by Judith C Evans

Created on: November 16, 2009

The dark purple elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has provided immune support and relief from coughs and sore throats for centuries. Rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antiviral properties, an elderberry is a valuable addition to the herbalist's collection. The tincture can be prepared from either dried or fresh berries, and is ready to use in a matter of weeks. The liquid, or menstruum, used for the tincture can be either 100-proof vodka, or 100-proof organic grain alcohol. Vinegar (cider, rice, or wine) may be used, but the resulting tincture will not be as potent as the tincture made with vodka or alcohol; 100% vegetable glycerin, diluted with an equal amount of water, is another option.

If the tincture is prepared from fresh berries, they should be harvested at "the peak of their readiness," as herbalist Gail Edwards recommends. Discard any discolored parts, and fill a jar with the berries. If using dried elderberries, fill the jar one-third to one-quarter with berries. Fill the jar with menstruum to the top; cover the berries completely with the liquid, to avoid spoilage. Use a wooden spoon to stir the berries, removing air pockets and distributing the berries throughout the menstruum. Cover the jar and label, noting the name and part of the herb, the date, and the type of menstruum. If vinegar is used as the menstruum, use brown paper to protect the lid from the acid.

Allow the tincture to steep in a dark, cool place for six weeks. Herbalists disagree on whether to regularly shake the tincture as it steeps. Juliette de Bairacli-Levy writes that the tincture should be shaken every day, while Gail Edwards recommends shaking only if the berries have settled to the bottom. Dried berries may absorb some of the menstruum while steeping; if this occurs, remove the lid and add more menstruum.

After six weeks, the tincture is ready to transfer into smaller dropper bottles. Dark glass bottles should be used; the dropper should also be glass, never plastic. One method is to pour off enough tincture to fill a small bottle as needed, keeping the remainder of the tincture and berries in the original jar. Another method is to pour out all of the tincture from the original jar into another glass jar. Strain the berries in cheesecloth and wring out any remaining liquid into the new jar. Then pour the tincture into small glass dropper bottles. Tincture should never be allowed to touch plastic bottles or droppers because plastic can damage the tincture's medicinal value and taste.

Elderberry tincture can be administered twenty to forty drops three or four times a day. If you have some counter space and a few glass jars, you can follow the steps to prepare this well-known remedy. Enjoy the immune-boosting benefits of this herb, prepared from berries grown in your own garden.

Sources:

Bairacli-Levy, Juliette de, "Common Herbs for Natural Health," Woodstock, NY: Ash Tree Publishing, 1997.

Edwards, Gail Faith, "Opening Our Wild Hearts to the Healing Herbs," Woodstock, NY: Ash Tree Publishing, 2000.

Lust, John, "The Herb Book," New York, NY: Benedict Lust Publications, 2001.

Weed, Susun, "ABC's of Herbalism" course book, Woodstock, NY: Ash Tree Publishing, 2005.

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