Fresh elderberries hanging from a tree
FOOD IS MEDICINE

ELDERBERRY

ELDERBERRIES FOR IMMUNITY

 BOTANICAL NAME

Sambucus nigra of the family Adoxaceae

PROPERTIES

Anti-allergenic, Anti-bacterial, Anti-carcinogenic, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-oxidant, Anti-pathogenic, Anti-viral, Detoxifier, Diuretic, Expectorant, Laxative

GOOD FOR

Blood, Constipation, Digestion, Heart health, Herpes, Immunity, Infections, Inflammation, Kidney, Liver, Lungs, Pain, Skin, Stress, Swelling

RELEVANCE TO COVID & THE SHOT

Good booster for immunity and general detoxifier. Labelled ‘anti-viral’ though studies look to me as though they protect cells from incursions – probably toxins rather than ‘viruses’. Good for heart health and blood pressure

ABOUT

White flowers blossoming on an Elder tree

This little berry grows on a tree which grows up to 9 meters tall, from clusters of small white or cream colored elderflowers.

It has been used since ancient times to assist the body with infections, thanks to the anthocyanidins which boost immunity, and quercetin which is a potent anti-oxidant. It has been known in ancient Egyptian medicine to improve skin and heal burns and in other cultures to treat fever and rheumatism. [34]

In some cultures there was much superstition around Elderberry, possibly related to the hallucinogenic properties it contains. Considered the gateway to the underworld, it was considered unwise to fall asleep under an elder, or leave it near a sleeping baby, as it could steal your spirit. Elder crosses pinned on clothing or around the home were said to protect from evil spirits, and the hollow stems can be played like pipes! [32]

Medical Benefits

Regarding its medicinal qualities, its effect in the body moves in an outward direction. This can include sweating, bowel movements, and shifting mucus, so it is good for pushing out toxins.

Regarding the so-called virus, It is a very potent anti-viral which has proven to be more effective than vaccines in curing viral flu. This is due to it coating cells to stop virus getting into the RNA and thus being unable to self-replicate. [32] Studies have shown use of this medicine to reduce symptoms and speed up recovery from bouts of ‘flu’. [34][35]

Elderberry has also shown in various studies to improve heart health, with reduction in cholesterol, blood pressure, uric acid, blood sugar levels, and an increase in insulin secretion. [34]

Contains

Bioflavonoids, Anthocyanidins, Anti-oxidants, Fiber, Iron, Quercetin, Rutin, Polyphenols, Potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C

HOW TO USE

To harvest Elderberries, snap the stem off just behind the cluster of berries. Use a fork to pry the berries off the stems, as the stems are toxic. Then either dry them out or use straight away.

Food
Cup of elderberry tea with a slice of lemon

I make a tea out of elderberry – there are plenty of tea bags on the market or you can buy it as dried loose berries such as I did from my local Apothecary.

For tea use 1 tbsp. elderberries to 250ml water and simmer in hot water. It can be flavored with honey, lemon, cinnamon or mint if desired. [33]

The berries can also be used to make juice, jams, chutneys, pies and elderberry wine. [34]

Supplements

You can buy elderberry tinctures, syrups, capsules and gummies. Please follow the directions on the package.

ALERT

  • !!! Do not use raw !!! It contains cyanide which is eliminated during processing for public consumption.
  • It can cause allergies in some people so start slow. Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • The red elderberry is quite toxic. So go for the black or blue.
  • The bark, stems and leaves contain lectins, and are toxic so do not use. Cooked berries only!
  • Symptoms of consuming these parts or uncooked berries include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
  • It is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women, or people under 18 years old, to use, due to lack of studies on safety.

SOURCE

Elderflower lemonade in a glass with lemon

Health food store or Wholefood store.

AFFILIATE LINKS

If you would like to purchase Elderberry while supporting my work at no extra cost, I’d be grateful if you use the links below.

ELDERBERRY LIQUID SUPPLEMENT

California Gold Nutrition, Adult Sambucus Elderberry, 8 fl oz (240 ml)

The medicinal effect of black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has been recognized across Europe for centuries. Modern clinical research suggests that Sambucus nigra can help to provide seasonal immune support and may help alleviate cold and flu related symptoms.* Taking a black elderberry supplement may help to provide immune-boosting benefits for additional seasonal support.

California Gold Nutrition Sambucus is a convenient liquid supplement that can be taken daily for seasonal wellness support. It is suitable for both vegetarians and vegans and formulated without gluten, GMOs, or soy.

Purchase Elderberry here: iherb.com

ELDER ALCOHOL FREE LIQUID EXTRACT

Elder (Sambucus Nigra) Dried Flower Glycerite

“High Quality Elder Tincture Supplement – we use classic conventional methods of extraction! We meticulously produce our extracts according to precise standards where each herb is extracted according to the distinct characteristic of each plant!

Super concentrated Elder Glycerin based liquid extract: dry material / solvents ratio is 1:3!

We strictly use Only Certified or ethically sourced wild harvested raw material, vegetable palm glycerin and crystal clear artesian purified water! Really the BEST Elder herbal glycerite on market!”

Purchase Elderberry Glycerite here: www.hawaiipharm.com

VIDEOS

(31) Berg E, 14 December 2020, The Amazing Benefits of Black Elderberry, Dr Eric Berg DC @ Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=po4p9LWGHG4

(32) Willard Y, 10 September 2019, Elderberry Medicine, Herbal Jedi @ Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYDvHs3f0bo

INFOGRAPHIC

Click the image to open in new window, then right-click and press ‘save as’ to download a free infographic for your own reference and to share amongst your friends and networks.

REFERENCES

CLICK HERE FOR REFERENCES

WHERE TO NEXT?

FENNEL SEEDS

Wordsmith * Coach * Digital Content Producer

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