Elderberry

The Elderberry

(Sambucus nigra) is a deciduous shrub that grows to a typical height of 8 to 10 feet (some species up to 30 feet) and is member of the moschatel family Adoxaceae. As one of the human race's earliest plant companions, it has been used for medicinal, culinary, and cosmetic purposes from the Stone Age to modern times.

The first recorded medicinal use of elderberries was by Hippocrates in the fifth century BC, and the Romans believed that anyone who cultivated the elderberry would live a long, healthy life. The elder berry has been so widely used in Europe that it is considered the "medicine chest of the country people".

Since the elderberry is native to North America, Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa; various cultures, including Native Americans, have used the elderberry plant to support recovery from winter illnesses, and a host of other ailments; dye clothing purple and yellow; soothe sunburn; and for making music with flutes from hollowed out stems.

Elderberries contain organic pigments, tannin, amino acids, sugar, rutin, viburnic acid, and a large amount of vitamin C, and are one of the richest sources of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are bioflavanoids. Bioflavanoids are colored pigments from plants that are supportive to human health. They support the strengthening of blood vessels and provide a supportive barrier to damaging pollutants in our environment.

Anthocyanins are particularly powerful bioflavanoids, and foods containing them are distinguished by their strength of color, specifically dark red, blue or purple. There have been many scientific studies, and even more that are still ongoing, that have shown the ability of anthocyanins to have many beneficial effects, especially as powerful antioxidants that protect cells from the oxidative damage caused by free radicals. (A free radical is an atom or group of atoms that has at least one unpaired electron and is therefore unstable and highly reactive. In human tissues, free radicals can damage cells .)

Elderberry trivia<: During the 1960's, thousands of tons of elderberries were picked from the wild in Pennsylvania and New York and used to flavor and color concord grape jelly until a pure grape process was developed. The flowers of Sambucus nigra are used to produce Elderflower Cordial. In Europe, an elderflower syrup is commonly made from an extract of elderflower blossoms, and is added to pancake batter. People throughout much of Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe use a similar method to make a syrup which is diluted with water and used as a drink, or a tonic for good health.

Because elderberries have been a folk remedy for centuries, the medicinal benefits of elderberriesare being investigated and rediscovered. Studies show that the bioflavinoids in the juice may help to support the body's immune system and give it a boost. As far as we know, Elderberries are safe for all ages.

Taos Herb Company makesElder Berry Elixir sweetened with vegetable glycerine (not sugar) and it has a taste that children love. Big children (adults) love it, too!

Two Cautions: People with known allergies to berries should watch for any side effects, and diabetics need to carefully monitor their blood sugar levels as elderberries sensitize insulin receptors so you use more of the insulin your body produces. And...You should always consult your doctor before using herbal remedies.

FDA Disclaimer

This statement has not been evaluated by FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.