The elderberry plant has grown in popularity over the last few years because of the multiple health benefits of elderberry juice or syrup backed by science.
However, this dark purple berry has traditionally been used for immunity support for centuries in North America, North Africa, Europe, and Western Asia.
Components of Elderberry
Elderberry is rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, as well as quercetin and anthocyanins which account for the healing properties.
It also contains organic pigments, amino acids, carotenoids, vitamins A and B, and tannin.
The high levels of flavonoids give elderberry juice its powerful antioxidant qualities and its ability to protect the cells.
Benefits of Elderberry
Fighting Flu and colds
Elderberry juice or syrup cures Flu and Colds, which are caused by a Virus. The syrup contains anthocyanins with antiviral properties to reduce the seriousness and duration of the infection.
The juice if most effective if taken within 48 hours of noticing the first symptoms.
According to a study done on 312 airline passengers in Australia.
The passengers who used elderberry extract ten days before the flight and five days after their flight had 50 percent fewer sick days from a cold than those who didn’t.
If you have ever been on a long flight, you know it’s easy to pick up germs and viruses. It’s the reason we catch a cold a few days after the flight. This Australian airline was no different.
Another 2011 study found that people who had Flu and took elderberry syrup saw their symptoms resolve four days earlier than those given placebo.
In short, although the Elderberry didn’t prevent the symptoms entirely, people who took it had less severe symptoms, which lasted a shorter time.
Reduce Wrinkles
The high levels of vitamin A in elderberries help soothe the skin and reduce wrinkles.
Relieve Constipation
Drinking tea made from dried Elderberry can help treat mild constipation. Anthraquinone, a component of Elderberry, increases pressure in the intestines, forcing muscle contractions to promote clearance of the bowel.
Treating Acne
Another health benefit of elderberry is to fight acne because of its antibacterial effects if used as a face wash.
High levels of flavonoids found in Elderberries have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to shield healthy skin cells from toxic free radicals.
Pain Relief
Anthocyanins found in elderberries reduce inflammation by reducing the production of nitrous oxide by the body’s immune cells.
Dental pain, cuts, bruises, and burns are traditionally treated with Elderberry extracts and ointments in Nothern Africa and Western Asia.
Caution before you use Elderberry
Raw elderberries can cause nausea and vomiting; therefore, use only ripe or dried berries for medicinal purposes.
The leaves, root, bark, and stems of elderberry plants contain cyanogenic glycoside, which, if chewed, can release cyanide in the body. It is for this reason that you must cook Elderberry before consuming it; otherwise, you risk getting ill.
Lastly, while Elderberry has many benefits, it should be consumed for only medicinal purposes. If you take it as a daily supplement, you run the risk of building a resistance to it as with any antiviral supplement.
Leave a Reply