol, this tincture has a long shelf life. If you store it in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard, it should last for years.
How to use elderflower tincture?
I have lots of favorite ways to use elderflower tincture. Here are a few ideas…
Directly under the tongue – For the fastest absorption you can add the dosage directly under your tongue. Hold it there for 30 seconds and then swallow.
Diluted in herbal tea – You can add the dosage to any herbal tea. Just make sure you don’t add it to boiling water as this would result in reduced medicinal properties in the tincture.
Add it to your favourite drink – Add the tincture to your favourite cocktail for added floral flavour.
In smoothies – Add the dosage to your morning smoothie for an added nutritional punch.
I’m not a medical professional and do not intend to offer medical advice in any content I create. I offer information for educational purposes and, as always, do your own research and speak to your doctor, paediatrician, or health care provider as there are always possible unintended consequences of trying a new herbal remedy such as an allergic reaction or unexpected side effects like interactions with other medication.
What to read next
How To Make A Simple Blueberry Tincture
Simple DIY Rosemary Tincture Recipe
How To Make Elderberry Tincture
How To Make Echinacea Tincture
Thyme Syrup For Coughs And Colds
If you make this how-to and enjoy it, please consider giving it 5 stars. Find me on Instagram @documentingsimpleliving and show me what you’ve made!
Elderflower Tincture – Simple Homemade Recipe
Homemade elderflower tincture can support a healthy immune system and help to promote a stronger respiratory system. Here’s a simple recipe taking you through how to make DIY elderflower tincture.
Materials
- Bunches of fresh elderflowers – the amount depends on how large of a glass jar you are using. You want to be able to fill your jar ¾ of the way full with fresh flowers.
- 80-proof vodka (or 40% grain alcohol) – If you want to avoid alcohol, you can simply swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar.
Tools
- An airtight container with a plastic lid
- Small amber glass bottles with dropper tops
- A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter
- A small funnel
Instructions
- If you’re foraging your elderflowers, it’s best to do so in the morning, before the direct sunlight hits the flowers. This is because the plant’s essential oils are at their most concentrated levels before receiving direct sunlight. Flowers harvested in the morning will result in a stronger tincture.
- Take your elderflowers and remove the green stems and leaves. Make sure to completely remove the green stems and leaves - you only want the flowers in your tincture. I do this by gently shaking the flowers off the stems over a plate.
- Fill a sanitised glass jar ¾ of the way full with fresh flowers.
- Cover the flowers with your alcohol until they are submerged.
- Put the lid on your jar and give it a gentle shake. It’s best to use a plastic lid, rather than metal, to avoid corrosion. If you only have a metal lid, put a piece of parchment paper between the mixture and the lid.
- Leave the jar in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight for 6-8 weeks.
- After 6-8 weeks, strain off the mixture. Use a small funnel to add the tincture into an amber glass dropper bottle and add it to a glass bottle.
- Add the date and label the tincture so you don’t forget when you made it or what it is.
Notes
How much elderflower tincture to take?
I like to take 1-2 droppers full per day. If you feel a cold or flu coming on you can increase this to 2-3 times per day.
How long does elderflower tincture last?
Like many tinctures made with alcohol, this tincture has a long shelf life. If you store it in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard, it should last for years.
Disclaimer: I’m not a medical professional and do not intend to offer medical advice in any content I create. I offer information for educational purposes and, as always, do your own research and speak to your doctor, paediatrician, or health care provider as there are always possible unintended consequences of trying a new herbal remedy such as an allergic reaction or unexpected side effects like interactions with other medication.
I’m not a medical professional and do not intend to offer medical advice in any content I create. As always, do your own research and speak to your doctor or paediatricians.
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