Juicing For Health - Elderberry
Name
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra), it is most commonly called just Elder or Elderberry, but also Black Elder, European Elder, European Elderberry and European Black Elderberry.
Parts Used
Flowers, Fruit, Inner Bark, Leaves, Roots.
Information
Sambucus nigra also called elder flower, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that produces dark purple/black berries in autumn. Elderberry trees are native to Europe, but have been naturalized to the Americas, and have a long history of medicinal use, particularly in England, where it is commonly used to make elderberry jam, wine and pies, and was once referred to as “nature’s medicine chest.”
Elder was traditionally used to relieve pain, inflammation, catarrh, water retention, bronchitis, coughs, colds and flu, fever, sore throats, congestion, digestive disorders, antioxident, improve vision, detoxification, immune support and soothing the respiratory tract. Elderberry flowers were used to soothe skin irritations/problems.
Benefits
- Antioxident
- Cold/Flu
- Respiratory Health
Elderberrys are a rich source of anthocyanins, these potent purple pigments appear to benefit health in several ways such as enhancing immune function by boosting the production of cytokines, protecting the heart and keeping blood vessels healthy, free radical scavanger, inflammation and much more. Elderberry are also a good source of vitamin C.
Elderberry has been shown to be very effective against at least eight strains of flu virus. It contains Sambucus nigra agglutinins (SNAs), which help prevent some types of flu from infecting healthy cells. A clinical trial of elderberry found that it cured 90 percent of flu infections in three days, which was half the time needed for recovery in participants taking a placebo. It also works by boosting immune function so that you can fight infection more efficiently.
Elderberry is one of the most effective herbs for preventing and treating upper respiratory infections. Research have shown that elderberry reduces excessive sinus mucus secretion, and some studies also suggest that elderberry can help lessen swelling of mucous membranes, improve sinus drainage, and decreased nasal congestion in those with bacterial sinusitis.
Side Effects/Precautions
Elderberry contains cyanogenic glycosides so it should be used with caution. The danger starts mainly from the stems, roots, and leaves.
Avoid elder in patients with known allergy to plants in the Caprifoliaceae family (honeysuckle family). Should not be used during pregnancy.
Buying Information
Below are good sources or products where you can purchase elderberry products. Some which have been used in studies such as Sambucol.
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