Elderberry plants are easy to cultivate and can thrive under various growing conditions, yet require plenty of water in order to produce fruit.
Research has demonstrated that elderberry can shorten and lessen the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms, as well as having a positive impact on chronic lung conditions like asthma and COPD.
It’s easy to grow
Elderberry plants are easy to cultivate from either seed or cuttings, with healthy plants typically bearing fruit within two or three years. You may also purchase 2-to-5 gallon pots at your local nursery – these may not produce as many berries though!
Plant the elderberry shrub in a sunny site with well-draining soil. Dig a hole that’s two to three feet wide and deep enough to accommodate its roots, adding in high-quality organic compost to the bottom of the hole and working it in with your soil before setting in your elderberry plants. Once in their designated positions, lightly tamp down any dirt around them in order to establish roots quickly.
Keep the plant hydrated to help it become established, particularly during hot weather. Use non-sodium fertilizer because this species of plant is sensitive to salt. Also beware of over-watering as this could lead to root rot.
Once your elderberry plant has reached maturity, its care becomes minimal. Elderberries are susceptible to pests like soft scales and aphids which should be treated using insecticide. Also common are leaf blight and fungal diseases which should be dealt with using fungicides.
Green Elderberries produce sweet and fragrant berries that make delicious syrup, making it ideal for cakes, desserts and tea. After picking, store in the fridge in order to preserve their sweetness; be wary of potential presence of cyanogenic glycosides which may decompose into toxic levels in certain cases; for medicinal use it’s wiser to boil first before eating!
If you plan to grow berries for medicinal uses, ensure the cultivars you select are known to be safe – for instance ‘Black Lace’, ‘Eva’ or ‘Samdal.’ When harvesting for food consumption it is vital that multiple varieties cross-pollinate each other and ensure an abundant crop; look for cultivars known to produce large and healthy fruit like Eva or Samdal.
It’s a good source of antioxidants
Elderberry (Sambucus) berries are packed with antioxidants and an excellent source of vitamin C, making them a dietary powerhouse that can boost your immunity, prevent colds and flu, fight cancer and even improve blood sugar levels. Plus, elderberries may even help alleviate symptoms associated with chronic lung conditions like COPD and asthma! This superfood may even improve your overall cardiovascular health! This natural anti-inflammatory helps lower heart disease risks as well as fighting cancer! Additionally, elderberries contain quercetin which may alleviate COPD or asthma symptoms as it contains quercetin flavonoid, helping relieve symptoms associated with chronic lung conditions like COPD or asthma!
Antioxidants are chemicals that help your cells ward off cell damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals, which are unstable molecules with unstable bonds that can damage their DNA and lead to serious health problems. Antioxidants neutralize these harmful free radicals through neutralization; elderberry contains plenty of them.
Elderberries are not only an excellent source of antioxidants but they are also rich in vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin A which is essential for skin health, beta-carotene for eye disease prevention, phytonutrients which reduce constipation symptoms, and low cholesterol.
Elderberries are rich sources of polyphenols, which have been shown to support cardiovascular health. Studies have revealed that elderberry polyphenols relax arteries and help control blood pressure – in fact, one study conducted by Circulation Research demonstrated this fact by showing how elderberry extract significantly reduced high blood pressure in rats.
Elderberries possess another advantage: their ability to reduce absorption of dietary fats and carbohydrates through pancreatic lipase and a-amylase activity in the digestive tract. This effect helps improve metabolic efficiency while helping prevent obesity as well as related conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Elderberry has long been used by indigenous populations as a natural remedy to treat colds, flu and respiratory infections as well as its powerful anti-inflammatory effects. The herb contains compounds which help prevent inflammation while stimulating cell detoxification; additional therapeutic effects have also been attested by its antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal qualities.
It’s a good source of vitamin C
Sambucus nigra has long been revered for its medicinal properties and is widely researched today to learn of its many health advantages, which include improving immune system function and decreasing inflammation in the body. Furthermore, this plant provides essential vitamin C levels needed to fight off infections; plus it’s rich with antioxidants which may prevent cardiovascular disease as well as chronic conditions.
Elderberries have long been recognized for their use as natural remedies against colds and flus. Packed full of powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins that have antiviral properties and may shorten duration of symptoms, relieve pain and fever while increasing energy levels. Elderberries also boast many essential vitamins and minerals making them a delicious addition to any diet plan.
One double-blind study showed that those exhibiting flu symptoms given elderberry syrup four times a day recovered faster from their illness four days faster than those taking a placebo, due to the natural immune-boosting properties of elderberries. Elderberries may also benefit heart health as it contains polyphenols which can lower blood pressure; when given to rats with hypertension they showed signs of reduction and improved overall cardiovascular wellbeing.
Though elderberry does not appear to overstimulate the immune system, it is strongly advised that pregnant or breastfeeding women consult their healthcare provider prior to taking this herb as there have been no clinical studies conducted to test its safety in these groups.
Elderberry supplements come in liquid, capsule, and gummy forms that can be taken alone or combined with other health supplements. It’s important to be mindful of their sugar content; because sugar is known to exacerbate inflammation in the body it’s best to opt for lower-sugar alternatives when available.
It’s a good source of iron
Elderberry can be an excellent addition to your diet for several reasons. Iron is essential in the formation of red blood cells and helping prevent an iron deficiency condition. Elderberries also offer fiber, vitamin C and phytochemicals such as quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin; one cup of fresh elderberries provides 57% of your recommended daily vitamin C intake! Furthermore, their flavonoids offer protection from oxidative stress by acting as powerful antioxidants.
Elderberries have long been used to manage pain, swelling and inflammation. Today they’re most often used in supplement form such as capsules, syrup or tea to support immune system health and help manage cold and flu symptoms. A double-blind study conducted over three days showed that participants who took elderberry syrup four times per day for three days experienced less severe symptoms and recovered more quickly compared to those who didn’t consume the syrup at all.
Studies show that elderberry extract can effectively combat influenza A and B viruses in laboratory settings. Furthermore, elderberry’s immune-stimulatory properties do not cause cytokine storms in human trials despite its immunostimulatory qualities.
Studies have linked elderberries’ anti-inflammatory properties with reduced chronic disease risks and may even help lower high blood pressure levels. One research project showed that compounds found in elderberries called anthocyanins protected the inner layer of blood vessels from inflammation stressors, thus improving circulation and decreasing heart disease risks (6). Furthermore, anthocyanins also help increase bone density and decrease osteoporosis risk (7).
Elderberry offers many health benefits, but before including it in your diet it’s wise to consult a physician first. Elderberry should not be consumed during pregnancy or breastfeeding and shouldn’t be taken by children without medical supervision. Due to being an effective diuretic it’s essential that enough water be drunk when taking elderberry; start out slowly and increase gradually over time.
