The best elderberry tea

Sitting down to a soothing cup of tea is a great way to either wind down your day or get it started. Many teas are not only delicious, but they also come with health benefits. Elderberry tea has a tart, unique flavor that is potentially beneficial when it comes to boosting immunity and treating colds and flu.

If you are looking for a tea that benefits both you and the environment, try Buddha Teas Organic Elderberry Tea. It's sustainable and wildcrafted with pure elderberries.

What to know before you buy elderberry tea

Tea bags vs. loose tea

Herbal teas are available in both tea bags and as loose tea.

Tea bags: Tea bags are a more convenient form that can travel with you wherever you go. They produce a consistent cup of tea. However, they can cost more and you cannot customize the strength of your tea.
Loose tea: Loose tea can be purchased in bulk for a more affordable cup. You do need a tea strainer or reusable tea bag, but this form of tea means you can prepare your tea just the way you like it.

Single tea vs. blended

Single tea: If you have never used elderberry medicinally, it might be best to begin with a single tea. This way, you can decide if you like the taste on its own and if it works for you.
Blended tea: If you have tried elderberry and don't like the taste, or you want to add even more medicinal properties, consider a blend. Many blends aimed at boosting the immune system feature elderberry and a variety of other herbs.

Elderberry tea features

Chemical-free tea bags

If you opt for tea bags, make sure the ones you select are chemical-free. This includes no bleach or colorants on the tea bag or string.

Organic teas

When tea is dried, any chemicals or pesticides used on the plant are concentrated. For this reason, organic teas are best.

Keep in mind that organic teas are also free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), so look for that on the box, too.

No additives or preservatives

Manufacturers know that tea that is freshly dried is best. It retains more potential medicinal benefits than one that has been hanging around on the shelf. The best elderberry tea has no additives or preservatives, and it comes with a “sell by” date.

Elderberry tea cost

The price varies depending on the quantity of tea you buy and whether it is a loose or bagged tea. Expect to spend $6-$15.

Elderberry tea FAQ

What are the potential benefits of elderberry tea?

A. There are wide-ranging potential benefits of elderberry that are research-based. They include:

Anthocyanins in elderberries can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Antioxidants and vitamin C fight oxidative stress.
An increase in cytokine production after consuming elderberries boosts the immune system.
Elderberries can help regulate blood sugar to manage diabetes.
Compounds in elderberry extracts help treat upper respiratory infections.
Supplementation with elderberry can reduce cold duration.

Who should not drink elderberry tea?

A. A few specific groups should avoid elderberry tea.

There is not enough research on the effects of elderberry and its safety in children ages 5 and younger. Those pregnant or nursing should also talk to their doctor before drinking elderberry tea.

Additionally, never consume raw elderberry, as the seed of the berry contains small amounts of cyanide. When the berry is dried and used for tea, the cyanide is neutralized.

There is also some evidence that inflammatory cytokines contribute to depression and other mood disorders. Talk to your doctor if you are taking antidepressant medications.

How do you brew a cup of elderberry tea to maximize its medicinal properties?

A. Unlike other types of herbal tea which do not require boiling water, elderberry tea is best when steeped in water at a full boil.

Although each brand of tea bag has different directions for their specific tea, in general:

Bring water to a rolling boil.
Add a tea bag or filled tea steeping tool to a mug.
Cover with boiling water.
Cover the mug and steep for at least 5-6 minutes (and up to 15).

Some people are put off by the tart and unusual flavor of elderberry. Feel free to add the sweetener and milk or plant-based milk of your choice.

Which elderberry tea should I get?

Best of the best elderberry tea

Buddha Teas Organic Elderberry Tea: available at Amazon and iHerb

Our take: This caffeine-free tea is made from wildcrafted ingredients.

What we like: Both the tea and its packaging are sustainable and environmentally friendly. It has no preservatives or additives and is organic, non-GMO and kosher. There are 18 tea bags made of chemical-free materials.

What we dislike: The smell of this single-origin tea is strong enough to penetrate all packaging.

Best bang for your buck elderberry tea

Pukka Herbs Organic Herbal Tea Elderberry And Echinacea: available at Amazon and iHerb

Our take: This tea combines elderberries and echinacea for a one-two immune-boosting punch.

What we like: The leaves and berries are hand-picked by a wildcrafting community in Europe. It also includes beneficial ingredients such as ginger, rose hip, and licorice root. Pukka is a certified B corp, which means they meet high standards for environmental and social best practices.

What we dislike: Some people did not like the flavor combination.

Honorable mention elderberry tea

Elderberry Family Farms Organic Herbal Loose Leaf Tea: available at Amazon

Our take: This has approximately 45 servings of tea in a reusable container.

What we like: It comes with empty tea bags so you can customize your tea strength. This blend also includes rose hips, lemongrass, hibiscus and orange peel. It's vegan and gluten free.

What we dislike: The company states that they use organic ingredients as much as possible, but the farm itself is not certified organic.

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Suzannah Kolbeck is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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