Elder Flower and Berry
Also known as- Sambucus spp (Nigra for berries and Canadensis for flowers) American Elder, Common Elder, Black Elder, Bour Tree, and European Black Elder.

Loaded with vitamins A, B and C, Elderberry stimulates the immune system and protects against free radicals that attack healthy cells. At the very first sign of a cold or flu, a regimen of Elderberry should help alleviate the symptoms within seventy-two hours.

History:
Elderberry is a deciduous, perennial, large shrub (or small tree) that reaches a height and spread of about fifteen feet, but occasionally rising to forty feet. The Elder tree prefers rich, moist soil and is usually found in heavily forested areas and on rocky slopes in the temperate and subtropical regions of both hemispheres.The common American Elder (Sambucus canadensis) is native to North America, where Native Americans used it medicinally and in their diets; and its European relative (Sambucus nigra)  - both species bearing blue-black berries - have been used in the same manner for thousands of years. Evidence of its cultivation may be found at Stone Age village sites in Switzerland and Italy. In ancient times, the Elder tree was believed to have mystical properties and was considered good luck. Having an Elder tree near the home was thought to bring happy marriages, prosperity and healthy children.The spirits that lived within the tree protected against disease, evil spirits and all common ailments. In the Middle Ages, everyone knew that cutting down an Elder tree would incur the wrath of the witches who called it home, and it was even bad luck to make furniture from its wood. The Elder tree was once called "the medicine chest of the country people," and for centuries the tree was a popular Gypsy remedy for colds, influenza and neuralgia.The leaves were touted by European herbalists to be pain relieving and to promote healing of injuries when applied as a poultice. American Choctaw Indians used Elder to cure migraine headaches and burns, and Native American herbalists widely used the plant for infections, coughs and skin conditions. Elderberries have long been used as a food and drink, including Elderberry wine, pie and lemonade. Both the Elderberries and flowers are used in herbal medicine. Elderberry is rich in vitamins A, B and C, essential fatty acids, beta-carotene, flavonoids (anthocyanin and quercetin), essential oils, tannins and mucilage.

Beneficial Uses:
Flowers, berries, and bark of elderberry trees to treat fevers and joint pain for hundreds of years, but elderberry’s real claim to fame is as a cure for the flu. Israeli researchers have developed five formulas based on elderberry fruit that have been clinically proven to prevent and ameliorate all kinds of influenza. Taken at first sign of cold or flu, Elderberry is said to reduce the course of the infection; and symptoms of influenza should generally pass within seventy-two hours. Elderberry has long been used to treat coughs, common colds and runny nose. As an expectorant, it reduces excessive mucus and expels phlegm. Taking Elderberry will also usually promote heavy perspiration and sweating; and following a soothing sleep, fever will be lowered. Elderberry is antiviral, antibiotic and antibacterial and has been used for centuries for soothing upper respiratory infections. It is an excellent remedy for asthma, bronchial infections and sinusitis.

Since Elderberry is a diuretic, the herb increases urine flow and promotes all fluid secretions, helping to cleanse the system. By promoting heavy sweating, Elderberry also opens the pores, and in that manner it aids the further elimination of toxic material and impurities from the body through the skin.

Elderberry is powerful laxative and has been used as a natural intestinal cleanser for centuries. It has been said to work like lightning to evacuate the bowels and relieve constipation.

Elderberry enhances the immune system function by focusing on the nutritional needs of the immune system. This natural anti-inflammatory stimulates the immune system to combat the free radicals that attack healthy cells. Elderberry's flavonoids include anthocyanins that are powerful antioxidants, which protect cells against damage from invasive infection. As a revitalizing stimulant and rejuvenating tonic.

Elderberry promotes circulation, kidney function and good lymphatic system health.

Other traditional uses for Elderberry have included the treatment of nerve pain, neuralgia, migraine headaches and nervous conditions. Extensive research show that elder stop the production of hormone-like cytokines that direct a class of white blood cells known as neutrophils to cause inflammation, especially in influenza and arthritis. On the other hand, elder increases the production non-inflammatory infection-fighting cytokines as much as 10 fold. Elder berries are known to be effective against eight strains of influenza. This suggests that elder be superior to vaccines in preventing flu, because flu vaccines are only effective against known strains of flu, whereas the virus is continually mutating to new strains. Vaccines have another draw back: over half of people who get them report side effects. Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu, of Hadassah-Hebrew University in Israel found that elderberry disarms the enzyme viruses use to penetrate healthy cells in the lining of the nose and throat. Taken before infection, it prevents infection. Taken after infection, it prevents spread of the virus through the respiratory tract. In a clinical trial, 20% of study subjects reported significant improvement within 24 hours, 70% by 48 hours, and 90% claimed complete cure in three days. In contrast, subjects receiving the placebo required 6 days to recover.

Topically, Elderberry has long been used for burns, bruises, wound healing, eczema, psoriasis, rash and other skin problems. Elderberry water is said to be good for the eyes and the complexion and generally improve skin health. It has also been used to remove freckles, as well as whiten and soften the skin.

 
**Provided itself beneficial in research that involved people, endorsed by Germany’s Commission E for Therapeutic use, Bronchitis, Colds, Coughing

*Provided itself beneficial in research that did not involve people, the study could have been done in a test tube, petri dish or animals for Therapeutic use, Breathing Problems, Flu, Herpes, Mucous Membrane Inflammation, Sinusitis, Sore Throat

Constituents:

Potassium nitrate, sambucin, sambunigrin, sugars. The complex sugars of the leaf are the immune-active fraction.

Parts Used:

Most commonly the flowers or berries. Dried fruits are less bitter than fresh. The stems and leaves are poisonous.

Typical Preparations:

Teas, tinctures, encapsulations, syrups, wine, cordials, and even ketchup, often combined with propolis or echinacea.

Contraindications:

None


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Disclaimer: The information presented herein by Organic Herbs Medicine Cabinet is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.