Making elderflower tea is a natural way to treat runny nose symptoms caused by colds or allergies, according to herbalists. The elderflower also acts as an anti-viral and immune stimulant and is used to lower fever and treat coughs. You can find several species of elderflower growing in the UK and Europe, however all the elderflower species are used the same way for their herbal properties. Elderflower tea is naturally sweet. You can make it from fresh elderflower blooms or from dried flowers.
Fresh elderflower tea
Pick fresh elderflowers during the late spring or early summer.
Boil water for tea. Place two to four fresh elderflowers in a teapot. Pour the hot water over the flowers.
Cover the teapot and allow the flowers to steep for about 10 minutes. Strain the tea and serve hot.
Dried elderflower tea
Buy dried elderflowers from an herbal supply shop, health food outlet or specialist tea shop.
Boil water for tea. Place 10 ml (2 tsp) of dried elderflowers in a teapot for each cup of tea. Pour the hot water over the dried flowers.
Cover the teapot and let the tea steep for about five minutes. Strain the tea and serve hot.
Tip
Make a variation on this tea by mixing elderflowers with mint or lemon balm.