Small Batch · Virginia Apothecary
Which Elderberry Product Is Right for You?
We make elderberry four ways: a honey-sweetened syrup, chewable gummies, alcohol-based tinctures and loose leaf teas. They all start with elderberry, but they suit different routines. Here is how to choose.
✓Elderberry SyrupTaken by the spoonful or stirred into tea. Sweetened with honey and spiced with Ceylon cinnamon, ginger and cloves. In 2 oz, 8 oz and 16 oz.
✓Elderberry GummiesChewable, pre-portioned and easy to take on the go. Made with real cooked elderberry concentrate. 30-count jars in three blends.
✓Elderberry TincturesConcentrated liquid extracts in 2 fl oz dropper bottles, taken in water, juice or tea. Alcohol-based and made for adults.
✓Elderberry TeaLoose leaf blends you brew yourself, from a caffeine-free bedtime tea to a color-changing daytime cup.
Shop by Format
All ten of our elderberry products are above. Here they are grouped by format.
Syrup
The classic. Take it straight, stir it into tea or drizzle it over yogurt.
Gummies
Chewy, tart-sweet and pre-measured.
Tinctures
Concentrated extracts in dropper bottles, for adults.
Teas
Loose leaf elderberry blends to brew at home.
How to Use Elderberry
SyrupTake the serving shown on the label by the spoonful, or stir it into warm (not boiling) tea, sparkling water or yogurt. Refrigerate after opening.
GummiesChew the number shown on the jar. Keep the lid tight and store away from heat so they do not soften.
TincturesAdd the suggested number of drops to a little water, juice or tea. Shake before use.
TeasMost of our elderberry teas are simmered rather than steeped: about 1 tablespoon to 2 cups of cold water, simmered to draw out the berries. Each product page gives the exact method.
Safety Notes Worth Reading
- Never eat raw elderberries. Raw berries, stems and leaves should not be eaten. Our products use cooked or properly dried berries.
- No honey under 12 months. Our syrup contains honey, which should never be given to babies under one year old.
- Tinctures are for adults. They are alcohol-based. Keep them out of reach of children.
- Night Tea and Nocturne contain relaxing herbs. Do not combine them with alcohol, sleep aids or sedating medication, and do not drive after using them.
- Check with your doctor first if you are pregnant or nursing, take medication (especially immunosuppressants) or manage a health condition.
Elderberry FAQ
What is elderberry?
Elderberries are the small, dark purple berries of the elder shrub (Sambucus). They have been cooked into syrups, jams, teas and cordials in Europe and North America for generations.
Syrup or gummies: which should I choose?
Syrup is the most traditional and the most flexible: take it by the spoonful or add it to drinks. Gummies are pre-portioned and easier on the go. Tinctures are the most concentrated and are for adults.
Can children take elderberry?
Our syrup contains honey, so it is never for children under 12 months. Our tinctures are alcohol-based and made for adults. Check each product’s suggested use and talk to your pediatrician first.
How should I store elderberry syrup?
It is shelf-stable before opening. Refrigerate it after opening.
Is elderberry tea caffeine-free?
Our elderberry teas are herbal blends with no tea leaves, so they are naturally caffeine-free.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our elderberry products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.