02/22/2024
Greetings Friends! Let's talk Elder- the flowers and the berries!
First, let's begin with the history of Elderberry. The history of Elderberry has dated all the way back to Ancient Kemet/ Egypt and even further. Most historians typically trace it's healing abilities back to Hippocrates, the ancient Greek know as the 'father of medicine' who describes the plant as his "medicine chest" because of the wide variety of health concerns it seems to treat. Elderberry is native to Europe, Africa and parts of Asia as well as become common in the United States. Elderberry is found growing in woodlands and hedgerows. This deciduous tree can grow up to 32 feet tall with cream-white flowers and blue-ish purple-black berries. The Elderberry is considered a "protector" herb in the herbalism community.
Next, let's talk Key Constituents and Components of Elderberry also known as Sambucus Nigra which is apart of the Adoxacease plant family. Elder is high in essential nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6, Iron and potassium as well as bioflavonoids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, beta-carotene and phytosterols. The raw Elderberry (uncooked) are made up of 80 percent water 18 percent carbohydrates and less than 1 percent each of protein and fat. These powerful berries packed full of amazing benefits to aid in the immune system support and strengthen respiratory support. Within these berries are a chemical component called 'Anthocyanidins' that are known for immunostimulant properties. These components also contain antioxidative, antimicrobial, anti-viral, anti-diabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity effects which can aid with cardiovascular disease prevention by improving blood circulation.
What are 'Anthocyanidins' or 'Anthocyanins' : A Greek word with two part meaning. Anthos meaning flower and Kyanos meaning blue, is a water-soluble vacuolar plant pigment; pink, red, blue and purple. Whereas Anthocyanidins is the sugar-free counterpart of Anthocyanin. Which is where the beautiful colors of the Elderberry comes from.
Now here is where the healing happens!
ELDERBERRY HEALTH AND IMMUNITY BENEFITS : Elder has powerful antiviral properties; helpful in treating viral infections like flus, herpes and shingles. Top antiviral herb on the planet! From a published study in the Journal of International Medical Research suggested "Elderberry used within the 48 hours of onset symptoms this plant may even help relieve and shorten the duration of cold and flu. The government actually employed the use of Elderberry to fight the flu during the 1995 Panama flu epidemic." (Hmmmm, makes you wonder why the government didn't recommend Elderberry during Covid?)
More research shows that "elderberry is a safe, efficient and cost-effective treatment for the common cold and flu. A 2021 systematic review screened 1,187 records and five randomized trials on elderberry for the treatment or prevention of viral respiratory illness. Researchers found that elderberry may reduce the duration and severity of symptoms related to colds and influenza, and there’s no evidence that it overstimulates the immune system."
Elderberry is a diaphoretic by inducing sweat which reduces fevers! So that means you don't need any chemical OTC Tylenol to break a fever! Elderberry is a much safer natural solution.
Elderberry and Elderflower can lower blood sugar by stimulating glucose metabolism secretion of insulin.
Elderberry is a Natural Diuretic by promoting urination and bowel movements which can also help treat constipation.
Elderberry is great for skin health due to the bioflavonoids and antioxidants as well as high in vitamin A
Elderberry can ease allergies and sinus infections by improving the immune system and calming inflammation
Elderberry can even help prevent cancer because of those amazing, rich Anthocyanins properties. Those properties are anti-carcinogenic.
Elderberry may also improve heart health from research shows improvement of cardiovascular health and may have benefits effects on high blood pressure.
Lastly, we need to discuss possible side effects and risks. It is said that if you should not consume Elderberry when raw in large quantities. It can possibly cause digestive upset and diarrhea for some people. Sambucus Nigra species are edible when ripe and cooked or dried.
In conclusion, it is very clear these powerful little berries are very beneficial to the human body especially for our immune system it only makes sense to put their magical benefits to the test and introduce yourself to a natural solution of healing. If you are interested in trying some elderberry syrup for yourself or your child please get in contact with me directly. Your health and your children's health are extremely important. Don't wait until the last minute to take charge of your health today only to be at the hands of pharmaceutical poison tomorrow.
Forever Freedom Apothecary/ Taylor Wilson is here to help guide and assist you for your healing journey and needs.
Please reach out! Much love to all 💜
(Information Sources Citings are as follows : Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs A Beginner's Guide
Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health
DRAXE.COM- Elderberry benefits for colds, flus, allergies and more By Rachal Link, MS,RD
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
www.sciencedirect.com)
*MEDICAL DISCLAIMER* this information provided is for educational purposes ONLY and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent any disease
