Sure. here goes...
Recipe...
Use quart glass canning jars. Fill the jars 1/3 full of dried black (Sambucus nigra) elderberries. This does NOT have to be exact, eyeball measurement is just fine. (One pound of dried elderberries will eyeball 1/3 fill 3 quarts with a bit left over or you can just evenly divide a pound of the dried berries between 3 quart jars. More really does NOT make the tincture stronger.) Now fill the jar almost to the top with vodka, not less than 80 proof. DO NOT USE any other alcohol, no matter the proof, brand or type. VODKA = TINCTURE; Now, cap the jars securely, give a shake or two, and store in a cool, dark area for 7-10 days. Shake a couple of times a day. That is the universally accepted time period to produce tincture. Longer does not make stronger. After the 7-10 days you can strain off the liquid and toss the berry residue. DO NOT reuse that residue. The alcohol molecules fill up to capacity within the 7-10 days and can absorb no more no matter how long it soaks. Now, tighten the jars, label, and store.
How do you use elderberry tincture?
Elderberries medicinal properties work directly on Influenza A or B virus present in the body. When an adult exhibits symptoms of influenza infection i.e. sudden onset of high fever, dry persistent cough, weakness, commercially prepared elderberry preparations suggest taking internally 2 teaspoons of preparation every 4 hours, i.e. the commercial equivalent, Sambucol. To use homemade elderberry tincture, the consensus of opinion seems to be that taking 2 Tablespoons every 6 hours or so for 8-10 days will do the trick. There will be a reduction in symptoms within 2-3 days of taking elderberry tincture as per recommended above, but the virus will still be present so take for the full 8-10 days just like taking an antibiotic for a prescribed treatment course. One quart jar will last about 10 days, or one full treatment dose.
(Note: as a preventative, we ingest 1 teaspoon of tincture at night before bed during flu season. We haven't had the flu since starting this regimen four years ago, and we don't take flu shots)
What are the side effects and/or drug interactions of using elderberry preparations?
None documented with the use of S. nigra elderberries or flowers. The leaves, bark, roots of S. nigra are toxic as are the berries and flowers of the other elder varieties. They can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. There are no known drug interactions documented at this time and therefore, no contra-indications. (from an herbal website)
Lifespan of Tincture:
8 years in cool/dark storage. Room temperature/dark is OK. Light and heat are destructive to tincture.
WEBSITE I use to buy the berries (Elderberries, Whole, Sambucus nigra)...
Good luck!
I use rum and coke. Haven’t had the flu since!