FAQ's
Q: What is a tonic?
A: Simply put, a tonic is a liquid preparation that invigorates, restores and strengthens. Our tonics are specifically designed to boost the immune system using only natural ingredients.
*These products are not evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to prevent, cure or treat any disease.
Q: Are Elderberries safe to consume?
A: Yes, as long as they are prepared properly (which we just so happen to be experts at, so don't worry). While properly prepared elderberry juice has no known side effects or confirmed drug interactions, unripe elderberries that have not been cooked properly are toxic, and may cause vomiting, nausea or diarrhea.
The American Botanical Council suggests consuming 8 oz of elderberry juice twice daily at first sign of cold or flu symptoms for up to five days, so we are very confident that a serving suggestion of 1 Tbsp a day, repeated up to 4 times throughout the day during cold & flu symptoms is perfectly safe. As always, ask your medical professional if you have any concerns prior to consumption.
Q: Are Mama Merrill's tonics organic?
A: Our Elderberries are harvested from wild, mountainous regions and not sprayed with any pesticides, so technically they were already "organic" before "organic" was a thing. Our tonics are 100% natural food products, and since our ingredients are all very high quality, we are not seeking USDA Organic certification. Sadly, even organic products can still contain certain pesticides according to USDA regulations. It is more important, in our opinion, to know exactly where your food comes from.
Q: How much should I take?
A: This is somewhat of a personal preference, since our Elderberry Tonics are natural food products and not medicine, exact dosing is not necessary. Similar to eating oranges for vitamin C, or eating yogurt to replace healthy bacteria, we recommend moderation.
However, in the natural health community, the "typical" suggestion is 1 Tbsp per day for adults for immune support. We echo this same serving suggestion.
It is considered perfectly safe to repeat this same serving suggestion several times in a 24 hour period while experiencing the onset of cold and flu symptoms. Consult the advice of your physician if you have any health issues or concerns.
Q: What is the serving suggestion for children?
A: Again, this is mostly personal preference as Elderberry use is widely considered as safe for children in the scientific community, and it is not a medicine but a health food item.
We recommend a tsp. a day for immune support for children ages 6 and under. Many people prefer to give their children ages 6 and up a Tbsp. per serving.
If you have any questions or concerns about giving your child Elderberry tonic, please consult their pediatrician.
Q: What if I am on blood thinners and cannot take turmeric supplements?
A: Most turmeric supplements on the market contain 500-1000mg of turmeric and are very potent. Turmeric is known to be a natural blood- thinning agent when consumed as a supplement.
Our Original and Spicy blends contain a small amount of turmeric similar to what you would use if you were cooking a dish with turmeric as an ingredient. At less than 100mg per bottle, it is not enough of an amount of turmeric to be considered a true supplement.
We now offer a spice free version, Mama Merrill's Simple Elderberry Apple Tonic, specifically for those who cannot consume certain spices or honey.
If you are on any kind of medication that is a blood thinner, or have any medical conditions of concern, please consult your physician before consuming turmeric in large quantities.
Q: Why is black pepper in the spicy blend?
A: Black peppercorns contain a compound called piperine, which has been used in folk medicine for centuries for its many health benefits. We infuse whole peppercorns into our Spicy tonic because piperine is proven to increase the body's ability to absorb turmeric.
Q: Why is cayenne in the spicy blend?
A: Seriously, cayenne is a powerhouse spice. It seems counterintuitive, but it has actually been proven to aid in digestion and lower acidity in the body. It's a metabolism booster, can relieve migraines, aid in detoxification, relieve joint pain, and much more. It is full of beta-carotene and other anti-oxidants which are known for boosting the immune system. (https://draxe.com/cayenne-pepper-benefits/) Don't be scared! The little kick of cayenne combined with the sweetness from TN wildflower honey and earthy elderberries is divinely delicious! Trust us on this one!
Q: Is Elderberry use safe for pregnant or nursing women?
A: There has not been a large amount of research done on this subject, although within the natural health community it is considered safe. Considering the lack of research about elderberry use and pregnancy, we always recommend that you discuss it with your physician before use if you are pregnant or nursing.
Q: How many sugars and carbohydrates are in each serving?
A: see the chart below for nutrition facts for both the original and spicy blends. The Simple tonic is still in the test-market phase and nutrition fact testing will be completed soon.
A: Simply put, a tonic is a liquid preparation that invigorates, restores and strengthens. Our tonics are specifically designed to boost the immune system using only natural ingredients.
*These products are not evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to prevent, cure or treat any disease.
Q: Are Elderberries safe to consume?
A: Yes, as long as they are prepared properly (which we just so happen to be experts at, so don't worry). While properly prepared elderberry juice has no known side effects or confirmed drug interactions, unripe elderberries that have not been cooked properly are toxic, and may cause vomiting, nausea or diarrhea.
The American Botanical Council suggests consuming 8 oz of elderberry juice twice daily at first sign of cold or flu symptoms for up to five days, so we are very confident that a serving suggestion of 1 Tbsp a day, repeated up to 4 times throughout the day during cold & flu symptoms is perfectly safe. As always, ask your medical professional if you have any concerns prior to consumption.
Q: Are Mama Merrill's tonics organic?
A: Our Elderberries are harvested from wild, mountainous regions and not sprayed with any pesticides, so technically they were already "organic" before "organic" was a thing. Our tonics are 100% natural food products, and since our ingredients are all very high quality, we are not seeking USDA Organic certification. Sadly, even organic products can still contain certain pesticides according to USDA regulations. It is more important, in our opinion, to know exactly where your food comes from.
Q: How much should I take?
A: This is somewhat of a personal preference, since our Elderberry Tonics are natural food products and not medicine, exact dosing is not necessary. Similar to eating oranges for vitamin C, or eating yogurt to replace healthy bacteria, we recommend moderation.
However, in the natural health community, the "typical" suggestion is 1 Tbsp per day for adults for immune support. We echo this same serving suggestion.
It is considered perfectly safe to repeat this same serving suggestion several times in a 24 hour period while experiencing the onset of cold and flu symptoms. Consult the advice of your physician if you have any health issues or concerns.
Q: What is the serving suggestion for children?
A: Again, this is mostly personal preference as Elderberry use is widely considered as safe for children in the scientific community, and it is not a medicine but a health food item.
We recommend a tsp. a day for immune support for children ages 6 and under. Many people prefer to give their children ages 6 and up a Tbsp. per serving.
If you have any questions or concerns about giving your child Elderberry tonic, please consult their pediatrician.
Q: What if I am on blood thinners and cannot take turmeric supplements?
A: Most turmeric supplements on the market contain 500-1000mg of turmeric and are very potent. Turmeric is known to be a natural blood- thinning agent when consumed as a supplement.
Our Original and Spicy blends contain a small amount of turmeric similar to what you would use if you were cooking a dish with turmeric as an ingredient. At less than 100mg per bottle, it is not enough of an amount of turmeric to be considered a true supplement.
We now offer a spice free version, Mama Merrill's Simple Elderberry Apple Tonic, specifically for those who cannot consume certain spices or honey.
If you are on any kind of medication that is a blood thinner, or have any medical conditions of concern, please consult your physician before consuming turmeric in large quantities.
Q: Why is black pepper in the spicy blend?
A: Black peppercorns contain a compound called piperine, which has been used in folk medicine for centuries for its many health benefits. We infuse whole peppercorns into our Spicy tonic because piperine is proven to increase the body's ability to absorb turmeric.
Q: Why is cayenne in the spicy blend?
A: Seriously, cayenne is a powerhouse spice. It seems counterintuitive, but it has actually been proven to aid in digestion and lower acidity in the body. It's a metabolism booster, can relieve migraines, aid in detoxification, relieve joint pain, and much more. It is full of beta-carotene and other anti-oxidants which are known for boosting the immune system. (https://draxe.com/cayenne-pepper-benefits/) Don't be scared! The little kick of cayenne combined with the sweetness from TN wildflower honey and earthy elderberries is divinely delicious! Trust us on this one!
Q: Is Elderberry use safe for pregnant or nursing women?
A: There has not been a large amount of research done on this subject, although within the natural health community it is considered safe. Considering the lack of research about elderberry use and pregnancy, we always recommend that you discuss it with your physician before use if you are pregnant or nursing.
Q: How many sugars and carbohydrates are in each serving?
A: see the chart below for nutrition facts for both the original and spicy blends. The Simple tonic is still in the test-market phase and nutrition fact testing will be completed soon.
Shop Our Tonics
$24.99 USD
$24.99 USD
$24.99 USD
$24.99 USD