Elderberry (Sambucus Nigra) is a medicinal plant that has been used for centuries to help with many different ailments. Elderberry syrup can be made from Elderberries and has been shown to have many health benefits such as boosting immunity, fighting allergies, improving sleep quality, and reducing inflammation. This article will discuss the health benefits of elderberry.

Synonym

Elderberry is also known as European elder, European elderberry, and European black elderberry Bore Tree, Common Elder, Danewort.

Elder (Sambucus Nigra)

Habitat

Elder is found inhabiting North America, Europe, and Asia. It prefers moist soils but will tolerate more dry conditions if necessary for survival. In the United States, Elderberry typically grows best near riversides and wet areas because it needs ample water during hot seasons to survive. Elderberries grow well in woodland clearings, on hillsides as well as ditches and roadsides.

Description

Elder is a deciduous shrub with many stems, covered by soft-hairy leaves, and has clusters of small white flowers. It may grow up to 20 feet tall.

The leaves are dark green, narrow, and pointed at each end. These grow opposite on the stem, with small clusters of flowers blooming from between them. Elderberry has a sour taste when eaten raw but is often used for cooking or making wines thanks to its sweet flavor.

Elder smells like black currants – sweet, spicy, and tangy all at once!  Elder’s fragrance intensifies as it dries.

Elder (Sambucus Nigra)

Part used

The leaves and flowers of the plant are used to make tea, and Elderberries are used to make wine.

The berries are poisonous when eaten raw but can be harvested in early autumn. You should boil elderberries first to reduce toxicity levels. You must remove any seeds that may have fallen into the container during the process.

Traditional Uses and Benefits

Elder contains volatile oils that have been used since ancient times to ward off insects such as mosquitoes and flies. It also retains its pleasant scent long after being picked from the bush because it doesn’t change much when exposed to air.

Elder is one of the best remedies for colds and flu. The elderflower has a high concentration of ellagic acid, which can kill many bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi that cause infections or illnesses like influenza.

Elder is rich in antioxidants like anthocyanin, which helps to promote healthy skin.

Elder is rich in flavonoid antioxidants that have been shown to help maintain healthy immune function. Flavonoids enhance the body’s ability to fight free radicals, triggering or worsening conditions like allergies and asthma.

Elder is an excellent source of the flavonoids quercetin and myricetin, which effectively prevent oxidation in brain cells.

The leaves were often made into poultices or applied as a tea for external use on wounds, burns, cuts, skin ulcers, and inflammations.

Elder is a fragrant plant with small, dark berries that are used in jams and syrups. In folk medicine, the fruit was thought to be an effective treatment for eye infections because it contains high levels of vitamin A and anthocyanin compounds.

Elder is a wonderful remedy for digestive problems and stomach issues.

Elderberries are an excellent source of vitamin A. Vitamin A helps keep your eyes healthy by reducing eye inflammation and promoting proper vision growth.

It’s also important to bone development because it supports cell division and interacts with minerals to maintain calcium levels in the body.

Elderberries can also help keep your skin healthy by improving elasticity and reducing wrinkles thanks to their vitamin E content which helps maintain healthy cell growth! The same vitamins make elderberries have some effect on hair health too – it prevents breakage while promoting shine and softness!

Elderberries are a good source of potassium, which helps lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of heart disease.

Elder (Sambucus Nigra)

How to make elderberry syrup

– elderberries – lemon juice (optional)

– water – honey or maple syrup to taste

– optional ingredients: ginger, cloves, cinnamon sticks, orange peel

Instructions for making syrup: Place the elderberries and any optional ingredients in a pot. Add enough water to cover berries. Bring mixture to boil. Then reduce heat and simmer until it reduces by half. Remove from stovetop and let cool slightly before pouring through cheesecloth into an earthenware container such as a crockpot jar or Mason Jar with lid. Squeeze out all of the berry pulp you can get through your cheesecloth so that only liquid remains in your container. This will leave behind much of the pectin in berries that can cause your syrup to thicken and will also leave behind any sediment from the elderberry solids.

– Bring elderberry liquid back up to a boil, then add equal parts honey or maple syrup (or another sweetener). Taste as you go. Add more of whichever ingredient is too strong for your liking until it’s just right for you!

– Let cool and refrigerate overnight before using. The elderberries are very high in tannins, giving this syrup its characteristic deep burgundy color. However, when mixed with water, they turn dark brownish-red because they’ll still be cooking slightly even after boiling them down on the stovetop. If desired, strain through cheesecloth again before refrigerating.

Elder (Sambucus Nigra)

Dosage and Precautions

Dried flower 2-4 grams by infusion three times daily. Liquid extracts 2-4 milliliters three times daily.

Elderberry is usually considered safe for adults. Although pregnant or breastfeeding, women should consult a doctor before taking the extract. Elderberries can be taken in capsule form or as tea (but the best way may be just eating berries).

You can also find elderberry syrup at some stores. Most people will experience relief from their symptoms within 12 hours after starting therapy with elderberries. However, you must tell your doctor if you have any serious medical conditions.

The following are possible side effects: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache/migraine.

References

  1. How to Make Elderberry Lemonade (and Why You Should …. https://completehealthandhope.com/recipe/how-to-make-elderberry-lemonade-and-why-you-should/
  2. Fresh Frozen Wild Elderberries. https://nwwildfoods.com/product/fresh-frozen-wild-elderberries/
  3. Sambucus nigra – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus_nigra
  4. Elderberry, Facts and Nutritional value. https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/elderberry-facts/

 

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