Elderflower Tea Benefits and Side Effects

You’ve enjoyed Elderflowers in cordial, cakes, tarts, trifles and jams. Now, you can brew it up for Elderflower Tea benefits. This Herbal infusion has much to offer, going above and beyond to impress all those who drink it.

The last question above we can answer right now: The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company. We take pride in packing almost all of our products, including this one, fresh to order.

his is our way of guaranteeing not only quality but also consistency with every cuppa brewed. But before you buy it, you need to know what it can do to improve your life in small yet significant ways. Let’s get started.

What is Elderflower Tea?

Elderflowers (Sambucus) are a component of a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Adoxaceae family. The trees from where they come from thrive across central Europe and North America, as well as in the countryside surrounding our company.

We use the Sambucus nigra variety, in particular, which, when brewed, produces a sweet, floral flavour and, of course, Elderflower Tea benefits. 

It’s worth noting that other parts of this tree can be highly toxic. This includes the leaves, sticks and roots, all of which, when ingested, could lead to a build-up of cyanide levels in the body. Consider playing it safe, then, by buying Elderflower Herbal Tea from us.

Indeed, you won’t find a more delicious, wholesome and nutritious beverage than the one we stock here. 

When it comes to its history, people have revered Elderflowers for over a thousand years. They have a close association with Hyldemoer (“Elder Mother”), a Scandinavian wood-nymph who, according to beliefs, lives in every elder tree.

She famously haunted people who built from elder wood without asking for permission. Thankfully, the same doesn’t apply to using the flowers for Elderflower Herbal Tea!

Elderflower Tea Properties

The term “Elderflower Tea Properties” refers to its abundance in vitamins, minerals and other antioxidants. These chemical compounds combined do much to support your health and wellbeing, particularly by combating free radicals in the body.

This ultimately slows down natural, though often harmful, human oxidation, thus reducing the risk of developing numerous chronic conditions.

Each cuppa contains quercetin, isoquercitrin, anthocyanins, chlorogenic acids and triterpenoids, as well as relatively high levels of Vitamin C.

Additionally, there are very few calories in this infusion, making it an excellent alternative to sugary, fatty soft drinks. But what, exactly, can it do when it comes to Elderflower Tea benefits? We’re about to explore this in greater detail.

What is Elderflower Tea Good for?

Elderflower Tea health benefits can do much to help you. While not as far-reaching as, for example, the Benefits of Green Tea, they do have several noteworthy qualities.

Its wealth in vitamins, minerals and other antioxidants alone could provide support in the fight against cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes and even (although not yet proven) cancer. But there’s more. 

Most famous of all is this Tea’s ability to combat symptoms of colds and the flu, which we will be focusing on below. It’s vital to recognise, however, that most of the following research is still in its early stages.

Despite it appearing promising, it remains paramount that you seek medical consultation should you experience any of the ailments mentioned here.

Elderflower Tea for Colds

Our immune system is the most crucial line of defence. It involves an expansive network of cells, organs, proteins and tissues working together to protect us from seemingly endless pathogens.

Without it, we’d be open to attack from viruses, parasites and harmful bacteria. Its ability to distinguish our tissue from foreign tissue, in particular, is key to our survival. 

But what does this have to do with Elderflower Tea for colds? This beverage, as mentioned previously, contains a significant amount of immune system boosting-Vitamin C.

When you consume it frequently, then, you’re strengthening your internal defences against minor illnesses. Perhaps best of all, when you’re already feeling under the weather, Elderflower Tea benefits can reduce symptoms.

Drink Elderflower Tea to Combat the Flu

Are you currently feeling unwell? Is it perhaps too late to boost your immune system with this Tea? Don’t worry.

A 2009 study published in the Online Journal of Pharmacology and PharmacoKinetics specifically looked into Elderflower Tea effects on the flu. The participants involved, all of whom had three or more flu symptoms, received either four 175-mg doses of Elderflower extract or a placebo daily. 

After two days, 60% of the herb group had significantly reduced symptoms of flu, while 28% were no longer experiencing any at all. These results likely also apply to the common cold.

However, until we know more, The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company does NOT endorse this Tea for this purpose. Instead, we support ongoing research – which, admittedly, looks promising. 

Elderflower Tea Could Lower “Bad” Cholesterol

We’ve already established that Elderflower Tea benefits improve heart health by combating free radicals in the body. There is also, however, the possibility of it lowering “bad” LDL cholesterol.

This is an organic molecule most often caused by eating fatty food, not exercising enough, being overweight, smoking and drinking alcohol. It is one of the primary causes of heart complications. 

One 2004 research project published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition can explain how this Tea might (emphasis on “might”) be useful here. Scientists found that elderberries reduced total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in young adults after two weeks of daily doses.

The reason was the quercetin in elderberries, which also exist in Elderflower Tea.

Elderflower Tea Side Effects

Elderflower Tea hasn’t been as extensively researched as other types. Turmeric Tea, to put it into perspective, has played a part in over 5,600 biomedical studies for rheumatoid arthritis and joint point alone.

The same rules apply to its side effects. We know little about the health concerns associated with it, meaning it remains difficult to advise for or against its consumption. 

One thing that seems certain, however, is that you SHOULD NOT brew up any other part of the elder tree. We’ve mentioned this before, but we’ll say it once again – the leaves, sticks and roots can cause a build-up of cyanide levels in the body.

That’s why some medical professionals recommend you monitor your intake of Elderflower Tea, too. It is paramount you listen to the experts.

Elderflower Tea Pregnancy

Can I drink Elderflower Tea during pregnancy? Most vital of all, is it safe? Potentially. Once again, few specific studies appear to exist making a case either for or against its consumption while expecting.

However, it is sometimes best to err on the side of caution. The same rules likewise apply to breastfeeding mothers. We recommend, as a result, that you speak to your midwife if you have any uncertainty. 

If you’re missing your Herbal Tea while pregnant, there is an alternative in Raspberry Leaf Tea (during the third trimester ONLY). This is the exception to the rule: an infusion that, in fact, comes with scientifically-proven pregnancy benefits.

Specifically, mothers-to-be choose it for toning the muscles of the uterus, which then helps while in labour. Why not discuss it with a professional today? 

Does Elderflower Tea Have Caffeine

Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant found in leaves and seeds. Once consumed, it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream before travelling to the liver.

There, it is broken down and passed on to numerous other organs in the body, namely the brain. Its effect on the brain, in particular, is the primary reason why so many people consume caffeinated products. 

Fundamentally, caffeine stimulates you while making you feel more energised and less sleepy. And so, the question begs: does Elderflower Tea contain caffeine?

Simply put, no. Those who need an extra boost in the morning, then, might find themselves disappointed. The flip side is that people who’re sensitive to the Effects of Caffeine have little to worry about when it comes to this infusion.

How to Make Elderflower Tea

And there you have it: Elderflower Tea benefits and side effects with the science, where it’s available, to back them. You might well be thirsty for more, so let’s now show you how to steep Elderflower Tea ready for when you buy it and brew.

First, you’ll need either a Tea Filter or Loose Tea Infuser. Once you have one of these items to hand, just follow the steps below: 

1. Use a Tea Infuser / Filter.

Put Elderflower Tea into one of our Tea Filters / Infusers.

2. Boil the Kettle.

Brew fresh water using either filtered or bottled water.

3. Add Infuser or Filter to your Cup.

Place the Tea-filled accessory into a cup or mug.

4. Pour Freshly Boiled Water.

Fill the cup or mug with hot water straight off the boil.

5. Allow it to Steep / Infuse.

Let it infuse for 5-10 minutes (the longer you leave it, the stronger it tastes.)

6. Time to Indulge

Your Elderflower Herbal Tea is ready to enjoy at your leisure.

Conclusion

Elderflower Tea benefits the mind, body and soul in a handful of remarkable ways. It comes from a tree best known for its association with all things mystical.

However, there is nothing supernatural about its scientifically-proven potential. People today drink Elderflower Tea for colds. They also choose Elderflower Tea for coughs, nausea and cholesterol. 

Here at The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company, we have three varieties of this Tea to choose from.

The first is our standalone Elderflower Herbal Tea, which is the best choice for traditionalists. Alternatively, there are Green Tea and Elderflower (a Flavoured Green Tea) and Elderflower and Lemon Tea (a Fruit Tisane). Whatever you decide, you’ve picked well with us.