What is an elderberry? An elderberry comes from the Sambucus nigra plant which belongs to the Adoxaceae family. These bushes are found throughout temperate to subtropical regions across the world. They tend to be found near sources rich with nitrogen. While the uncooked elderberries are toxic to eat, cooked berries are just fine and are very safe. Elderberries have been used for hundreds of centuries for helping the body fight off colds and flu and other viral illnesses. These dark berries are also used for natural coloring in foods and to dye fabrics. Through studies they have found that the anthocyanins in the berries are the active constituent that helps support the body during viral illnesses. The therapeutic benefits that have been observed in elderberries are its diaphoretic, antiviral, antimicrobial, cardioprotective, and antioxidant abilities. So how exactly do these therapeutic actions help during a cold or flu? A diaphoretic is anything taken that causes the body to sweat and help break a fever. So it can help bring a fever down by this action. An antiviral and antimicrobial are helpful in supporting the immune system in building its defenses up and fighting off whatever is causing trouble. A cardioprotective helps protect the heart muscle and an antioxidant helps inhibit the process of oxidation. Due to these therapeutic actions, elderberry is typically used during colds and flu season as a maintenance dose to help guard against coming down with the above. If you already have gotten a cold or flu you can take a higher dose to help your body fight off the infection. The berries also help manage a fever and soothe the membranes of an inflamed respiratory system. They also help decongest the system. A lesser known use for elderberries is helping to fight off digestive system infections as well. And taken daily to help strengthen and protect the cardiovascular system. All in all, elderberries are a very versatile and good herb to keep in stock during the winter in your house. Elderberry syrup is the most common way to take them and its sweetness and nice purple color make it appealing for children as well, making it easy to dose them as needed. A normal dose is 1 tbsp every day for maintenance and 1 tbsp every hour when acute illness has occurred. The dose is the same for children and adults. You can buy elderberry syrup here from The Nomad Apothecary and keep all your winter blues away and the family healthy. Have you used elderberries with good results for your family? Share your experiences in the comments below. I love hearing how herbs and plants have helped others in their journey to their best health.
Blessed Be, Shannon
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AuthorShannon, master herbalist, shares her thoughts, educational information, and more. Archives
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