Elderflower, initially classified in the honeysuckle family was reclassified as an Adoxaceae, a small collection of flowering plants called the moschatel family. In late May and June in the UK, the frothy creamy white elderflowers are widely available in the countryside. Elder (Sambucus nigra) is a very common shrub which grows in woodlands and along hedgerows.
Amazingly, in 2006, studies revealed an extract from the elderflower plant was proven to be effective against the H5N1 strain of avian flu. This fascinating plant has been helping humans heal for millennia whilst also delighting our nose and our taste buds.
Renowned British herbalist Maude Grieve wrote in 1930’s about elderflower and its use as “one of the best preventatives known against the advance of influenza and the ill-effects of a chill” alongside other glowing regales of its curing properties.
Let’s take a look at some of its benefits as listed below ⬇️
Anti-inflammatory
Elderflower has traditionally been used to ease inflammation. Its natural compounds could help reduce inflammation in your body and maybe even relieve pain from arthritis or respiratory problems.
Rich in Antioxidants
Elderflower is loaded with antioxidants like flavonoids and phenols which fight the free radicals that damage your cells. Antioxidants boost your health and help keep your immune system strong.
Immune-Boosting
Elderflower is great for your immune system. It’s chock full of compounds that can strengthen your immunity so you can avoid common colds and bugs.
Elderflower Supports Respiratory Health
Elderflower is wonderful for respiratory health and congestion. It may help clear up symptoms from colds, flu and allergies by breaking up mucus, calming irritated airways and relieving stuffiness.
Diuretic and Detoxifying
Elderflower acts as a natural diuretic so it could help flush excess fluid and toxins from your body. This overall support kidney function and your body’s detox process.
Now that we’ve touched on some of the miraculous health benefits of elderflowers. This fresh elderflower tea recipe will ensure you reap them! Additionally, it also tastes like summer in a mug and If you enjoy the fragrant flavour of elderflower blossom, and have an elder bush nearby, why not go foraging and give this wild tea a go? It's quick and easy herbal infusion, and very refreshing.
WHY MAKE ELDERFLOWER TEA?
It tastes delicious, and is a very refreshing herbal tea. Elderflower blossom has a unique fruity, floral green flavour. And an infusion of fresh flowers is the best way to capture that delicate taste of summertime.
Quick and easy to make. Making elderflower tea with fresh flowers will take you no longer than using a tea bag.
Cost effective. If you've got elderflowers in the nearby fields or your garden, you can forage the ingredients for this wild tea for free!
Healthy. Not only is elderflower tea caffeine free, but it's also been used in herbal medicine for generations. Traditionally, it is used to treat colds and flu, blocked sinuses and seasonal allergies. It is also a good source of antioxidants including vitamin C. You can also drink it as a relaxing bedtime tea.
All you need for this herbal tea is one or two elderflower heads (make sure to pick the flowers and not add the stems as they are considered toxic, especially the larger ones) so once you’ve picked your flower heads, you can either dry them or use them fresh and just add some hot water, allow to steep for 10 minutes.
If you want to use dried elderflowers out of season, you'll need around 2 tablespoons per person. Once the tea is done, add a slice of lemon and some honey and enjoy!
Just as an additional point in preparation of this tea, I prefer to soak my fresh elderflowers, as washing them under running water will wash off some of the pollen which removes some of the flavour/benefits, But do give them a good shake to make sure there's no insects lurking in the fragrant heads! Another lovely recipe with fresh elderflowers is a homemade cordial — recipe below for those interested!
Homemade Elderflower Cordial
A light, refreshing cordial - a perfect summer drink!
Ingredients
750g (750ml; 1 pint plus 61/2 fl oz; 3 cups plus 2 tablespoons) of water.
1.25kg (2lbs 12 oz; 1/4 cups) granulated sugar.
1 lemon, sliced into 5/6 rounds
8-10 elderflower heads
40g (11/2 oz; 3 tablespoons) citric acid
Directions
Place the sugar and water in a large pot and mix together well. It’s important to mix the sugar and water BEFORE you place the pot on the heat to reduce the risk of the sugar burning.
*Gently* heat the sugar and water (on a low heat) until the sugar is completely dissolved and the solution is absolutely clear (not cloudy), stirring occasionally.
After all the sugar has dissolved, turn up the heat and bring the syrup to a boil. Bubble for 1 minute. Turn off the heat.
Now add the elderflower heads, lemon slices and citric acid to the hot solution. Stir well. Cover and leave for 24 – 48 hours6 to infuse.
Next, line a colander or sieve with some muslin cloth (or a clean tea towel) and sit it over a large bowl or pot. Ladle (don’t pour!) the syrup (and elderflower and lemon slices) into the cloth-lined colander and allow to drip through. This really slow filtration through the cloth should ensure a beautifully clear cordial. (Discard the elderflower and lemon slices left behind in the cloth.)
There you have it, this cordial can be used immediately. OR it can be transferred into sterilised bottles. It will keep for at least 12 months in sealed bottles in a cool, dark cupboard.
Foraging tip of the season: pick your flowers away from the road. It's also best to collect them in the morning on a dry sunny day. Pick the flowers that are fully open but not yet turning brown. They'll go limp quickly, so use them straight away unless you are intending to dry them. Later in the year, the elderflowers will turn into elderberries, so make sure that you only pick a few flowers from each bush to keep them thriving!
