#Elderflower tea is a pleasant caffeine free tea substitute which has a heady, floral and somewhat fruity flavour and a delightful aroma.
Elderflower has been used in traditional medicine all over the world in many different cultures due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. The most common uses are for colds and flu, sinus infections, and other respiratory disturbances. As a supplement, elderflower also has diuretic and laxative properties and is helpful in relieving occasional constipation. Elderflower has antibacterial and antiviral properties and may also help alleviate some allergies and boost the functioning of the immune system. Topically, elderflower might help reduce pain and swelling in joints due to some forms of arthritis and is used to stop bleeding. As an oral rinse, elderflower can be used for its antiseptic properties as a mouthwash and gargle. Elderflower also reduces blood sugar levels, very similar to the way insulin works.
To make a mug of elderflower tea add 1-2g of the elderflowers to a teapot, infuser or one of our teabags. Pour over enough fresh boiling water as required. Strain into a mug, sweeten with preferred sweetener e.g. honey and serve. Serve without milk, elderflower tea can also be served chilled like ice tea.
Sold in 100 gram bags.
All in all, another refreshing tipple from theuklooseleafteacompany. Why not try something different? Try making your own Elderflower cordial! A refreshing change from mundane everyday diluted drinks; although, possibly a little sweet; when diluted, a healthier option to our usual off the shelf thirst quencher. We here at theuklooseleafteacompany are quite chuffed with this one, we are trying Ginger cordial next! (makes 1ltr) :-
100g of theuklooseleafteacompany Elderflower tea
500g Sugar
4tbs Runny Honey
Zest and Juice of 1 Medium Lemon
1ltr Water
Put Sugar, Honey & Lemon into a saucepan; bring the liquid to the boil; switch off heat and add the Elderflowers. Ensure the Elderflowers are completely immersed; cover and leave overnight. Strain through a clean muslin cloth, and hey presto – job done. Dilute to taste, around 5 parts water to 1 part cordial, but you may like different.
We have now tried this several times and from different UK based websites and would like to offer our own which is slightly altered as find the others too sweet:
100g of theuklooseleafteacompany Elderflower tea
250g Sugar
4tbs Runny Honey
Zest and Juice of 2 Medium Lemons
1ltr Water
This once drained will last about 2 weeks in the fridge and dilutes down in a similar way to normal squash.
FAQs
Elderflower is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used in excessive amounts. Some parts of the elder tree contain a cyanide-producing chemical which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Does elderflower cordial have any health benefits? ›
An extract of the flower is used to make medicine. Elderflower is used for swollen sinuses (sinusitis), colds, influenza (flu), swine flu, bronchitis, diabetes, and constipation. It is also used to increase urine production (as a diuretic), to increase sweating (as a diaphoretic), and to stop bleeding.
Is elderflower cordial a laxative? ›
750ml Sugar Free ELDERFLOWER Cordial – EFSF
Add gin, rum or vodka. ingredients: water, xylitol, citric acid, elderflower extract, stevia, sodium benzoate. warning: excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
What are the side effects of elderflower? ›
American elder flowers or cooked, ripe fruit are safe for most adults in the amounts found in foods. There is some scientific evidence that suggests the flowers are safe in medicinal amounts, which are typically larger. Some side effects might include nausea, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, numbness, and stupor.
Is it bad to drink cordial every day? ›
Summary. Drink plenty of water instead of sugary drinks like cordial, energy drinks, sports drinks, fruit drinks, vitamins style waters, flavoured mineral waters and soft drinks. Drinks containing added sugars are not required for good health, and may increase the risk of weight gain in children and adults.
Is elderflower cordial full of sugar? ›
It's worth noting that ready-mixed sparkling elderflower cordial (AKA elderflower pressé) mostly comes in at more than 150 per cent the sugar level of its sister brand of cordial, so Belvoir and Bottle Green have 18.5g sugar per glass of pressé, but only 10.5g for a glass of cordial.
Is elderflower good for kidneys? ›
In a previously published study, we demonstrated nephroprotective effects, in terms of renal function and morphology, for Sambucus nigra L. elderflower extract rich in flavonoids, obtained from the wild specimens of European elder Sambucus nigra L. [10].
Is elderflower cordial an anti-inflammatory? ›
Elderflowers have been known to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, good for helping to relieve symptoms of colds and flu, sinus infections and respiratory disturbances. This cordial is packed full of Vitamin C which helps boost the immune system.
Which is better elderberry or elderflower? ›
If you're looking for a nutrient rich herb for immune system support that's easy for the whole family to take, then elderberry is the best option. If you're looking to support everyday health and provide your body with a source of natural antioxidants, then elderflower is a great option.
Does elderflower help with sleep? ›
Elder flower tea may also be useful against insomnia, anxiety and other nervous disorders. The flowers are a significant source of Vitamin C, as well as other antioxidants. The ripe berries also have a laxative effect in small doses, but may cause nausea and vomiting in larger amounts.
Elderflower contains natural emollients that condition and soften hair, reducing frizz and adding shine to dull hair.
Is elderflower good for your bladder? ›
Herbal teas
Some (such as elderflower, rose, wild blackberry and nettle) have a diuretic effect. This means they increase your urge to pee, so you feel the need to go more often. If you have frequency or urgency, these herbal teas may make your symptoms worse.
Can I drink elderflower everyday? ›
Traditionally herbalists recommend taking elderflowers daily in the allergy season to reduce symptoms. They can also be used topically as they impart anti-inflammatory properties, so they're great for calming irritated skin. Elderberries are, as the name implies, berries!
Is elderflower good for the gut? ›
Though research is limited, elderflower might help treat constipation, reduce cold and flu symptoms, treat gingivitis, and even control blood sugar. Elderflower is generally recognized as safe by the FDA.
Is elderflower good for anxiety? ›
As elderflowers taste so good and has so many benefits it's easy to ignore how the tea makes you feel. Elderflower is often used in situations to calm or relax. Elderflowers have relaxing nervine properties, which support the nervous system through stressful periods.
Does elderflower cordial go bad? ›
You can enjoy your newly made cordial for a few weeks if simply refrigerated. Preserving elderflower cordial by pasteurising can extend the shelf life to several years. The pasteurisation technique used here is very similar to traditional water bath canning or bottling.
How many cups of elderflower tea per day? ›
You would use about 1 heaped teaspoon of dried herb per cup of tea. It is well worth keeping some dried Elderflower in stock over the cold and flu months. Herbals generally recommend that it is freely taken for a few days during a cold or flu (up to 8 cups daily) and up to a few cups per day at other times.
Is elderflower cordial the same as syrup? ›
The cordial is made by steeping the elderflower heads in a concentrated sugar solution so the flavour is infused into the syrup. A source of citric acid and lemon juice is added to help preserve the cordial and add tartness.
