.jpg)
What does it help with
- Immune boost during flu and colds
- Fever reduction
- Upper respiratory infections
- Antiviral effects (influenza A and B)
Active compounds
Flavonoids (sambunigrin, rutin, quercetin), vitamin C, anthocyanins (fruit).
Anthocyanins block flu virus entry into cells. Clinical studies confirmed shortening flu duration by 2–4 days.
How and when to harvest
Harvest periodFlowers: June–July. Fruit: August–October.
Plant partsUmbels flowers or ripe fruit
DryingFlowers: shade, quickly. Fruit: dry or freeze.
Shelf lifeDried: 1 year. Syrup: 3 months in the fridge.
Preparation methods
SyrupTeaTinctureJamExtract
Pro tip: Raw elderberries are poisonous — always heat-treat (min. 15 min boiling). Dried elder flowers are safe.
Recipes
1 Elder tea for fever ▾
Pour 400 ml water over 2 tbsp dried elder flowers, steep 10 min. Drink warm — induces sweating and lowers fever.
2 Elderberry syrup ▾
Boil 500 g elderberries in 500 ml water for 20 min. Mash, strain. Add 300 g honey. Dose: 1 tbsp 3× daily.
3 Hot drink for colds ▾
Elder tea with mint and honey — warms, opens breathing, supports immunity.
🔒
6 more recipes in the Herbarium
Elderberry extract (tincture) · Elder jam · Elder wine · Syrup with echinacea · Elder vinegar · Elderberry capsules
🌿 See all recipes — the Herbarium is free