Health Benefits of Elderberry Tea: What It Does, When to Drink It, and Why I Love It

Why Elderberry Tea Is More Than Just a Trend

There’s no shortage of health trends out there, but some remedies have been around long before TikTok and wellness influencers showed up. Elderberry tea is one of those timeless staples—used for generations, quietly doing its job in the background.

What’s changed lately? People are finally paying attention.

I started drinking elderberry tea because I wanted something that actually supported my immune system without loading me up on sugar, caffeine, or artificial junk. What I didn’t expect was how much I’d enjoy it—and how many unexpected benefits came with sipping this deep purple brew every day.

If you’re wondering what all the hype is about and whether it’s worth brewing your own cup, here’s what I’ve personally learned about the health benefits elderberry tea can offer.

What Is Elderberry Tea Made From?

Elderberry tea is typically made from the dried fruit of the elder tree—most often the black elderberry, or Sambucus nigra. Some blends include the flowers as well, but the tea I drink and recommend is made from dried elderberries that have been carefully prepared and packaged in tea bags.

Some people like to make their own tea using loose dried organic elderberries, while others prefer the convenience of bagged tea. Either way, elderberry tea is naturally caffeine-free and can be sipped any time of day—especially when you feel like your immune system could use a little backup.

If you want to make it yourself from scratch, here’s how to do it safely:
👉 How to use dried elderberries safely and effectively at home

Is Elderberry Tea Safe?

Short answer? Yes—if it’s brewed properly.

Raw elderberries (even when dried) contain naturally occurring compounds that can cause nausea and stomach upset if they’re eaten or consumed uncooked. But when you steep the berries in hot water—as you do when making tea—those compounds break down and the tea becomes safe to drink.

That’s why elderberry tea is one of the safest and easiest ways to enjoy elderberries daily, without the mess of cooking syrup or straining berries. Just steep the bag, sip, and enjoy.

For a deeper dive on this, here’s what you should know:
👉 Are dried elderberries safe to eat or totally off-limits?

Antioxidants That Power Your Immune System

One of the biggest reasons I started drinking elderberry tea was for its antioxidant content—and now that I’ve stuck with it for a while, I can feel the difference.

Elderberries are packed with immune-supporting compounds like:

• Flavonoids – natural plant chemicals that fight oxidative stress
• Anthocyanins – what give elderberries their rich purple color (and power)
• Vitamin C – a key nutrient for immune response
• Phenolic acids – which help reduce inflammation

The beauty of elderberry tea is that it delivers all these nutrients in a form that’s gentle, warming, and easy to make part of your routine.

Want to know which brand I use for my daily cup?
👉 Here’s the best elderberry tea I’ve found and why I drink it daily

Elderberry Tea for Cold and Flu Season

Let’s be honest—we all want that secret weapon in the cabinet when sniffles hit the house. Elderberry tea just might be it.

One of the most talked-about benefits of elderberry tea is how it helps during cold and flu season. Elderberries contain compounds that have been shown in studies to potentially reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms when taken early enough.

Now, I’m not saying it’s a miracle cure. But I’ve noticed when I start drinking elderberry tea at the first sign of something coming on, I recover quicker, and the symptoms never seem to hit as hard.

Pair it with good sleep, staying hydrated, and other natural immune support, and it becomes a powerful part of your wellness routine.

Not sure which tea to trust? This is the one I use every single day:
👉 FGO Organic Elderberry Tea – 100 Count

Can Elderberry Tea Help With Inflammation?

Here’s something I didn’t expect when I first started drinking it—I felt less achy.

Turns out, elderberry tea is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, especially anthocyanins. These compounds are known to help reduce inflammation in the body, which can support joint comfort, gut health, and overall wellness.

For me, after about two weeks of regular use, I noticed that nagging soreness in my hands and knees (especially after working in the garden) started to ease up.

If you’re also dealing with inflammation, you might want to try pairing elderberry tea with other gentle, inflammation-friendly options. Here’s a helpful read if your gut is involved:
👉 Chronic diarrhea from IBS-D? Managing symptoms and hemorrhoids

A Natural Way to Boost Daily Wellness

What I love most about elderberry tea? It doesn’t just target one thing.

I started using it for immunity, but here’s what I ended up benefiting from:

1. Better hydration (it replaced my second cup of coffee)
2. Calming ritual during stressful afternoons
3. Fewer sick days throughout the winter
4. Soothing effect on my throat after long days of talking or dry air
5. Gentle digestion support

This stuff fits perfectly into a balanced life, and it doesn’t feel like a chore to take. It actually tastes good too—especially with a little local honey 🍯.

Want to grab a bag and start today?
👉 Order your FGO Organic Elderberry Tea from Amazon here

Elderberry Tea vs Elderberry Syrup

You might be wondering… why not just take elderberry syrup?

I’ve used both. Syrups can be great, but they’re often expensive, sticky, loaded with sugar, and gone in a week. Meanwhile, a good bag of organic elderberry tea bags lasts a month or more, tastes great, and doesn’t spike your blood sugar.

Here’s what I like better about tea:

• Zero sugar or artificial sweeteners
• Budget-friendly (especially in 100-count bags)
• Soothing and hydrating
• Easier to take daily without overdoing it

If you’re looking for a safe, simple way to add elderberries into your day-to-day without the sugar rush, tea is the way to go.

For a deep dive into the best dried elderberries you can use if you want to make your own:
👉 The best dried organic elderberries you can buy

Elderberry and Echinacea Tea Benefits

A powerhouse combo that’s becoming more popular is elderberry and echinacea tea. Both herbs are known for supporting immune health, but together, they pack an even stronger punch.

Echinacea has long been used to help prevent and reduce the symptoms of upper respiratory infections. When you blend it with the immune-boosting power of elderberries, it creates a go-to tea for seasonal sniffles, travel days, or whenever your immune system needs backup.

Even better, some teas already combine both herbs. But if you prefer more flexibility, you can brew your FGO Organic Elderberry Tea and simply add a bag of echinacea tea in the same mug. Boom—easy and effective.

This is a great mix to sip on while reading through more natural health tips here:
👉 Effective natural remedies for hemorrhoids you can try at home

When’s the Best Time to Drink Elderberry Tea?

This is one of the most common questions I get—when should I drink elderberry tea for the most benefit?

Here’s what I’ve found works best:

In the morning: It’s a nice immune-supporting way to start the day
Afternoon slump: It gives you a gentle boost without caffeine
Evening wind-down: The naturally calming properties help you relax

There’s no caffeine, so you don’t have to worry about being wired at night. That makes it a perfect addition to a calming routine, especially if sleep is a struggle for you.

If you’re curious how temperature, light, and more affect your rest, check this out:
👉 Best temperature for sleep: What science and experience says

Is Elderberry Tea Safe?

The short answer: Yes—when used properly.

Elderberries must be processed or dried before use to be safe for consumption. That’s why using a trusted, ready-to-brew tea bag like the FGO Organic Elderberry Tea is a smart and safe choice.

Don’t eat raw elderberries or leaves—they can be toxic. But properly made tea? You’re good to go.

As always, if you’re pregnant, nursing, or on medication, check with your doctor. Natural doesn’t always mean safe for every situation. But for most of us, it’s a wonderful and gentle wellness habit.

Looking to feel better naturally without overthinking it?
👉 Order your elderberry tea on Amazon now

Last thoughts for you on the Health Benefits of Elderberry Tea

There are a lot of gimmicks out there when it comes to wellness—but elderberry tea stands out as one of the simplest, most effective, and easiest habits to add to your daily routine.

Whether you’re chasing better immunity, easing inflammation, or just want something warm, calming, and good for you—this tea is it.

If you’re still wondering what to buy, we tested and reviewed our top pick here:
👉 Searching for the best elderberry tea? Here’s our top pick

Make it part of your daily life. Your body will thank you.