How to make Elderberry Base (Decoction)
By following these steps and tips, you can easily make a delicious and effective elderberry decoction to support your family’s immune health.
If you are anything like me as a busy mom, you’re always on the lookout for natural ways to keep your family healthy. One powerful tool in your natural medicine arsenal is elderberry. Whether you are wild foraging, growing it yourself, or buying it in its fresh or dried form, Elderberry is packed with antioxidants and immune-boosting properties, and it has been used for centuries to ward off colds and flu. This decoction is a basic component of many of my elderberry recipes. In this post, I’ll guide you through the simple process of making an elderberry decoction, a delicious and effective way to harness the power of this superfood.
Decoction vs Infusion vs Tincture?
If you are new to making your own plant-based medicines you may be confused about the varies ways to prepare and extract the plant constituents. Lets explore three of the most common methods: A decoction, infusion, and tincture are three fairly easy methods of extracting plant compounds for medicinal use.
- A decoction involves simmering plant material, typically roots, bark, or seeds, in water to extract their constituents. This method is ideal for tougher plant parts that require longer extraction times.
- An infusion involves steeping plant material, usually leaves, flowers, or berries, in hot water for a shorter period. This method is gentler and better suited for delicate plant parts.
- A tincture, on the other hand, is an alcohol-based extract that is potent and long-lasting. It is made by soaking plant material in alcohol, which extracts the compounds more efficiently.
Why Elderberry?
Elderberry is a versatile plant with a long history of medicinal use. Its berries are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help strengthen your immune system. Studies have shown that elderberry can:
- Shorten the duration of colds and flu
- Reduce the severity of symptoms
- Boost the immune system
What Can You Make With Elderberry Decoction
So many things! This decoction is the base for so many of my Elderberry recipes.
- Elderberry Gummies
- Elderberry Lemonade
- Elderberry Popcicles
- Elderberry Syrup
- Elderberry Tea
Tips for Using Elderberry
- Turn it into yummy recipes: My kids love Elderberry lemonade, Elderberry gummies, Elderberry popsicles, or just plain old Elderberry syrup.
- Daily Dose: Sip on a cup of elderberry decoction daily to support your immune system year-round.
- At the First Sign of Illness: Increase your intake to 2-3 cups per day to help shorten the duration of your illness.
- For Kids: Adjust the sweetness with honey to suit your child’s taste preferences.
- Combine with Other Remedies: Elderberry can be combined with other natural remedies like vitamin C and zinc for added immune support.
How to make Elderberry Decoction
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried elderberries (Fresh: use 2 cups)
- 4 cups water
- Optional: Fresh ginger or cinnamon sticks
Step-by-step Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine dried elderberries and water.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, cover, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Steep: Turn off the heat, and allow the mixture to steep for a minimum of 1 hour though you can let it sit for a few hours.
- Strain: Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the berries.
- Store: You can store this decoction in the fridge for 5-7 days. If you would like to store for longer, you can freeze in individual ice cube trays.
Elderberry Base (Decoction)
Equipment
- 1 Pot
- 1 Mason Jar
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried elderberries Fresh: use 2 cups
- 4 cups water
- Optional: Fresh ginger or cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine dried elderberries and water.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, cover, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Steep: Turn off the heat, and allow the mixture to steep for a minimum of 1 hour though you can let it sit for a few hours.
- Strain: Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the berries.
- Store: You can store this decoction in the fridge for 5-7 days. If you would like to store for longer, you can freeze in individual ice cube trays.
Notes
- Turn it into yummy recipes: My kids love Elderberry lemonade, Elderberry gummies, Elderberry popsicles, or just plain old Elderberry syrup.
- Daily Dose: Sip on a cup of elderberry decoction daily to support your immune system year-round.
- At the First Sign of Illness: Increase your intake to 2-3 cups per day to help shorten the duration of your illness.
- For Kids: Adjust the sweetness with honey to suit your child’s taste preferences.
- Combine with Other Remedies: Elderberry can be combined with other natural remedies like vitamin C and zinc for added immune support.
