Elderberry (Sambucus Nigra L)

Supporter of capillary and connective tissue strength and function. Overall tonic. Significant synergist for vitamin C, used for colds, flu and fever since the fifth century. Large amounts of vitamin C, flavonoids and rutin, which are known to improve immune function account for the use of the juice and flower tea as a cold remedy and tannins account for many of the other medical uses. Native Americans used the inner bark to make tea used as a diuretic, emetic and laxative and poultice it on various injuries. Modern herbalist tend to use only the flowers and fruits for similar purposes. The flowers are used in tea to treat fevers and stimulate perspiration, soothe headache and to treat colds, flu, dropsy, rheumatism, consumption, urinary infections and many other conditions.

Warning: Fruits from related species that are red, unripe fruits, leaves and other parts of the plant may be dangerously purgative and should not be ingested.

Viruses can not be treated with antibiotics. The body’s immune system has many natural defenses against viral infections. Infected cells produce interferons and other cytokines (soluble components that are largely responsible for regulating the immune response to viruses), which can signal adjacent uninfected cells to mount their defenses, enabling uninfected cells to impair virus replication. Elderberry stimulates favorable cytokine production. Containts Anthocyanin Bioflavonoids, Phytonutrient Synergists, Vitamins & Minerals. Elderberry is supplied at 700 mg per serving of Iridesca.

Though the vast majority of the research and interest about Elderberry focuses upon limiting the frequency and duration of colds and flu, along with other immune considerations, and we have plenty of it in the mix to activate those benefits, it is is not our focus. 700 mg per serving is equivalent to 7,000 mg of raw berries – a nice handful. Elderberry is a unique source of a rare, pre-neurotransmitter chemistry. Deliver it in the context of other key nutrients, and your body is able to convert it into the electrochemical stuff of thought, strategy, creativity, memory, expression and vocabulary. Elderberry wine and jelly are relished by people; many birds and mammals also enjoy the berries and help to spread the seeds. The flowers can also be eaten. Stone age sites from Europe reveal that Elder has been valued by mankind for thousands of years.

Elderberry is a famous flu remedy from traditional medicine, its recorded medical uses going back at least to the time of the Romans. Unfortunately it has been pigeonholed by modern herbalists as a diaphoretic or diuretic, overlooking its broader potential as an immune-enhancer or “blood cleanser.” A recent clinical trial in Israel showed that a preparation not only ended cases of the flu within three days, but increased antibody production. Traditional medical uses include immune-stimulating applications including eczema, ulcers, arthritis, gout, bronchitis, colds and sore throat.

In Europe, elderberry (sambucus nigra) is a very common wild plant. It grows in parts of North America, too. Elderberry is one of the best antivirals, particularly good against flu. It is very very easy to make huge bottles of cordial which is also delicious as hot drink when you have a bug. It is made with elderberry, not elder flower. It is pricey to buy sambucol, but that is easy to make. You may need it – the threat of a flu epidemic is all too real, so make some now. Use equal weight elderberries and honey. Strip the berries from the stems, wash and crush them, bring slowly to boil until it reaches syrupy consistency. Pass it through a sieve and bottle it in clean air tight bottles. Or at least buy some sambucol.

I can vouch for the elderberry… few years back I had pneumonia 3 times within about 3 months… antibiotics could not kick it… I began to research for a food source, found several choices and settled on elderberry, knocked everything right out… large doses… very large… but I got well and that was my choice for flu and cold until I finally got my immune system built up through raw food nutrition… have not needed it in a couple of years. Lynette, ldhaack (at) yahoo.com

Author: Life Enthusiast Staff