Preparing for cold and flu season often involves reaching for natural remedies that support our immune systems.
This list gathers some of the best DIY elderberry tincture recipes, a powerful and ancient tonic.
Elderberries are celebrated for their immune-boosting properties, packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
Making your own tincture means having this potent support readily available, offering a natural way to help your body stay resilient..
Table of Contents
1. Elderberry Tincture for Immune Support
This simple elderberry tincture recipe focuses on harnessing the immune-boosting power of elderberries.
It's a concentrated liquid extract that lasts a long time, making it incredibly convenient for warding off seasonal illnesses.
The process uses just a couple of core ingredients and offers a potent way to support your body's natural defenses..
Key Ingredients:
- Elderberries (fresh, dried, or frozen)
- 80 proof vodka or other solvent
Benefits:
- Immune support
- Cold and flu prevention
- Antiviral properties
Pro Tip: For those sensitive to alcohol, this recipe offers a glycerin-based alternative, making it family-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Elderberry Tincture for Immune Support
2. Alcohol-Free Elderberry Glycerite Tincture
This easy elderberry tincture recipe skips the alcohol, using vegetable glycerin instead.
It's a fantastic option for children and those who prefer to avoid alcohol, offering the same immune-boosting benefits.
The result is a naturally sweet and potent tonic, perfect for maintaining wellness throughout the year..
Key Ingredients:
- Fresh or Dried Elderberries
- Vegetable Glycerin
- Distilled Water
- Apple Cider Vinegar (optional)
Benefits:
- Immune system support
- Rich in antioxidants
- Fights cold and flu symptoms
Pro Tip: Consider adding complementary herbs like echinacea or ginger to your glycerite for an extra boost of wellness.
Get the Recipe: Alcohol-Free Elderberry Glycerite Tincture
3. Quick & Easy Elderberry Tincture
Busy parents will love this incredibly simple elderberry tincture recipe.
It requires minimal ingredients and time, providing a highly concentrated and long-lasting immune support.
This method is perfect for preserving elderberries and having a potent remedy ready when you need it most..
Key Ingredients:
- Dried Elderberries
- 80 proof alcohol
Benefits:
- Immune boosting
- Fights viruses
- Long shelf life
Pro Tip: To help children get used to the taste, you can mix the tincture with a spoonful of raw honey or applesauce.
Get the Recipe: Quick & Easy Elderberry Tincture
4. Elderberry and Echinacea Tincture Duo
Combine the power of elderberry with echinacea in this dual tincture recipe, perfect for fall and winter wellness.
Both herbs are renowned for their immune-supporting properties, helping your body combat seasonal germs.
This is a straightforward way for beginners to start making their own potent herbal remedies..
Key Ingredients:
- Dried Elderberries
- Dried Echinacea Angustifolia Root
- 80 proof vodka
Benefits:
- Immune system support
- Combats viral infections
- Reduces cold and flu duration
Pro Tip: Store your finished tinctures in dark amber glass bottles to protect them from light and maintain their potency.
Get the Recipe: Elderberry and Echinacea Tincture Duo
5. Frugal Elderberry Tincture with Vodka or Glycerin
Making your own elderberry tincture is not only easy but also incredibly frugal.
This guide offers methods for using either vodka or glycerin as your base, ensuring you can create this immune powerhouse regardless of preference.
It's an excellent way to utilize extra elderberries and maintain potent support throughout the year..
Key Ingredients:
- Fresh or Dried Elderberries
- Vodka
- Glycerin
Benefits:
- Immune boosting
- Helps heal wounds (externally)
- Fights respiratory illnesses
Pro Tip: For an alcohol-free version, a 75% glycerin to 25% water ratio is recommended for tinctures made with dried elderberries.
Get the Recipe: Frugal Elderberry Tincture with Vodka or Glycerin
6. Elderberry Tincture with Ginger and Cinnamon
This warming and richly spiced elderberry tincture is a fantastic addition to your home herbal remedies.
It harnesses the power of elderberries, ginger, and cinnamon to boost your immune system and help your body fend off seasonal bugs.
It's a potent elixir perfect for your wellness cabinet..
Key Ingredients:
- Elderberries
- Fresh Ginger
- Cinnamon
Benefits:
- Immune System Booster
- Antioxidant Rich
- Warming and Soothing
Pro Tip: After the tincture is ready, you can filter it and combine it with local honey to create a soothing cough syrup.
Get the Recipe: Elderberry Tincture with Ginger and Cinnamon
7. Elderberry Glycerin Tincture for Kids
This elderberry glycerin tincture is a wonderful way to harness the immune-boosting power of elderberries, especially for children.
Using vegetable glycerin and water instead of alcohol, it creates a gentle yet effective remedy that's easy to give.
It's a cost-effective alternative to store-bought tinctures, offering peace of mind with its simple ingredients..
Key Ingredients:
- Vegetable Glycerin
- Water
- Dried Elderberries
Benefits:
- Gentle for Children
- Alcohol-Free
- Cost-Effective
Pro Tip: Squeeze all the liquid out of the berries after straining to maximize your yield. This method is particularly great for little ones who might not tolerate alcohol.
Get the Recipe: Elderberry Glycerin Tincture for Kids
8. Immunity-Boosting Elderberry Oxymel
Discover the power of elderberry oxymel, a potent blend of elderberries, honey, and apple cider vinegar.
This simple, flavorful concoction is perfect for supporting your immune system, especially during cold and flu season.
It's a delicious and shelf-stable remedy that's easy to incorporate into your daily routine..
Key Ingredients:
- Dried Elderberries
- Raw Honey
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Benefits:
- Immune System Support
- Shelf-Stable
- Probiotic Rich
Pro Tip: Shake the jar every few days during fermentation to help redistribute the ingredients and ensure the elderberries stay submerged.
Get the Recipe: Immunity-Boosting Elderberry Oxymel
9. Elderberry Syrup for Cold and Flu
Whip up a batch of this delicious and effective elderberry syrup to naturally support your immune system.
Combining elderberries with warming spices like ginger and cinnamon, this syrup is a comforting and beneficial remedy for fighting off colds and flu.
It's a pantry staple that brings a touch of natural wellness to your home..
Key Ingredients:
- Dried Elderberries
- Honey
- Ginger
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
Benefits:
- Immune System Support
- Soothes Sore Throats
- Rich, Fruity Flavor
Pro Tip: Drizzle this syrup over yogurt or oatmeal for a sweet, immune-supporting start to your day.
Get the Recipe: Elderberry Syrup for Cold and Flu
10. Easy 3-Ingredient Elderberry Syrup
This incredibly simple 3-ingredient elderberry syrup is a must-try for natural immune support.
Made with just elderberries, water, and honey, it's a quick and easy way to boost your family's health.
This natural remedy is perfect for keeping on hand during cold season, offering sweet relief and powerful benefits..
Key Ingredients:
- Elderberries
- Water
- Honey
Benefits:
- Immune System Boost
- All-Natural
- Simple to Prepare
Pro Tip: You can make this syrup on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot, making it versatile for any kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Easy 3-Ingredient Elderberry Syrup
11. Herbal Elderberry Tincture for Immunity
This elderberry tincture is an impressive wellness elixir designed to support your immune system during cold and flu season.
By combining elderberries with beneficial herbs like calendula, chamomile, hibiscus, and ginger, it offers a powerful natural remedy.
It's a fantastic way to keep your body in top shape and aid recovery..
Key Ingredients:
- Dried Calendula Flowers
- Dried Elderberries
- Dried Chamomile Flowers
- Dried Hibiscus Flowers
- Dried Ginger Root
- Whiskey or Bourbon
- Raw Honey
Benefits:
- Immune System Support
- Cold and Flu Relief
- Anti-inflammatory Properties
Pro Tip: This tincture can be used both preventatively and to help fight off illness, offering versatile immune support.
Get the Recipe: Herbal Elderberry Tincture for Immunity
12. Elderberry Tincture with Added Herbs
Create a potent immunity elixir with this elderberry tincture recipe, enhanced with a blend of helpful herbs.
This formulation includes elderberries alongside calendula, chamomile, hibiscus, and ginger, offering robust support for your immune system.
It’s designed for fast symptom relief and to help your body fight off colds and flu effectively..
Key Ingredients:
- Dried Calendula Flowers
- Dried Elderberries
- Dried Chamomile Flowers
- Dried Hibiscus Flowers
- Dried Ginger Root
- Whiskey or Bourbon
- Raw Honey
Benefits:
- Boosts Immunity
- Fast Symptom Relief
- Natural Cold & Flu Remedy
Pro Tip: For a more palatable taste, you can add this tincture to warm tea or substitute it for bourbon in a cold remedy drink.
Get the Recipe: Elderberry Tincture with Added Herbs
13. Elderberry Tincture with Optional Antiviral Herbs
Discover the power of elderberries with this easy-to-make tincture.
This vibrant remedy uses ripe elderberries, preserved in alcohol to capture their natural goodness.
You can even add a boost with optional antiviral herbs for extra support.
It’s a fantastic way to keep nature’s wellness on hand, perfect for adding a few drops to honey or warm tea when you need it..
Key Ingredients:
- Dried or fresh black elderberries
- Alcohol (80-100 proof for dried, 120 proof for fresh)
- Optional antiviral herbs
Benefits:
- Supports well-being
- Natural remedy
- Easy to preserve
Pro Tip: For a sweeter taste, mix a few drops of the finished tincture into a spoonful of honey, or add it to warm tea to allow some of the alcohol to evaporate.
Get the Recipe: Elderberry Tincture with Optional Antiviral Herbs