Using only 2 ingredients, elderberry tincture is simple immune boosting tonic to make at home. High in vitamins, it is a go-to herbal remedy that is you should have on hand.

Elderberries are a go-to herbal remedy as the weather becomes cooler. Elderberry syrup or gummies are staples that we always have on hand. And this year I wanted to expand our elderberry repertoire to include elderberry tincture.
Elderberries are high in vitamins A, B, and C which means that when they are consumed, they can help to prevent and fight colds and flus.

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Tips
Make sure to remove the berries from the stems. The stems should not be ingested and are mildly toxic. They can upset your digestive tract.
Only use fresh berries. If the berries are soft, it’s best not to use them in your tincture. This is because older berries, like older fruit, can have some mould or bacteria that wouldn’t be beneficial to preserve in a tincture.

FAQ
Elderberry tincture can last up to 5 years if stored in an amber glass bottle, in a cool and dark place.
Elderberry tincture has a much longer shelf life than elderberry syrup because the alcohol helps to preserve the nutrients of the elderberries.
I like to consume 1 dropper full (roughly 1 teaspoon) 3 times per day.
Simple add the tincture to a glass of water, juice, tea, or any food you’re consuming – or consume it straight from the dropper.
Tools
A Glass Jar
A Small Strainer or Cheese Cloth
Small Sauce Pan (if using fresh elderberries)
A Funnel
Ingredients
Fresh or Dried Elderberries
80 Proof Vodka (or 40% alcohol)
For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.

Instructions
Remove all the elderberries from the stems.
If you’re using fresh elderberries, place 1.5 cups of elderberries into a sauce pan with a splash of water. Heat the berries on low heat for 5 minutes until some juice is released from the berries.
Then add the cooked elderberries to a pint jar.
If you’re using dried elderberries, add 1 cup of dried elderberries into pint jar.
Fill the jar with vodka and tighten the lid.
Place the jar in a cool place for about 1 month. Try to shake the jar every day to encourage everything to combine.
Use a small strainer or cheese cloth to filter off the elderberries and collect the liquid into a bottle with a dropper. You can compost the elderberries.
More Simple Herbal Remedies
Simple Herbal Remedies For Fall & Winter With Grass Roots Remedies
Simple Garlic Tea For Coughs And Colds
How To Make Lemon Balm Tincture
How To Make Echinacea Tincture
Immune Boosting Hot Chocolate With Cacao
Elderflower Tincture – Simple Homemade Recipe
Thyme Syrup For Coughs And Colds

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How To Make Elderberry Tincture
Using only 2 ingredients, elderberry tincture is simple immune boosting tonic to make at home. High in vitamins, it is a go-to herbal remedy that is you should have on hand.
Materials
- 1 Cup - Fresh or Dried Elderberries
- 1 1/2 Cup - 80 Proof Vodka (or 40% alcohol)
Tools
- A Glass Jar
- A Small Strainer or Cheese Cloth
- Small Sauce Pan (if using fresh elderberries)
- A Funnel
Instructions
- Remove all the elderberries from the stems.
- If you’re using fresh elderberries, place 1.5 cups of elderberries into a sauce pan with a splash of water. Heat the berries on low heat for 5 minutes until some juice is released from the berries.
- Then add the cooked elderberries to a pint jar.
- If you’re using dried elderberries, add 1 cup of dried elderberries into pint jar.
- Fill the jar with vodka and tighten the lid.
- Place the jar in a cool place for about 1 month. Try to shake the jar every day to encourage everything to combine.
- Use a small strainer or cheese cloth to filter off the elderberries and collect the liquid into a bottle with a dropper. You can compost the elderberries.
Notes
This tincture will last for up to 5 years if stored in a cool, dark place.
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.
What is the dosage? Thanks.
I usually do a teaspoon.