Elderflower Tea

What is elderflower tea

Prepared from dried flowers of the elder plant elderflower tea is a potent herbal drink for maintaining good health. It is more popular as a medicinal tea for relieving cold and flu besides having other health benefits.

History and origin

In traditional German medicine, elderflower has a history of therapeutic uses. In fact, according to ancient herbalists, it was used as a diuretic and diaphoretic. The flower tea was one of the most popular Indian herbal remedies for cold and fever.

Elderflower tea health benefits

Source of antioxidants

Apart from preventing the damaging effects of free radicals in the body, its antioxidants such as flavonoids, phenolic acid, vitamin C, and triterpenes aid in building a strong immune system, preventing the risk of heart problems, diabetes and cancer, and premature aging of the skin as well.

For respiratory system

The anti-inflammatory properties of the tea come from the presence of mucilage that provides relief from congestion by minimizing the inflammation of the mucous membrane of the throat and nose, making it useful for managing asthma and seasonal allergies. Also being a natural diaphoretic, its intake helps in inducing sweat, reducing fever as well as the other symptoms of flu.

Useful for constipation

Exhibiting diuretic and laxative effects the herbal decoction helps in relieving water retention by getting rid of the excess fluid from the body and regularizing bowel movements, respectively.

Cholesterol-fighting properties

Since quercetin in the tea is responsible for lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels, it might be good for reducing the risk of stroke and heart disorder.

For detoxification

Its regular consumption could be beneficial for improving the function of the liver by eliminating the toxic wastes from the body.

Other uses

• The tea could be externally applied on burns and wounds for healing as well as on skin blemishes and freckles.
• It can be used as an eyewash to get relief from conjunctivitis and other eye infections.

How to make elderflower tea

• Add 1 tablespoon of the fresh or dried flowers to a cup of hot water in a pot
• Cover the pot and simmer for 5 minutes
• Strain the mixture into a cup
• Sweeten it with honey or sugar before drinking

You can cool the tea and add 1 cup of cold water after transferring it to a large glass. Add some ice cubes and garnish the drink with lemon slices and mint leaves before having your glass of refreshing elderflower iced tea.

Safety and precautions

Side effects and pregnancy

Consumption of the tea on a short-term basis does not pose any health risks. However, using it as a long-term treatment aid for any health condition is not advisable. Also, if you are on prescribed diuretics, then avoid its intake. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are strictly prohibited from drinking the tea.

Where to buy

Visit any herbal tea selling shop or an online store to purchase organic elderflower tea and teabags. Elderflower green tea, ginger elderflower tea, elderflower lemon tea, elderflower apricot tea, apple and elderflower green tea are its other variations you can give a try.