Elderberry

History:

Elderberry is a deciduous, perennial, large shrub (or small tree) that reaches a height and spread of about fifteen feet, but occasionally rising to forty feet. The Elder tree is native to Europe but has been naturalized in the Americas. The leaves are opposite, pinnate with five-to-nine serrate-edged leaflets. They bear large clusters of small white or cream-colored flowers in the late spring and are followed by clusters of small bluish or black berries. Some Elderberry species have lifespans between eighty and one hundred years. The Elder tree prefers rich, moist soil and is usually found in heavily forested areas and on rocky slopes in the temperate and subtropical regions of both hemispheres. The common American Elder (Sambucus canadensis) is native to North America, where Native Americans used it medicinally and in their diets; and its European relative (Sambucus nigra) - both species bearing blue-black berries - have been used in the same manner for thousands of years. The berries provide a very valuable food resource for many birds and butterflies and, of course, herbal medicine. Evidence of its cultivation may be found at Stone Age village sites in Switzerland and Italy. In ancient times, the Elder tree was believed to have mystical properties and was considered good luck. Having an Elder tree near the home was thought to bring happy marriages, prosperity and healthy children. The spirits that lived within the tree protected against disease, evil spirits and all common ailments. In the Middle Ages, everyone knew that cutting down an Elder tree would incur the wrath of the witches who called it home, and it was even bad luck to make furniture from its wood. The Elder tree was once called "the medicine chest of the country people," and for centuries the tree was a popular Gypsy remedy for colds, influenza and neuralgia. The leaves were touted by European herbalists to be pain relieving and to promote healing of injuries when applied as a poultice. American Choctaw Indians used Elder to cure migraine headaches and burns, and Native American herbalists widely used the plant for infections, coughs and skin conditions. Elderberries have long been used as a food and drink, including Elderberry wine, pies, jellies, syrups, cordials and lemonade. Both the Elder berries and flowers are used in herbal medicine. The berries are best not eaten raw, as they are mildly poisonous, causing vomiting (particularly if eaten unripe). The mild cyanide toxicity is destroyed by cooking. All green parts (and roots) of the plant are poisonous, containing toxic cyanogenic glycosides. Elderberry is rich in vitamins A, C and E, B-vitamins (riboflavin, niacin, folic acid), protein, polyphenols, essential fatty acids, beta-carotene, selenium, calcium, flavonoids (anthocyanin and quercetin), essential oils, tannins and mucilage.

Considered by herbalists to be a support for cold and flu management, Elderberry is said to work with the body's own resources to reduce the course of the infection when taken at the very first sign of colds or flu; and symptoms of influenza may generally pass within seventy-two hours. Several clinical studies have shown that an extract of Elderberry demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of both adults and children with either type A or B influenza, helping to reduce both the severity and duration of flu symptoms in otherwise healthy subjects. This, of course, should not be considered a substitute for influenza vaccination in high risk individuals. An in vitro study also showed Elderberry's potential efficacy against the H5N1 avian influenza virus.

Elderberry has long been used to manage symptoms of coughs, common colds and runny nose. As an herbal expectorant, it assists the body's efforts to reduce excessive mucus and expel phlegm. Taking Elderberry may also usually induce heavy sweating; and following a soothing sleep, fever can be lowered.

Elderberry is regarded as a plant-based antiviral, antibiotic and antibacterial, and it has been used for centuries for soothing upper respiratory infections. In alternative medicine, it is considered an excellent remedy for asthma, bronchial infections and sinusitis.

Since Elderberry may act as a powerful herbal diuretic, the herb may thus increase urine flow and promote all fluid secretions, which potentially can help to cleanse the system. By promoting heavy perspiration, Elderberry also opens the pores; and in that manner, it may aid further elimination of toxic material and impurities from the body through the skin.

Considered an herbal colon cleanser, Elderberry works along with the body's own actions as powerful laxative and has been used as a natural intestinal cleanser for centuries. It is said to work like lightning to evacuate the bowels and relieve constipation.

Elderberry supports enhanced immune system function by focusing on the nutritional needs of the immune system. This natural anti-inflammatory works with the body's own healing qualities to stimulate the immune system and combat the free radicals that attack healthy cells. Elderberry's flavonoids include anthocyanins that are powerful antioxidants, which can protect cells against damage from invasive infection. A large body of research (2009) suggests that berries may be among the most potent fruits that fight against malignant disease, with particular emphasis on Elderberry, Blackberry, Black and Red Raspberry, Strawberry and Blueberry. Elderberry contains a number of healthful compounds including vitamins, selenium, calcium, polyphenols and, perhaps most notably, compounds called anthocyanins, which give berries their color and have, in laboratory tests, produced slower malignant growths and fewer esophageal growths.

Reputed to be a natural revitalizing stimulant and rejuvenating tonic, Elderberry may thus, potentially, promote circulation, kidney function and good lymphatic system health.

Topically, Elderberry has long been used for burns, bruises, wound healing, eczema, psoriasis, rash and other skin problems. Elderberry water is said to be good for the eyes and the complexion and generally improve skin health. It has also been used to remove freckles, as well as whiten and soften the skin.

Other traditional uses for Elderberry have included the treatment of nerve pain, neuralgia, migraine headaches and nervous conditions.

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) capsules, two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Pregnant women should not take Elderberry Herbal Supplement, and the plant should never be eaten without cooking; it is poisonous (commercial preparations take care of that situation). Prolonged or overuse of Elder may increase the amount of urine you make and may cause the loss of potassium from your body. People taking diuretics or laxatives should use caution when taking Elderberry at the same time.

Capsule Information:
Our Elderberry supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules.(click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs."

Special Note:
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Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.