HIGH IN VITAMIN C, QUERCETIN, AND BIOFLAVANOIDS, THESE LITTLE BERRIES PACK A BIG PUNCH.
Not only are they exceptionally tasty, but they are also highly useful for keeping sickness and allergies at bay. Their nutrient content makes them useful in boosting the immune system during the change of seasons; which, when taken on a daily basis, may help to keep you and your family from getting sick. The Quercetin and bioflavonoids may also help reduce the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Elderberries have also been shown in clinical studies to have anti-viral effects, which makes them helpful in fighting the flu, as well as other viral infections such as hepatitis and herpes. The reduction of symptoms experienced with colds and flus was reduced within 48 hours of taking elderberry. Elderberries are also very safe for people of all ages, making them perfect for the young and old. While most of the studies have been done on standardized products, we prefer the old fashioned and better-tasting method: Elder Berry Immune Elixir!
MATERIA MEDICA: ELDERBERRY
Latin name: Sambucus nigra Family: Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle Family)
Parts Used: Berries picked in early fall (the flowers are also useful but that will be a different blog post!)
Energetics: sweet, bitter, cool, moist
Actions: alterative, anticatarrhal, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiviral, decongestant, digestive, nervine, rejuvenative, tonic
Uses:
- Colds
- Coughs
- Flus
- Immune support
- Minor constipation
- Respiratory infections
- Rheumatism
Preparation & Dosage:
-
Tincture: 60-90 drops 3-4 times/day
-
Syrup or decoction: 1-3 tsp 1-2 times/day
Cautions:
- Only Black elder is safe, all other species of elder are toxic
- Bark and leaves can be laxative and can be toxic as well as all parts of the red Elder.
- Too much syrup can cause nausea.
- Should be used and dried without peduncle.
- Raw berries and fresh berry products can cause gastrointestinal problems if not processed properly.
- May lower blood pressure
- Avoid in individuals with known allergy or hypersensitivity to elder, as well as plants in the Caprifoliaceae (honeysuckle) family
