Elderberry And It's Many Benefits
A few years ago I finally found a product that I could actually use to help me with allergies or if I had a cold, flu or even just needed an immune boost. It was called Elderberry Extract, one of the very few product brands that I could find that didn't contain sugar. Since I am allergic to sugar (this sadly includes honey) and most added colouring and flavouring it is almost impossible to find anything. Plus, I am also very sensitive to artificial sweeteners. So the tried and true lemon and honey isn't an option nor are throat lozenges, syrups, and any other related medications since they are loaded with all the things I can't have.
I recently found and ordered freeze dried elderberries online so that I could use it to make tea. The instructions suggest adding 1 Tbsp dried berries to about 8 ounces of water and let steep for 10 minutes. The berries are of course edible so you can remove them or eat them however you like.
But I found this to be a bit boring so I am experimenting with some recipes I found online. Some add cinnamon, cloves and other spices to add a bit more flavour.
Elderberries have been used since Egyptian and Roman times. Today it's used in all sorts of things from jams and jellies, desserts and baked goods, syrup, lozenges, capsules, powders, ointments, and of course elderberry wine.
While the cooked berries are edible the leaves and branches and raw berries do contain small amounts of toxins which if accumulated in the body can eventually be fatal. So if you are picking them yourself use caution.
The berry is reported to have few side effects, although allergic reactions to elderflower and elderberries are always possible. It's recommends not taking elderberry when pregnant or if you have had an organ transplant, and not giving it to children before talking to your Doctor. Because elderberries can stimulate the immune system if you have an autoimmune disease talk to your Doctor before taking any. It may make your symptoms worse.
Elderberry remedies are not something to take over extended periods of time, really only when needed. Studies have show it's safe to consume continuously for up to 12 weeks. No long term studies have been done. There are some drug interactions to be aware of, they include: Diuretics, Chemotherapy, Theophylline Laxatives, diebetic medication, immune-suppressing drugs.
For more detailed information and cautions on Elderberry (including interactions) check out Dr Axe and webmd.com. And as always if you are unsure if this is right for you talk with your Doctor or Pharmacist.
These little berries are packed with vitamins A, C, and B, and minerals like iron, copper, and potassium. They are a great source of fiber and an excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, digestive aid and immune booster (helps protect against bacteria and infections).
It also aids in cardiovascular and respiratory health, enhancing bone and skin health, helping to control diabetes, aiding in cancer prevention, alleviates allergies and sinus issues (including sinus infections), helping reduce blood pressure and nerve pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, headaches, toothache and inflammation of gums. It also helps with urinary tract infections, bladder infections and is known as a constipation remedy.
Elderberry tea or juice can help with colds, sore throat, cough, bronchitis and other respiratory issues. The bioflavonoid and anthocyanins in the berries are also found in cough syrup. This is what helps sooth the inflammation and irritation and clears phlegm and other unwanted agents from glands. It's also said to be good for those with asthma.
When it comes to cold and flu elderberry extract, if taken within the first 48 hours has been proven to reduce length and severity. I can personally say that it does help and provides some relief. A welcome change if you are anything like me and unable to take anything.
I've added a few Elderberry tea and a few other elderberry recipes to our Recipe and Cold and Flu Alternatives and Recipes board on Pinterest. So please feel free to check them out if you are in need of a little inspiration.
Sources:
foodsforbetterhealth.com/elderberry-tea-benefits-31978
indigo-herbs.co.uk/natural-health-guide/benefits/elderberry
healthline.com/nutrition/elderberry
webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-434/elderberry
draxe.com/elderberry
I recently found and ordered freeze dried elderberries online so that I could use it to make tea. The instructions suggest adding 1 Tbsp dried berries to about 8 ounces of water and let steep for 10 minutes. The berries are of course edible so you can remove them or eat them however you like.
But I found this to be a bit boring so I am experimenting with some recipes I found online. Some add cinnamon, cloves and other spices to add a bit more flavour.
While the cooked berries are edible the leaves and branches and raw berries do contain small amounts of toxins which if accumulated in the body can eventually be fatal. So if you are picking them yourself use caution.
The berry is reported to have few side effects, although allergic reactions to elderflower and elderberries are always possible. It's recommends not taking elderberry when pregnant or if you have had an organ transplant, and not giving it to children before talking to your Doctor. Because elderberries can stimulate the immune system if you have an autoimmune disease talk to your Doctor before taking any. It may make your symptoms worse.
Elderberry remedies are not something to take over extended periods of time, really only when needed. Studies have show it's safe to consume continuously for up to 12 weeks. No long term studies have been done. There are some drug interactions to be aware of, they include: Diuretics, Chemotherapy, Theophylline Laxatives, diebetic medication, immune-suppressing drugs.
For more detailed information and cautions on Elderberry (including interactions) check out Dr Axe and webmd.com. And as always if you are unsure if this is right for you talk with your Doctor or Pharmacist.
These little berries are packed with vitamins A, C, and B, and minerals like iron, copper, and potassium. They are a great source of fiber and an excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, digestive aid and immune booster (helps protect against bacteria and infections).
It also aids in cardiovascular and respiratory health, enhancing bone and skin health, helping to control diabetes, aiding in cancer prevention, alleviates allergies and sinus issues (including sinus infections), helping reduce blood pressure and nerve pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, headaches, toothache and inflammation of gums. It also helps with urinary tract infections, bladder infections and is known as a constipation remedy.
Elderberry tea or juice can help with colds, sore throat, cough, bronchitis and other respiratory issues. The bioflavonoid and anthocyanins in the berries are also found in cough syrup. This is what helps sooth the inflammation and irritation and clears phlegm and other unwanted agents from glands. It's also said to be good for those with asthma.
When it comes to cold and flu elderberry extract, if taken within the first 48 hours has been proven to reduce length and severity. I can personally say that it does help and provides some relief. A welcome change if you are anything like me and unable to take anything.
Sources:
foodsforbetterhealth.com/elderberry-tea-benefits-31978
indigo-herbs.co.uk/natural-health-guide/benefits/elderberry
healthline.com/nutrition/elderberry
webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-434/elderberry
draxe.com/elderberry
naturalfoodseries.com/11-benefits-elderberries/
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