Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) comes from the elder tree, which is native to Europe and parts of Asia and Africa. A related species called American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) grows across the United States and Canada. Many cultures have appreciated and relied on both elder trees for everything from musical instruments to food and medicine.
In medieval Europe, the elder tree was revered as holy and reputed to have health-preserving and restorative properties.[1] For centuries, herbal remedies in the form of teas, poultices, creams, and salves have all been produced from the elderberry and used to encourage good health, alleviate respiratory distress, and soothe irritated skin.
Sometimes called the "tree of music," the wood from the elder tree is hard and well-suited for making instruments. The genus name, Sambucus, actually comes from the flutes the ancient Greeks carved from hollowed elder tree stems. The Sambuca, a large triangular harp from Europe, was also named after the tree from which it came.[2] Woven baskets are another common use for elder wood; twigs are soaked in the dark purple elderberry dye, dried, and then woven into designs with other twigs of contrasting colors. Other uses for elderberry wood include combs, pegs, arrow shafts, and spindles for spinning yarn.[1]
Believed to help everything from arthritis to livestock ailments, the elder tree and its products have been used in traditional medicine for centuries.[1, 7] Elderberries and elderflowers have traditionally been consumed or applied topically to remedy pain, swelling, infections, respiratory ailments, and skin conditions.[8]
From Europe to the United States, poultices and preparations have been used to expedite wound healing and prevent infection.[9] Traditional mindsets have believed that elderberry helps ward off a cold or flu and elderflower tea can break a fever.[1]
Although scientific interest in traditional medicine has surged in recent years, Traditional European Medicine is largely unexplored when compared to traditional Chinese Medicine. Fortunately, Eastern European herbal remedies (which include elderberry) have been preserved and passed down.[10] Ongoing studies are evaluating and better establishing the benefits of elderberry.[11] Below are three of the top known benefits from elderberry!
One of the elder plant’s greatest strengths is in the excellent nutritional profile of elderberries. The berries contain flavonoids that are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants protect cells from free radical damage. A diet high in flavonoids can help lower the risk of developing chronic diseases.[12] Elderberries actually rank higher than blueberries, blackberries, and even goji berries in both flavonoids[13] and vitamin C content.[2]
Like the berries, elderflowers are a good source of vitamin C but also have other immune-strengthening compounds.[2] Elderflower tea can be used to aid indigestion, edema, or headache. The leaves may ease discomfort associated with constipation as it has a slight laxative effect.[1]
Preliminary research suggests elderberry may help offer a positive influence for some symptoms associated with cold or flu. Scientists have noticed a decrease in congestion and symptom duration when conventional therapies are supplemented with elderberry. The compounds in elderberries and elderflowers may reduce mucosal membrane swelling and help ease congestion.[9]
In one study, subjects suffering from influenza-like symptoms were given elderberry syrup. Those who consumed the elderberry noticed significant symptom relief about 4 days earlier than the subjects given a placebo.[7] Similarly, people given elderberry extract improved within a 48-hour period. More than a quarter of all them were completely void of symptoms, and over half showed significant improvement. In contrast, only 16 percent of the placebo group reported improvements and none experienced a complete recovery.[14]
Elderberry, elderflower, and elder leaf concoctions have long been used to address skin ailments. As a bath or wash, the flowers and leaves promote cleanliness at a microscopic level and provide some relief from wounds, sprains, sores, and bruises. The flowers may also improve complexion by toning and softening skin.[1] Short-term exposure to the anthocyanins in elderberry is thought to improve skin appearance.[11, 15]
Across the globe, elderflowers and elderberries have been incorporated into many types of cuisine. Flowers and berries are made into flavorful syrups or baked into pancakes and muffins. They can even be dipped in batter and fried. The berries make distinctive pies, jams, jellies, candies, and sauces.[2, 3]
Elderberry is also used to brew beverages. Medicinal teas and elderberry wine are made from either the flowers or berries. Sambuca, an Italian liqueur, is made with anise and elderberries. Socata, a traditional carbonated Romanian drink, is made by boiling elderflowers with lemon and sugar and fermenting the mixture for 3 to 6 days.[4]
Raw berries are not often eaten intentionally because they contain a cyanoglycoside that can cause illness.[5] Elderberries are not the only food to contain cyanoglycosides; yucca (tapioca), lima beans, almonds, sorghum, apple seeds, cherry juice, and bamboo shoots also contain cyanoglycosides. Like elderberries, these foods are quite safe to eat when properly prepared.[6]
One of the most significant benefits of the elderberry is its action against some types of harmful organisms. In fact, that's one of its most attractive features for those who participate in natural health.[7]
Elderberry herbal extracts, syrups, tinctures, lotions, capsules, and teas are available for purchase at many retailers. You can also find elderberry in immune system supplements that combine the best immune-boosting ingredients.
Global Healing's Immune Boost Bundle, is a Raw Herbal Extract™ featuring elderberry along with echinacea, olive leaf extract, pine bark, enokitake, and birch polypore mushrooms. Try it for great health!
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