Why Elderberry

There has been much excitement about elderberry being used as a medicinal plant. Most people seem to know about its benefits as a great immunity booster. However it has been applied for other reasons for generations in various cultures. For example, Indigenous people used it to treat fever and rheumatism, while ancient Egyptians uses were for improving their complexions and healing burns.

These days, the most commonly utilized type of elderberry is Sambucus nigra, also know as the European or black elder. Although there are medicinal and culinary purposes to all parts of the elderberry tree, the berries and flowers are most commonly utilized.

Berries or juice:

• may treat influenza

• infections

• sciatica

• headaches

• dental pain

• heart and nerve pain

• as a laxative and diuretic

Also of course delicious culinary delights of juice, jams, chutney, and pies are a favorite too. The flowers boiled with sugar will make sweet syrup or infused tea.

Elderberries are high in nutrient properties:

• high in Vitamin C (52 mg per C. of fruit)

• high in fiber (10 grams per C. of fruit)

  good source of phenolic acids (potent compounds for antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress damage)

• good source of flavonols (like quercetin to reduce inflammation)

• rich in anthocyanins (gives fruit characteristic dark black-purple color and have a strong antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effect) 

As you can see, elderberry has a variety of health benefits and properties.

Healthy Healing Matters produces its own elderberry extract. Ask us about it today, and try some for yourself.