Herbal Brief: Elderberry |

Via Sarena-Rae SantosContributing writer

What is Elderberry?

Elderberries come in many varieties from the Sambucus tree, a species of flowering plant in the family Family Adoxaceae family. The The most familiar type is Sambucus nigraAlso known as European elder or black elder, it typically grows up to 30 feet tall and has clusters of white or cream-colored flowers commonly known as elderflowers with clusters of small black or blue-black berries.

The second most common type is Sambucus canadensisalso known as American elderly people, American elderberryand burnt rice. Sambucus canadensis Native to North America, Venezuela and Brazil. This deciduous shrub or small tree grows up to 12 feet tall and 10 feet wide. This variant of elder is easily recognized by its yellowish-brown to grayish-brown bark with white stalks, abundant creamy white flower clusters with flat or rounded tips, and drooping, rounded fruit clusters. , purplish black (first).

Although elderberry is one of the most popular and historically used medicinal plants and is even used for culinary purposes, the fruit of the plant must be cooked to be eaten. In contrast, flowers can be eaten raw or cooked.2).

Health benefits of elderberries

These berries may be small, but they Filled with essential nutrients and antioxidants that benefit one’s immune system. Elderberries actually have more antioxidants than other berries like blueberries, cranberries, goji berries, strawberries or raspberries.

May support the immune system

The immune system protects the body from foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other toxins (3). When you support your immune system, you are potentially supporting your body’s ability to fight disease. One study found that elderberry polyphenols protected the immune system of mice by increasing the number of white blood cells (4). I suggest Earthley’s Elderberry Elixir for these benefits.

Rich in antioxidants

Antioxidants can help fight damage from harmful free radicals. The accumulation of free radicals has been linked to chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. The flowers, berries, and even leaves of elderberries are excellent sources of antioxidants, with 3.5 times more antioxidant power than vitamin E (5).

May improve cold and flu symptoms

Due to elderberry’s ability to support the immune system, it is meant to help fight cold and flu symptoms. Elderberries have been shown to reduce the severity and duration of influenza (6). Another study determined that elderberry may also play a role in preventing influenza (7). I suggest Earthley’s Immune-Biotic to relieve colds and flu.

May be good for heart health

Elderberries can also have a positive effect on your overall heart health. Studies have shown that elderberry juice can lower blood fats and cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease (8). Another study in rats found that elderberries reduced blood pressure and made them less susceptible to organ damage caused by high blood pressure ().9). I highly recommend Earthley’s Healthy Heart for heart health benefits.

May help fight cancer

Statistics say that 158.3 out of 100,000 individuals will die of cancer, but what if they don’t (ten)? Elderberries in Europe and the Americas were studied in a test tube and found to have some cancer-suppressing properties (11).

May reduce blood sugar and insulin dependence

Throughout history, Sambucus nigra has been documented as a treatment for diabetes. One study showed that Sambucus nigra significantly increased 2-deoxy-glucose transport, glucose oxidation and glycogenesis of rat abdominal muscles in the absence of insulin supplementation (twelfth). Another study found that elderberry extract reduced fasting blood sugar while lipophilic extract reduced insulin levels, reducing insulin resistance ( 2Trusted Source ).13). I highly recommend Earthley’s Elderberry Elixir on blood sugar and the benefits of insulin.

Supports skin health

Elderberries have been shown to contain significant bioflavonoids, antioxidants, and vitamin A, which are great for healthy skin. One study found that elderberry could improve skin condition after 12 weeks of testing on postmenopausal women with skin texture and appearance measured with modern instrumentation (14).

May improve allergy symptoms

Allergy symptoms occur when the body’s immune system reacts to foreign objects by releasing histamine, which causes inflammation and attracts white blood cells to isolate the culprit and fight it (15). Because allergies involve an overreaction of the immune system and inflammation, elderberry’s ability to improve the immune system and calm inflammation may help reduce allergies (16). I highly recommend Earthley’s Sinus Saver to reduce allergies.

To learn more about Elderberries, I recommend downloading Earthley’s guide, Things you need to know about elderberries.

Safety concerns

Some health professionals caution against using elderberries for pregnant and lactating women. Allopathy argues that it is unethical to study elderberry use in these women, not because there is evidence of documented harm. Besides, has a long history of safe use in this population.

Notably, a trusted herbalist since 1989, Richard Whelan, claims Elderberry leaves and bark will have a cleansing and anti-inflammatory effect if taken in any amount. Likewise, unripe elderberries can cause nausea and vomiting. Besides that, Medicinal use of flowers and ripe fruit in tea or tincture is considered very safe and can be used by the elderly and young while pregnant or lactating.

In addition, as discussed in Are elderberries really the best flu treatment? If you are taking medication to suppress your immune system, you should use elderberry with caution as it is known to strengthen the immune system. This is also why people with autoimmune diseases should proceed with caution. If you have a condition like Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis or Rheumatoid Arthritis, watch out for flare-ups in your condition if you’re trying elderberries and stop immediately. if your condition worsens (17).

How to use Elderberry

You can find elderberry in dried form, tea, extract, oil, tincture, and food. Herbal tinctures always contain the most concentrated herbs. Teas and soups are also options. If you’re a DIY person, a great recipe for beginners is: