Elderberry Traditional Medicinals
Elderberry plants are deciduous plants that shed their leaves annually classified as trunked shrubs or small trees. The pinnately compound leaves are born oppositely along the stems and have toothed leaflets. Its plants produce flat to roundish clusters of tiny yellowish white saucer shaped flowers that are followed by small blue black, small small red, or yellow berries. Elderberries can readily become naturalized in an area and sometimes considered an invasive species of plant outside of their native range. The fruit is sometimes collected from wild trees but a number of varieties have been developed for commercial use. Elderberries are small dark berries that have been used in traditional medicine for centuries for medicinal use. They are a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and may provide several potential health benefits.
Elderberries have powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins, a flavonoid pigment found in blue, red plants which may boost the immune system to fight off infection like cold and flu. Antioxidants may tame inflammation, reduce stress, and protect the heart. Elderberry is believed to protect the heart by acting as a potent antioxidant lowering LDL bad cholesterol improving blood circulation due to its flavonoid content helping to regulate blood pressure, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. “Elderberries (Sambucus Adoxaceae Family) produce small black fruit that is typically made into jelly, wine or other processed products and is rarely eaten fresh. Red and yellow species exist but these are not generally used for human consumption. Elderberry plants themselves contain toxins so leaves and bark should not be consumed. Several species produce edible fruit, most are native to the northern hemisphere.” ScienceDirect
In folk medicine elderberry has been touted as a remedy to treat colds, flue, stomach upset, salve for bruises, eye lotion, diuretic, and other illnesses. Elderberry is promoted as a dietary supplement for colds, flu and other conditions. “It has also been promoted for COVID-19 but there is no good evidence to support its use. Some preliminary evidence suggests that elderberries may relieve symptoms of flu, colds and other respiratory infections. If you take any type of medicine, talk with your health care provider before using elderberry or other herbal products as some herbs and medicine may interact in harmful ways”. NIH. Elderberry products are quite popular due to the health benefits especially for boosting the immune system and alleviating flu and cold symptoms. Elderberry Gummies is a tasty supplement option often enriched with fruits, vitamins and minerals.
Garden Of Life Organics Elderberry Immune Gummy supplement for adults and kids features immune support made with organic fruits, herbal blend of elderberry, zinc, vitamin C, echinacea, containing 120 gluten free gummy drops. Garden Of Life Organics Elderberry combines antioxidant rich organic Black Elderberry extract from the plant Sambucus with whole food vitamins such as zinc from organic Guava providing natural year round immune support. Garden Of Life Organics Elderberry Immune Syrup for kids and adults combines antioxidant rich organic Black Elderberry extract from the plant Sambucus with whole food vitamins, minerals including Zinc from Guava, providing natural immune support using a blend of Elderberry, Echinacea, Rosemary, and Guava made with no sugar added. This is a delicious sugar free Elderberry syrup you can use when needed.
Traditional Medicinals Organic Echinacea Plus Elderberry Tea boosts the immune system with a sweet tart flavor and fresh berry notes in every sip. Echinacea and elderberry are some of the most widely studied herbs with the ability to promote healthy immune response.
Cheers!
Patricia Lynn
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