Warning: Red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa) flowers and unripe berries can be toxic; furthermore, its immune-enhancing benefits can lead to allergic reactions in some people, including children, as well as interact with certain medications.
Cultivars differ widely in hardiness, yield and flavor – choose carefully (Sambucus nigra ‘Marge’ is particularly recommended in North America).
What is Elderberry?
Elderberry shrubs make an attractive garden feature and produce an abundance of fragrant fruit in summertime – deliciously edible berries that can be eaten raw, made into pies or jams, or used to make wine and other alcoholic beverages. Elderberries are also high in vitamins and minerals – particularly vitamin C!
Berry products have gained increasing recognition as healthful food in recent years due to their antioxidant benefits, which help combat disease and support healthy skin. Berries may even help provide protection from flu, colds and respiratory infections; eating fresh berries or taking supplement form contain high concentrations of phenolic compounds that can reduce inflammation while suppressing viral infections.
Elderberry derives its common name from an Anglo-Saxon term ‘eld,’ which can be translated to tree or bellows. This plant may have earned this moniker due to its strong branching structure or soft pith that can be moved around with wind currents like bellows.
While fruit can be an indulgence, harvesting it early to prevent its rotting is key. Berries should also be thoroughly washed prior to consumption or use in recipes; leaves, twigs and roots contain poisonous substances which should only be consumed in small amounts – in particular when considering leaves as food source!
Whenever using elderberry medicinally, be sure to consult with a healthcare provider first. Due to limited research on elderberry supplements and their interaction with certain medications, their effects may increase immunity thereby aggravating conditions like autoimmune disease.
If you’re interested in growing elderberries, there are numerous cultivars to select. When making your selection, take into account your growing zone, available space and desired attributes – like wild elderberry which can reach heights of 10+ feet with wide spread. By contrast, many cultivated varieties have been selected for compactness and good fruit yield; many commercial growers recommend Ranch and Bob Gordon varieties due to their adaptability across climates and soil conditions.
Health Benefits of Elderberry
Elderberry can provide numerous health benefits for the immune system by protecting it against viruses, bacteria and infections. As a natural antiviral and antibiotic agent, elderberry may reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, protect against heart disease and increase your body’s natural ability to fight cancer.
Elderberry is a powerhouse antioxidant. Packed with flavonoids and phenolic acids that have been proven to protect cells and tissues against free radical damage, elderberry contains vitamin A for healthy skin and hair care and as a boost for the immune system.
Elderberries contain high concentrations of vitamin C, which aids tissue repair and reverses oxidative damage. Their abundant fiber and phytonutrients may also promote heart health; one study suggested anthocyanin-rich elderberries could lower blood pressure by relaxing arteries.
Folk medicine claims elderberry can alleviate cold and flu symptoms, including sinusitis, bronchitis, and rhinitis; however, clinical trials need to be completed to verify this claim. Research conducted using animal and cell cultures have demonstrated that elderberry extract inhibits influenza A/B viruses as well as Streptococcus bacteria growth.
Note that raw elderberries, leaves, stems, bark and roots may contain toxic compounds like cyanide. Therefore, before adding any herb or supplement to your diet – especially if pregnant or having preexisting health conditions – always consult your healthcare provider first.
Elderberries are a low-calorie food with minimal protein and fat, yet rich in essential vitamins like A and C – two nutrients essential for building up our immunity systems. Vitamin A converts into beta carotene in our bodies to prevent dry eyes while providing natural skin glow; vitamin C aids immunity, wound healing, collagen synthesis as well as reduced oxidative stress levels while simultaneously keeping blood pressure under control.
Common Uses of Elderberry
Elderberry has traditionally been used to reduce the duration and symptoms associated with viral infections like colds and flu. Packed full of antioxidants that protect cells against damage from free radicals, elderberry has also been proven to boost respiratory health while supporting immunity; as well as improving mental wellbeing by decreasing stress levels and improving mood.
Studies have also shown that elderberry phytochemicals can ease inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and asthma. Furthermore, they may help address digestive issues by speeding food through the digestive tract more quickly; furthermore its anti-inflammatory properties can aid weight loss while simultaneously lowering blood sugar levels in those living with diabetes.
Studies indicate that elderberry can increase white blood cell production, potentially aiding against viral infections and relieving inflammation. Furthermore, elderberry has also been studied as a possible solution to tumor treatment and reduced inflammation; although its results have been promising thus far. Further investigation must be completed before this herb can be recommended as cancer therapy treatment.
Elderberry can also serve as a natural sleep aid and relieve gout symptoms. Furthermore, elderberries may offer multiple health benefits for skin health such as anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants that support cell health and help fight wrinkles – plus their anthocyanin phytochemical content gives the berry its distinctive dark hue and offers anti-aging benefits for the body.
Before taking elderberry supplements, it’s wise to consult your physician first. Elderberries may interact with certain medications used for blood pressure, cholesterol or sugar regulation and test interference; additionally it’s wise to choose an elderberry product which has been third-party tested to ensure its quality and safety.
Sambucus nigra may receive more attention, but other elderberry varieties contain similar medicinal benefits. Many herbalists recommend Sambucus canadensis and Sambucus cerulea varieties which can thrive across North America’s climates; if using elderberries to treat ailments look for varieties high in quercetin – a flavonoid that has been shown to improve lung function for those suffering with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Where to Buy Elderberry
Elderberries grow wild around the globe, with many different cultivars available for gardening purposes. You can often find dried or preserved elderberry products at local grocery stores; you can purchase elderberry plants either at your local nursery or through online retailers such as Burpee, Hirt’s Gardens and Proven Winners.
Some small sellers offer unnamed varieties referred to as “black elderberry” or “American elderberry.” To select one that will thrive best in your climate, it makes more sense to opt for one of the listed cultivars.
Few cultivars are specifically selected for ornamental value, such as ‘Lemony Lace’ with its fine texture and yellow leaves; Adams produces dense fruit clusters while Marge produces up to three times more berries than ‘Canadensis’ types while having increased disease resistance.
Plants can also be grown from seeds or root crowns, although the process will likely take years before fruition occurs. To produce healthy shrubs with robust stems and foliage, ample sunlight and moisture must be provided, along with regular weeding around its base to ensure it gets all its resources needed for development.
Elderberries have long been used as medicine. Rich in antioxidants, elderberries may help strengthen immunity, improve vision and protect against heart disease as well as cancer prevention and inflammation reduction. Their flowers can be found as tea for treating flu, diarrhea and other ailments as well as being brewed into skin care tonics for freckle reduction and dark spot reduction on face and arms. Elderberry flowers were even once used as styptic to stop minor bleeding!
Elderberries can be found at most grocery stores, particularly those specializing in natural and health food aisles. Furthermore, they’re widely available at home and garden centers and greenhouses – they may even be sold at specialty nurseries that specialize in edible or heirloom plants! You can purchase elderberries through online retailers such as Amazon or farmers markets/co-ops in your local area.
